January 25, 2019 Offices and warehouses aren’t the only places you’ll find a commercial solar PV system in the United States. Today, more sports facilities are turning to solar in attempt to not only benefit the environment, but also improve their sustainable profile and their bottom line.
The Rise in Commercial Solar PV Systems for Sports Venues
Solar energy is fast becoming a staple in sports including professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, and car racing. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been a main driver of this trend. In order to successfully bid to host the Olympic Games, the IOC requires host cities to include environmental protection measures in their facilities.
According to recent research released by the Solar Energy Industries Association, more than 46 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity are operating across 37 professional sports facilities nationwide. “Every leading sports league in the United States, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NASCAR and IndyCar boast solar assets. A third of the NFL stadiums in the U.S. have a solar system, with the MLB and NBA not far behind with 30 percent each.”
Across the country, professional sports facilities are relying on solar for significant portions of their energy usage. One of the largest solar venues in North America is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the Indy 500. This venue is powered by approximately 40,000 solar panels amounting to a capacity of 9,000 kWp.
Top Commercial Solar PV Systems in Sports Venues
Some of the top U.S. professional sports teams and arenas boasting a commercial solar PV system include:
- Sacramento Kings – Golden 1 Center
- Indy Car – Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Washington Capitals/Wizards – Capital One Arena
- Philadelphia Eagles – Lincoln Financial Field
- NASCAR – Pocono Raceway
- Daytona 500 – Daytona International Speedway
- Washington Redskins – FedEx Field
- Atlanta Falcons – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Boston Bruins – TD Garden
- New England Patriots – Gillette Stadium
The Big Game
Super Bowl LIII will take place at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a one-of-a-kind venue and home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. According to SportingNews, “The first pro sports stadium ever to achieve LEED Platinum Certification in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz Stadium touts itself as the most sustainable sports venue in the world. It can power up to 10 Falcons games with the renewable energy generated through its 4,000 solar panels, and it can store more than 2 million gallons of stormwater on site to prevent flooding in the area. The stadium also uses 47 percent less water than baseline standards.”
KMB: Leading Commercial Solar PV System Company
KMB Design Group is a top commercial solar company in the U.S. committed to providing photovoltaic design & engineering services for businesses, public entities, building owners and sports venues. We have a complete suite of solar services including: conceptual design and feasibility, energy usage and production analysis, RFP preparation, project management, permitting & applications, commissioning support and much more.
As a full-service solar engineering company licensed in the United States and Europe, we take a systematic approach to every PV design project. Our engineering and construction team have in-depth experience with comprehensive photovoltaic engineering solutions including rooftop installations, canopy installations, ground mount install, and multisite programs for a wide variety of industries nationwide.
Contact the commercial solar PV engineers at KMB Design Group at 888-942-9401 to learn more.
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