Do you find waiting for your bus to arrive a drain on your energy? You may feel a little differently now as London and San Fransisco each unveil solar-powered bus shelters that can generate enough electricity to power your home!
The London bus shelter—the first of its kind in the UK—was constructed using transparent photovoltaic glass capable of converting solar energy into electricity. The electricity generated by the shelter will power signage and other elements of the local infrastructure.

“The solar bus shelter provides not just demonstration of the functionality, performance and aesthetics of our PV glass but represents an important application innovation. Using our solar PV glazing across London’s transport sector, in things like bus shelters, EV charging canopies, walkways and bike parks, could have a significant impact on the city’s emissions, without compromising its environment, architecture or budgets.”

The solar-powered shelter is capable of generating 2,000 kilowatt-hours per year. Its minimalist design features a butterfly roof to handle rainwater and runoff, and the transparent photovoltaic glass, which is tinted to reduce glare, is able to generate energy in low and ambient light in addition to bright sunshine

However, if you've left your heart in San Francisco, don't fret your carbon conscious self because San Fran has solar bus shelters as well!

The San Fran bus shelters feature an undulating solar roof that calls to mind both the hills of San Francisco and a seismic wave (this is earthquake territory after all!) The roof is constructed from an innovative 40% post-industrial recycled polycarbonate material embedded with thin-film photovoltaic cells, and the steel structure is composed of 75% recycled material. The shelter also features a pushbutton update system, more room for transit information, and feeds back energy into the city’s electrical grid.
"Gimme (renewable-powered) Shelter" every time!

Photo courtesy of INHABITAT (inhabitat.com)

Photo courtesy of INHABITAT (inhabitat.com)