Sri Lanka’s power supply is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and a steep rise in the cost of electricity in May 2013 resulted in protests. SolarTherm, the country’s leading solar cell provider, wanted to change the conversation by showing the infinite potential of solar power.

Our idea was to get people and the media talking by building the world’s first solar powered Pandol. Pandols are traditional Buddhist displays enhanced by dramatic lighting and decorations that share a lesson from the Buddha’s teachings.

To do this, we first chose a large, prominent space that would get plenty of foot traffic and give large numbers of people space to appreciate and talk about the installation. Working with a renowned local artist who specialised in Buddhist art, we created a sun-theme then partnered with engineers from SolarTherm to bring the installation to life. Finally, during Vesak, Buddhism’s most revered day, the SolarTherm Pandol was unveiled to admiring crowds.

The results of this execution were outstanding. The SolarTherm Pandol generated a 50% sales increase for SolarTherm within a single month and continues to influence growth. But more importantly, in a nation challenged by the cost of electricity, the brilliant Pandol demonstrated to Sri Lankans and the media that their own cultural heritage and the power of boundless solar energy could light the way forward.

To create the world first solar-powered Pandol, we first chose a large, prominent space to get as much foot traffic as possible and to give people space to understand and appreciate the lesson being conveyed by the installation. We then worked with a renowned local artist to create a sun-theme and partnered with SolarTherm’s engineers to bring the installation to life. Finally, during Vesak, Buddhism’s most revered day, the SolarTherm Pandol was unveiled to admiring crowds and the media.

The SolarTherm Pandol immediately got people talking. Within a month of the installation being unveiled, sales for SolarTherm increased by 50 and it continues to influence growth. But more importantly, in a nation challenged by the cost of electricity, this brilliant Pandol engaged people and educated them on the incredible potential of solar energy.