Major baseball stadium in California goes solar

The Petco Park, home of the California-based baseball team San Diego Padres, has commissioned the construction of the largest solar installation in Major League Baseball setting an example for low-carbon sport.

The Sullivan Solar Power system will have 336,520 watts of installed capacity and is designed to help save more than $4 million in utility costs.

To date, there are another 7 solar projects in the Major League Baseball. However, the new plant is set to be larger than all the rest combined.

Erik Greupner, Padres Chief Operating Officer, said: “With Petco Park serving as the premier sports and entertainment venue in San Diego, we take pride in continuing to make it the most energy efficient and sustainable facility possible”.

Over their 25 year lifespan, the solar installations will produce more than 12 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity- an amount equivalent to disconnecting 1,200 households from the grid.

Kevin Faulconer, Mayor of San Diego, welcomed the initiative as not only will it reduce noise and air pollution in the area, but it aligns with the city’s climate action plan, passed in December 2015.

“This solar project reaffirms San Diego as the leader in solar and the city’s commitment to 100% clean energy. We are leading by example for the country to see that solar power is the future, today. We are determined to be a leader in creating a clean energy future”.

San Diego has pledged to meet 100 percent of the city’s energy needs with renewable energy by 2035. The venue’s solar project is the highest-profile renewable energy project that has been announced so far, making local authorities extra supportive and welcoming.

Daniel Sullivan, Founder and President of Sullivan Solar Power- the company responsible for the construction of the project, commented: “As a native San Diegan, I could not be prouder that the Padres are joining the solar energy revolution, and showing the world that we no longer need dirty fossil fuels to power our needs”.

“I founded Sullivan Solar Power 14 years ago to create a case study in San Diego, proving we have the technology, financing, and skill to fundamentally change the way we generate electricity – this project highlights that we are leading the solar energy revolution”.

In addition, as part of their partnership, Sullivan Solar Power and San Diego Padres stadium will organise multiple community outreach programmes and educational workshops throughout the season to encourage Padres fans to switch to solar energy. 

The power project is expected to be completed in March 2018, just ahead of the season’s opening.