Disney's Solar Panels

Disney Solar FAQ

In December 2007, solar panels were installed at The Walt Disney Studio, helping to generate power directly to buildings on the lot. Here are the details:

Where are the panels located?

The Walt Disney Company has installed two sets or arrays of solar panels atop of Sound Stage 2 and a major walk-way at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA.

How do the solar panels work?

This solar technology installed at The Walt Disney Studios operates in real time, meaning that the panels do not store energy. The sunlight (energy) is received and converted into electricity immediately. The electricity coming out of the solar power system is connected to a system that distributes power to various buildings and outlets.

Why is renewable energy important to Disney?

Disney sees great value in using renewable energy and other environmentally-friendly technology, such as solar power, to reduce humans’ dependence on fossil fuels and other limited resources. Investments such as these will eventually reduce the costs of renewable energy technologies, ensuring that more people can afford them.

Will Disney install more solar panels in the future?

The Walt Disney Company considers these installations to be pilot initiatives that will help us learn more about the process of solar installation, how well the system operates over the long-term, reliability of the system, and if the electronics are meeting expectations. The time needed for making this evaluation is at least two years, which will allow us to see how well system functions and to assess any impacts on the system sustained over time. After that, Disney will assess the benefit of future projects with special attention given to the financial feasibility of such systems.