San Francisco Giants to Install Solar Panels
by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg, St. Louis, MO on 03.22.07
As in other entertainment industries, the world of sports is recognizing the value of greening itself. On Wednesday, major league baseball signed a new player to the green team: the San Francisco Giants announced that, in partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric, they would be installing 590 solar panels on the port walk outside of the team's home field, AT&T Park. This would make the facility the first in baseball to incorporate solar technology. According to the team's web site:
"The port walk is a signature location of the ballpark," said Peter Magowan, Giants president and managing general partner. "We will showcase solar power in one of the most visible locations on the waterfront. In turn, we hope to send a message to our fans, television viewers and the greater community about the importance of using energy wisely and efficiently.The panels will not power any part of the stadium: as the team already buys power from an outside provider, the energy produced by the panels will be fed to the electrical grid. And while the amount of power produced will be relatively small -- enough to power a few homes -- sports facilities in general seem like a great place to showcase renewable technology. We're still waiting to hear about organic hot dogs and hemp uniforms... ::San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco ExaminerThe 590 solar panels are about the same as 40 home roof systems and will be built above the gates on the back of the stadium near McCovey Cove. Other panels will be placed on the roof near the front of the stadium by the Acme Chophouse restaurant. The installation will start in April and be finished in about two months.
Just one more reason to cheer for my favorite team. Go Giants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The team may get good PR, but the local rate payers will pick up the entire tab.
Major league sports are fun, but they never do anything that will cost the business a dime. Almost, but no home run for the giants.
first post to site, long time lurker, keep up the good work.
solar is great... will also need a schematics on every other possible way they can reduce energy such as bulbs, wind power windmills, and much much more. if you do something, might be better off just to go all the way instead of being half ass about it!