Most would not make a direct connection between one of the most-played games in the world and solar power. But the recent FIFA World Cup challenged that thought.
Yingli Solar provided solar panels to power two of Brazil's stadiums which hosted 2014 FIFA World Cup matches, including the final. The Estádio do Maracanã and the Arena Pernambuco were fitted with solar panels expected to generate more than 1 megawatt of clean electricity per year.
One of FIFA's aims is to increase sustainability around the world. The organisation has provided solar power to twenty 'Football for Hope' centres in Africa and has continued its vision during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Estádio do Maracanã, South America's largest stadium, was fitted with over 1500 Yingli Solar panels which will produce enough power for around 240 homes. The 390kWp system is expected to generate over 550 megawatts of clean energy each year.
The 1-megawatt solar power plant at the Arena Pernambuco is the first solar plant in the state of Pernambuco. With over 3650 Yingli Solar panels, the plant is expected to provide the city with 1500 megawatts each year, that's enough power for 600 homes.