Energy Efficiency, Commercial, Solar  -  January 19, 2018

Padres go to bat with solar power

Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres welcomes the largest solar power system in Major League Baseball, larger than systems installed by seven other teams combined.

According to a report on Jan. 17 in the San Diego Union-Tribune, installation has begun by San Diego-based Sullivan Solar Power on the 335,520-watt project, which includes 716 solar modules placed on the stadium’s roof. that can produce more than 12 million KWh of electricity over the next 25 years. The project is expected to be ready by March 29, the Padres’ season opener.

 "This project really checked all the boxes for us,” said Erik Greupner, Padres chief operating officer. "It’s something that will generate energy savings for us over time and it’s consistent with the priorities to our fan base and to the city of San Diego."

 Dan Sullivan, president of Sullivan Solar Power, estimates a $1 million cost for the Padres but expects the project to pay for itself through lower electricity bills and RECs within seven years. "It makes all the other systems (in baseball) look a lot smaller so the Padres are going into the season in first place," Sullivan said.

San Diego has declared a 100% renewable energy goal, along with plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half, by 2035. "This is not a partisan issue in San Diego, it’s the right thing to do for our environment," said San Diego Mayer Kevin Faulconer said. The Padres’ solar project "will send an extremely positive message to businesses large and small, not just in San Diego but across the entire region."

This new project is the latest in a line for the Padres, who have already invested in energy efficiency programs, including the installation of about 400 LED lights on the field.