Solariza — Game Shows Off Great Solar Energy Potential Of Brazil

Those living in Brazil (or just admiring from afar) who have an interest in solar energy development may be interested to hear about a new online game allowing people to explore the solar potential of the South American powerhouse.

The game is essentially just a solar development program/game for the country — think of something maybe a bit like SimCity, but concerning only solar energy, and you probably have the idea.

Worth noting here is that playing the game isn’t entirely pointless, as doing so can apparently result in charity actions being taken involving solar energy systems. The potential is also apparently there to win a home system yourself! (A note — this only applies to those in Brazil. Also, the game is in Brazilian Portuguese, so those who don’t speak the language may have a bit of trouble.)

Here’s a excerpt from the page introducing the game (run through an online translation service, so forgive various errors):

Have you ever wondered what might happen with Brazil if solar panels were installed on the roofs of all the houses and buildings in the country? We revolucionaríamos the way energy is produced and transmitted! To begin this revolution, we launched a challenge to the Brazilian government: ensure we have 1 million solar roofs by 2020.

It may seem something else, but this represents only 1.5% of all Brazilian households. Still, the impact would be great: we could turn off the expensive and polluting thermal Piratininga (SP) and Candiota (RS). Going even further and solarizando 10% of households, we would see also free of nuclear Angra I and II. Unfortunately the Brazilian government refuses to invest in solar energy, making it difficult to access a PV system. To lend a helping hand, we decided to show where to start, and for this we need YOUR help.

As? Just start playing Solariza! You will not only become an installer of solar panels, it will also map the Brazilian potential for solar energy. The more you score roofs and missions to fulfill, the more points of energy and experience you earn. Our goal? Show the Government that with both Sun and roof, it’s past time to leave the solar power illuminate the present and the future of Brazil.

Interesting. Hard to say if these sorts of efforts make any difference or not. Perhaps this one will increase awareness to a worthwhile degree.