Can Solar Light the Hollywood Sign?
We have previously lamented solar?s PR problem - but here is one approach to changing that with some really good press. A group of volunteers is looking to use a portable solar power system to light the famous Hollywood Sign the night of the Academy Awards. Now how cool is that?
We became aware of this project through fellow solar fan, Deep Patel, who is one of the advisors to the project. The plan is simple and designed to minimize the impact on the environment - and the residents near the Sign who are understandably anxious over anything that might increase the traffic in their community. Here?s how they describe it:
Our plan to light the Hollywood Sign will have no adverse affect on the natural habitat in Griffith Park, where the Sign is situated, or the surrounding neighborhoods. Because LED lights create a directional, focused light and not a spherical light field, they will cause no light pollution, nor will they ?bounce? into nearby homes.
The lightweight system we have designed consists of:
#1- One mobile solar array parked on the road above the Sign
#2 - One extension cord
#3 - Eighteen lightweight ground-mounted LED lights
The set-up and the removal of the solar equipment will take a matter of hours. The system and the production will be completely noise-free.
Residents in the vicinity of the Hollywood Sign are, understandably, sensitive to tourist and sightseeing traffic on their streets. This is the primary reason the Hollywood Sign is not currently lit at night, and it is why our plan calls for lighting it, as a symbolic act, only one night a year.
A traffic abatement plan will be worked out with the LAPD and the neighborhoods closest to the Sign. Our plan includes a PR campaign to let people know the best view of the lighted Sign will be from the commercial areas of Hollywood, not from the residential areas in the Hills.
Because Solar The Sign is funded by sponsorships and private donations, we can do this at no cost to taxpayers.
As symbolic gestures go, this one seems quite appealing. A chance to showcase solar power as part of one of the most publicized events in the year (at least here in SoCal) can only help raise public awareness of solar?s potential.
The group is trying to get the word out and - more importantly - get folks to sign on to their petition. If you agree, please sign up at: Light the Hollywood Sign with Solar Power the Night of the Academy Awards - and let us know that you did in the comments.
Original Article on Founder's Blog
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