Solar panels installed atop Science World in $39-million retrofit | Daily Hive

New vertical solar panels installed on the lower rooftop of Science World. (Science World/BC Hydro)

A milestone has been reached in Science World’s years-long renovation of its aging facility. The original parts of the structure — intended to be a temporary fixture of the Expo ’86 World’s Fair — marked its 40th anniversary last year.

The non-profit organization that owns and operates the science museum and education centre has now installed three solar arrays on the lower rooftop of the building, at the base of the geodesic dome on the Quebec Street side of the complex.

In partnership with BC Hydro, 76 panels — along with 298 solar photovoltaic panels — have been added to that rooftop level, with electricity generation expected to begin before the summer. According to the provincial electric utility, this is the first-of-its-kind vertical installation of such a system in British Columbia.

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BC Hydro worked with Science World to provide technical studies, incentives, and support for innovative pilot projects, including the vertical solar panel system. This project will test how the technology performs in low-light conditions, with the aim of expanding its use across the province.

These upgrades are part of a $39-million critical building systems and structural retrofit of the aging facility. The provincial government announced in 2023 that it would contribute $20 million, while the federal government provided a combined total of $19 million in 2022 and 2024.

Additional work includes the installation of new air-source heat pumps and electric chillers to replace aging and outdated heating and cooling systems, as well as improvements to windows and insulation to enhance the building’s energy efficiency.

New vertical solar panels installed on the lower rooftop of Science World. (Science World/BC Hydro)

New heat pump/chiller system installed on the lower rooftop of Science World. (Science World/BC Hydro)

Some of the building’s most significant energy inefficiencies are found within the geodesic dome itself, which is currently undergoing a major overhaul to address water leaks. As part of this work, crews are installing five inches of insulation inside the dome, requiring specialized scaffolding within the 400-seat OMNIMAX theatre housed inside. The theatre has not been operational since the pandemic.

To provide visitors with a real-time, immersive educational experience, a new digital display will track the building’s electricity use and solar power generation. In the future, it will also show how the building’s new battery storage systems charge and discharge.

Once complete, these upgrades are expected to reduce the building’s energy use by over 40 per cent and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 75 per cent.

“It’s an exciting time for Science World — and for the province as a whole,” said Tracy Redies, president and CEO of Science World, in a statement. “With these new upgrades, we’re signalling to our community that we’re invested in building a greener future and that Science World will be here for many more years to come. Together with BC Hydro, we’re showcasing the role of clean energy in a growing British Columbia and inviting visitors to learn more about green technology.”

For its energy conservation and sustainability efforts, the utility has been awarded Science World with BC Hydro’s “Power Smart Champion” designation.

“We’re proud to support a project that showcases the impact of clean energy technologies in such a visible and engaging way,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro.

Construction work inside Science World’s OMNIMAX theatre to upgrade the geodesic dome structure, Fall 2025. (Tracy Redies)

New vertical solar panels installed on the lower rooftop of Science World. (Science World/BC Hydro)

One of the most visible upgrades was completed in 2022, when the exterior lighting system on the geodesic dome was removed to allow for thorough cleaning, painting, and the installation of a new system with 651 programmable LED lights. Although the number of lights has tripled, the system uses less electricity than before, replacing decades-old lighting, including aircraft lights installed in the 1980s.

In a previous interview with Daily Hive Urbanized, Redies said the non-profit organization is looking to invest roughly an additional $80 million in overhauling its interior, exhibits, programming, and other improvements not covered by the current $39-million upgrades. This would bring the total reinvestment in the building to over $100 million, depending on further fundraising, with a far greater emphasis on private and philanthropic sources.

Science World was originally completed in early 1985 for use as the Expo Centre during the World’s Fair. After Expo ’86 concluded, a decision was made to retain the temporary structure as a permanent legacy. The building later underwent a multi-year upgrade and expansion before reopening as Science World in 1989.

Another major renovation and expansion, completed in 2011, significantly increased the facility’s usable interior space, provided a major refresh of the exhibits and programming, and added the Ken Spencer Science Park — an outdoor exhibit open seasonally.

Between May 5 and Sept. 7, 2026, coinciding with Vancouver’s role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Science World will host the Soccer & Technology exhibit from the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.

Science World will also serve as a prominent gathering point for soccer fans attending matches at BC Place Stadium, as the secure entrance route to the venue will begin just outside the building along Quebec Street and Pacific Boulevard.

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