Petco Park to Install Largest Solar Power System in MLB

Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, announced this week that the stadium will be installing solar panels, making it the largest solar system in Major League Baseball. The system will continue its ongoing efforts to lead the industry in sustainability by installing a 336,520-watt Sullivan Solar Power system during the off season. The system is scheduled for completion by March 2018, prior to Opening Day.

The project, comprised of 716 high-efficiency, 470-watt Sunpower solar modules, represents the latest investment from Padres ownership as part of their multi-year ballpark improvement plan. “We take pride in continuing to make it the most energy efficient and sustainable facility possible,” said Padres COO, Erik Greupner.

The solar system will be the largest in Major League Baseball and will generate 330 kilowatts of solar power, enough to power the entire Padres front office. The system will also produce over 12 million kilowatt hours over the next 25 years and is expected to save millions of dollars over the course of its lifetime.

Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer said Petco Park’s new solar installation will help the city reach the ambitious goals in its landmark Climate Action Plan to cut greenhouse gases in half and use 100 percent renewable energy citywide by 2035.

“San Diego continues to lead the way on climate action as we march toward our ultimate goal of 100 percent renewable energy,” Mayor Faulconer said. “We are going to need great, committed partners in the business community to do their part in order to get there. That’s why I’d like to commend the Padres for turning the best ballpark in the country into one of the most environmentally-friendly. Petco Park will serve as a model for the rest of Major League Baseball and as an example for other San Diego businesses to follow.”

Petco Park, which opened in 2004 in downtown San Diego and was named the top-rated ballpark by USA Today, will become the eighth Major League ballpark to incorporate solar power.

In addition to the installation of the new solar system on the ballpark’s upper deck roof canopy, other energy efficiency efforts include the installation of LED sports lights by the Padres in 2015. The project cut sport light usage by 40% at the ballpark and reduced the operating expenses and labor hours associated with the maintenance of the previous lighting system, making Petco Park 100% LED in the process.

“San Diego’s citywide commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and increase our use of renewable energy is most visible right here in downtown,” said San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward.” Through better transit, green buildings, and now the largest solar project in Major League Baseball, the Padres are truly helping San Diego lead by example.”

We commend the Padres and Petco Park for its continued efforts in energy sustainability.