Temple buildings usually have large roof areas and open space, which provides unique conditions for installing solar panels. The roofs of many temples are well-arranged and well-oriented, and can fully receive sunlight.
For example, the Tanzhe Temple in Beijing has many halls and a wide roof area. If solar panels are installed on these roofs, according to the power generation power of photovoltaic panels per square meter, it is expected that a considerable amount of electricity can be generated each year, which is enough to meet a large part of the daily electricity demand of the temple. Moreover, the open space around the temple, such as parking lots, courtyards and other areas, can also be reasonably planned and ground photovoltaic power stations can be installed to further increase the power generation.
In terms of technical feasibility, modern photovoltaic technology is quite mature. The installation method of photovoltaic panels can be flexibly designed according to the style and structure of the temple building. For temples with ancient architectural styles, such as the Zhenguo Temple in Pingyao, Shanxi, the architectural shape is unique and the structure is complex.
When designing a photovoltaic system for it, customized brackets can be used to cleverly install photovoltaic panels in a position that does not affect the original style of the building, which not only realizes the power generation function but also protects the integrity of the ancient building. As for modern-style temples, such as some newly built Buddhist cultural exchange centers, their architectural design is more simple and smooth. The installation of photovoltaic panels can adopt the design concept of integration with the building, making the photovoltaic panels part of the building's appearance, and even serving as a unique decorative element, showing the beauty of the integration of technology and religious culture.
Photovoltaic economic benefits of temples
From the perspective of economic and environmental benefits, installing solar energy systems in temples can be said to kill two birds with one stone.
First, temples can reduce their dependence on traditional city electricity and reduce electricity costs. Taking some temples in Mount Emei in Sichuan as an example, due to their location in mountainous areas, the city electricity supply is unstable and the cost is high. After installing the photovoltaic system, the temple can use photovoltaic power generation to meet its own electricity needs when the sun is sufficient during the day, reducing the cost of purchasing electricity from the power grid.
In 2021, photovoltaics entered the Tibetan temple Diqing Daochang, which is located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. It is an important temple of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism.
In addition to the basic photovoltaic power station, the photovoltaic power generation project of the temple also has customized photovoltaic street lights. It has completely solved the trouble of local power outages. The emergence of photovoltaics has contributed to the construction of basic power facilities in remote areas in the west.
Secondly, the sale of excess electricity online can also bring certain economic income to the temple. Some temples in Jiangsu, for example, after achieving self-sufficiency in electricity, sell the excess electricity to the grid. The income is used for the repair of temples, the remodeling of Buddha statues, and charity activities, which not only improves the hardware facilities of temples, but also enhances the influence of temples in social welfare.
In the precious underground palace of Yunju Temple in Beijing, it is difficult to see the sun, and it can only rely on electricity for lighting. In June 2016, the temple introduced a trendy photovoltaic power generation system, which brought the first ray of sunlight into the underground palace of Buddhism, which excited countless Buddhists.
The electricity generated by the photovoltaic power station is not only used for lighting, but also for the constant temperature and humidity of the underground palace where stone-carved scriptures are stored, which is very convenient and energy-saving.
Furthermore, from an environmental perspective, photovoltaic energy is a clean energy that can reduce the carbon emissions of temples. Due to the special geographical location and fragile ecological environment of some temples in Tibet, the use of photovoltaic energy helps to reduce dependence on traditional energy and protect the local natural environment. This is also in line with the concept of compassion and environmental protection advocated by Buddhism.
In actual cases, many temples have taken the lead in taking this step and have achieved remarkable results.
Tianan Temple in Henan Province installed high-efficiency solar panels on the roofs of some halls and monks' quarters. After a period of operation, it not only meets the daily electricity needs of lighting and electrical equipment in the temple, but also provides additional power support for tourist service facilities during the peak tourist season. At the same time, Lingyin Temple also uses the data generated by the photovoltaic system to carry out science education activities to promote the importance of renewable energy to tourists and believers.
Changlie Temple in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, installed a photovoltaic system at a suitable location in the temple complex. By optimizing the layout and angle of the photovoltaic panels, the power generation efficiency was improved. The electricity generated not only ensures the operation of the temple itself, but also supplies power to some public facilities around the temple, such as street lights and public toilets, which is convenient for people who come to worship and visit.
Famen Temple in Shaanxi Province, combined with the rich local solar energy resources, built a large-scale photovoltaic power station on the roof and surrounding open space of the temple. This project not only brought considerable economic benefits to the temple, but also was the first photovoltaic power generation demonstration project in Shaanxi Province that perfectly matched Buddhist culture with renewable energy. It attracted many temples in surrounding areas to visit and learn, and promoted the development of photovoltaic power in local temples.
The development of photovoltaic power in temples has also brought positive effects to the local community. On the one hand, as a local cultural landmark and tourist attraction, the implementation of the photovoltaic project of the temple can play a good demonstration role, improve residents' awareness and acceptance of renewable energy, and promote local energy transformation and sustainable development. On the other hand, during the construction and maintenance of the photovoltaic project, it can provide certain employment opportunities for local residents, such as the installation of photovoltaic panels, daily inspections, equipment maintenance, etc., which has driven the development of the local economy.
Future development of temple photovoltaics
However, the promotion and development of temple photovoltaics is not smooth sailing. At the conceptual level, although the temple itself has a certain degree of openness and adaptability, some believers and surrounding residents may still have remnants of feudal superstition and believe that installing photovoltaic facilities in the temple will destroy the temple's "aura" or "feng shui". This requires us to further strengthen the popularization and publicity of scientific knowledge, and through holding popular science lectures, cultural exchange activities, etc., let people understand the principles and advantages of photovoltaic energy and its positive significance to temples and society, and eliminate their doubts and misunderstandings.
At the policy and implementation level, although the national and local governments have issued a series of policies to support the development of renewable energy, in the specific implementation of temple photovoltaic projects, they may face some problems such as cumbersome procedures and unclear approval processes. For example, the ownership of temple buildings, the filing and approval of projects, etc., require relevant government departments to further clarify their responsibilities, simplify the process, and provide more convenient and efficient services for the implementation of temple photovoltaic projects.
Looking to the future, temple photovoltaics have broad development prospects. With the continuous advancement of technology, the cost of photovoltaic equipment will be further reduced and the efficiency will continue to improve, which will enable more temples to have the ability and willingness to install photovoltaic systems. At the same time, as people's recognition of renewable energy and their emphasis on the protection and development of traditional culture continue to increase, temple photovoltaics will become a development model that combines economic value, environmental value and cultural value, injecting new vitality into the inheritance and development of temples, and providing strong support for us to break feudal superstitions and build a scientific and rational social environment.
