The solar farm sits on 15 000 square meters of land in the Recife suburb of Sau Lourenco de Mata and was constructed by Grupo Neoenergia, one of Brazil’s largest energy companies. It will generate around 1 500MWhrs of solar power covering around 30% of the power demands of Arena Pernambuco’s where at least five world cup soccer matches will be held.

When the stadium is not in use the electricity generated will be exported to the grid under Brazils net metering scheme – the energy exported is expected to be enough to power 6 000 homes each year. It is to be the first solar farm in the state of Pernambuco.

“FIFA is committed to ensuring sustainability principles are applied to the 2014 FIFA World Cup planning and implementation,” said FIFA President Sepp Blatter. “Large-scale solar projects like this one are contributing to our mission of reducing the negative and increasing the positive impact of the World Cup on society and the environment. We are grateful for the support of Yingli and their local partners in helping us leave a lasting, positive legacy in Brazil.”

Arena Pernambuco will also allow people into the stadium to its Visitor Center where they will be able to track the farms performance in an attempt to help educate people about solar power.

“Thanks to its prominent location next to the stadium, this 1 MW project will raise the profile of solar energy considerably during the FIFA World Cup, helping to bring our message of affordable green energy to the people of Brazil and football fans worldwide,” said Yingli Solar’s CEO and chairman, Liansheng Miao.