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Constellation Energy installs new solar panels at Gillette Stadium
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Football is a game of the elements, with teams often competing in the rain, snow, mud and wind. Now, a new element is being introduced in the home stadium of the New England Patriots – solar energy.
Solar Novus reports that Gillette Stadium is being outfitted with a photovoltaic system that will make the complex a showcase for the potential use of sustainable energy. The new system will use solar energy to generate approximately one-third of the electricity used by the plaza, including the neighboring entertainment, retail and dining locations.
Constellation Energy, run by CEO Mayo Shattuck, began installing the photovoltaic system in October 2009. The system is expected to generate more than 12 million kilowatt hours of electricity over 20 years. Additionally, the system will prevent the release of more than 8,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of taking 1,600 passenger cars off the road.
The photovoltaic system uses evergreen solar panels, constructed using a "string ribbon" process. By using the string ribbon process, Evergreen Solar is able to manufacture these panels at a cost-effective price. Its local plant in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has 120 machines that generate more than 15 MW of photovoltaic panels a year.
Sustainable design practices are also being used during the construction of these panels. Some measures being used include low-emitting construction materials, a wastewater reuse system that conserves water and solar-powered trash receptacles.
"Developing a solar power system at the highly visible, highly trafficked Patriot Place gives us an opportunity to demonstrate to the general public that distributed renewable power systems are a viable and practical component of our energy future," said Greg Jarosinski, president and CEO of Constellation Energy’s projects and services group.
Energy efficiency has become a big issue for many sports associations worldwide. For example, several soccer teams recently installed green lights in their stadiums to reduce energy used in the World Cup games, reports Commodity Online.
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