Village in South Korea Runs on 100% Solar Power

Not too long ago, a town in Missouri proved that running on 100% wind power is an attainable goal. Now, the village of Donggwang on Jeju Island in South Korea is showing the world that solar power works, too. Hurray for innovation and leaders willing to take chances!

EcoWorldly has it:

Donggwang has achieved what even the most powerful countries in the world are still struggling to accomplish: total energy independence with clean technology.

On the roof of each of the 40 houses in Donggwang lies a large beds of solar panels. Even the small, local elementary school runs on free electric energy from the sun. The photovoltaic panels produce enough energy to power the entire area. Amidst cattle and fields, Donggwang is a state-of-the-art renewable energy village.

In 2004, the government helped to install solar systems in Donggwang, paying 70% of the installation fees.

When Eco Worldly writer Gavin Hudson asked Choo Chan Lee, a Donggwang resident, whether he was concerned about environmental issues, his easy response was that he just wanted to preserve the clean air of Jeju Island. Jeju-do is the largest of South Korea’s semi-tropical islands and is home to Halla Mountain, a volcano and the tallest mountain in South Korea.

This little paradise, so close to the overwhelming pollution of China, sets a great example for countries around the world – especially the United States. If we could accomplish this in a few of our own cities, more people would see that it’s not just ‘possible’, it’s reality – and it could mean a happier, healthier home for all of us.

Link [EcoWorldly]
Photo credit: Gavin Hudson, EcoWorldly

Related Posts:

94% of Americans Want Solar Power; Politicians Lag Behind
Apple Working on Solar Powered Portable Devices
Solar-Powered Boat Does Not Come With Sexy Mannequins