Solar panels adjacent to Pocono Raceway are visible from outer space!
Solar energy at a NASCAR racetrack in Long Pond, Pennsylvania is the latest example of how sports facilities can defray rising utility bills and combat global warming by unplugging from coal-based power.
Pocono Raceway unveiled its new 3 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system yesterday. Comprised of 40,000 solar modules, the solar panel system covers 25 acres adjacent to the 2.5 mile track. Not only will the solar power generated by the panels cover the racetrack’s electrical needs, it will also feed excess solar electricity into the grid to power more than 1,000 additional homes! The new solar installation will offset more than 3,100 tons of CO2 each year.
The new installation is so large, you can see it from outer space! In fact, its the largest sports facility solar panel system in the world.
Brandon Ignalsky, President of Pocono Raceway, enthused:
“This is an important milestone for Pocono Raceway and our sport. Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the NASCAR industry’s commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight as the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes. This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to go green can do it.”
The Pocono Raceway Solar Project was developed by enXco on land adjacent to the track that used to serve as a parking lot. The famed track hosts two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series summer events.
The solar installation was in part due to a green mindset of NASCAR fans. According to Brian France, Chairman and CEO of NASCAR:
“NASCAR is committed to becoming a leader in environmental responsibility by reducing our impact and serving as a testing ground for innovative new approaches for sustainability. This meaningful green project reflects the NASCAR industry’s collaborative approach to preserving the environment and highlights Pocono Raceway’s significant contribution as the first major U.S. sports venue to go green with 100% renewable energy. We encourage other tracks and sponsors to follow this lead in making sustainable programs and renewable energy a continued priority for the sport.”
Pocono Racetrack is now powered by solar energy
Now, let’s hear it for a victory lap for renewable energy!
Tags: NASCAR, pocono raceway, pocono raceway solar project, pv panels, solar electricity, solar energy, solar energy system, solar installation
