Cool Solar Shade at Chase Field in Arizona
The sun shines brightly (and often hot) in Arizona. But if you are heading to a game at Chase Field to see the Diamondbacks, you’ll love the new solar shade that not only provides cover, but also generates clean solar electricity.
The solar shade (shown to the left) will cover 17,280 square feet above the plaza area near the ballpark’s western entrances and ticket booths. Construction began this week and will be fully installed by May 2011.
Solar panels will generate about 75 kilowatts (kW) of solar power for the stadium. The installation is the result of a partnership between the Arizona Diamondbacks, Maricopa County Stadium District and APS. The solar shade structure will generate electricity for about 20 years, some of which will be fed to electric vehicle charging stations at the ballpark.
According to the Diamondbacks President and CEO, Derrick Hall:
“The solar structure will not only further distinguish the D-backs’ green initiatives among professional sports teams, but it will also provide needed shading near the ballpark to enhance our fan experience during the hot summer months. This innovative project will be on display when baseball fans from around the world visit downtown Phoenix in July to attend the All-Star Game at Chase Field.”
Fans that visit Chase Field, as well as the general public, can learn about the benefits of solar power. The solar shade project will include educational exhibits on renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and recycling.
Tags: arizona diamondbacks, chase field, electric vehicle charging, solar electricity, Solar Panels, solar power, solar shade
Good explanation.
The solar power industry is hopping, going global. It is so exciting to see new developments such as houses completely powered by the sun, solar towers, solar parking lots and even the first solar-powered yacht to circle the globe. This is truly the wave of the future.