The iconic solar panels that once powered some of the Universe of Energy at Epcot are being taken down as Walt Disney Imagineering transforms the pavilion into a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster ride.
It is unclear if the panels will return, but they are in the exterior concept art for the new attraction. They may be taken down for repair and returned at some point, but we are uncertain.
The original Universe of Energy building will be used for queue, the loading area and first scenes of the new roller coaster, and the large gift shop for the attraction opening in 2021. The rest of the roller coaster ride will take place in a brand new gravity building.
If those are the original panels then they’re probably not up to much. Think of the power they could generate if they replaced them with all new PV but there must be a thousand panels at least up there so it wont be cheap…
That’s true – over the years, solar panels gradually lose their ability to produce power. Hopefully they will be replaced (somewhere) with new, more productive solar panels.
They better replace em or give me back my drink lids and straws