A just-opened San Jose, CA city library has completed the installation of her all-in-one art exhibit complete with photovoltaic cells. The Pearl Avenue Branch Library, Peters Glass Studios, and Goodpasture have merged glass and solar cells into a permanent exhibit that reflects not only the sun, but the green and artistic spirit of the San Jose community.

“Art and technology intersect in a creative and inspiring way, recognizing our community’s diversity, celebrating the history of innovation, and highlighting the great strides we are making with the San José Green Vision” said Chuck Reed, Mayor, in a press release.

The exhibit, Solar Illumination I: Evolution of Language, provides enough captured solar energy to power an LED lamp inside the library. In an intriguing display on each of the four windows/photovoltaic cell platforms, artistic inscriptions in multiple languages traverse the window showing evolutionary patterns of language.

Outdoor art at museums could help to power the computers at ticket booths, or even the batteries for the audio walking tour equipment. Taking it a step further, think of the applications energy-generating art can have for buildings, lawns, or even (gasp) advertising.