Solar Powered McDonald's at Disney World

McDonald introduced its groundbreaking global flagship at Disney’s theme park in Orlando, a notable achievement as it marks the establishment as McDonald’s first Zero-Energy Building in the country. Contributing significantly to this sustainability milestone, Onyx Solar supplied photovoltaic glass with crystalline cells, which were installed on the exterior dining area canopy. This glass not only provides critical shade, reducing direct solar heat gain and creating a cooler environment underneath, but also plays a key role in the building's energy dynamics.

This feature is particularly vital in a place like Florida, where intense sunlight can significantly increase temperatures. The photovoltaic glass balances energy generation with environmental control, aligning with McDonald’s zero-energy goal and ensuring a sustainable, comfortable space for visitors.

The photovoltaic installation is not just about generating power; it also exhibits an impressive balance in terms of power output (Wp), Visible Light Transmittance (VLT), and solar heat gain coefficient (g-value). The carefully calibrated VLT ensures ample natural light filters through, enhancing the ambiance without contributing to heat build-up. The g-value is optimized to filter out the excess heat, crucial for a hot climate like Florida’s.