Largest solar-powered stadium

The National Stadium in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei, is covered with 8,844 solar panels covering 14,155 m² of the exterior. It has the potential to generate 1.14 gigawatt hours of electricity every year, and enough to power up to 80% of its operating needs (including 3,300 lights and two giant television screens), thus preventing 660 tons of annual carbon dioxide from being pumped into the atmosphere from traditional power stations. Designed by architect Toyo Ito for the 2009 World Games, the horseshoe-shaped stadium holds 55,000 spectators and cost US$150 million to build. The stadium also boasts other environmentally friendly features such as permeable paving and reusable, domestically made materials.