The Kansas City Royals baseball team is getting greener with the largest in-stadium solar array generating electricity in Major League Baseball.
The 120 solar panels, which have been installed and tested, are expected to produce 36,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power for four homes. That won’t be enough to meet all the stadium’s electricity needs but should provide most if not all of a crucial element of the game. “Your beer is going to be cooled by the sun,” said Chuck Caisley, a spokesman for Kansas City Power & Light.The move into solar energy comes as Major League Baseball is making a push to encourage teams to be energy efficient and use more renewable energy. Kauffman Stadium joins five other ballparks, including those in Denver and Cleveland, already are equipped with solar panels. The San Francisco Giants have a bigger solar installation than the Royals’ but it is outside that stadium. The Royals approached KCP&L about four months ago about a solar installation and wanted to move quickly so that it would be ready and running for this season. The Royals will play host to the All-Star Game, and the team wanted renewable energy to be part of putting its best foot forward for the national audience watching that game. “It’s a great day,” said Kevin Uhlich, senior vice president of business operations for the Royals. “We are excited to partner with KCP&L to bring the latest technologies in sustainable energy to the ballpark, especially as we prepare for the 2012 All-Star summer.” The installation of the panels was completed Monday. They’re at the back of the ballpark and stretch around most of the outfield. They can be clearly seen from most seats although they blend in — blue solar panels in brushed aluminum frames. The panels are non-reflective and tilted to keep any reflections from interfering with play. That wsa a concern of Major League Baseball, which had to approve the stadium change.The design also had to deal with obstacles unique to a ballpark. The array is in two sections, so none will be behind the scoreboard, which would have cast a shadow reducing their effectiveness.KCP&L owns the equipment, and the Royals are leasing it. KCP&L will install a kiosk at the stadium with information about renewable energy and instruments showing how much solar energy is being made at the stadium, said Caisley. KCP&L, which meets about 7 percent of its demand overall with renewable energy, is looking for arrangements with other businesses or groups similar to the Royals’ lease. Kansas City Chiefs’ officials have indicated they are interested in producing solar energy at Arrowhead Stadium.Caisley said KCP&L jumped at the chance to have a renewable energy showcase at the baseball stadium.“Our immediate reaction was, That’s pretty cool,” he said. To reach Steve Everly, call 816-234-4455 or send email to severly@kcstar.com.Read more Business
Posted on Wed, Feb. 01, 2012 12:01 AM
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Royals add new power to their lineup: solar power
A 28.8 kilowatt solar array was unveiled Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium and is expected to produce almost 36,000 kilowatt hours of energy each year. The 120 solar panels are on the roof of Kauffman Stadium's Outfield Experience.
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