Solar Panels to Power the Emmy Awards 2011

The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards will mark solar energy’s first starring role in U.S. entertainment culture, thanks to a canopy of 225 high-performance solar panels from SolarWorld that will be used to power the red carpet.

Some of the hottest names in American television will step onto the red carpet located outside the Nokia Theatre at the L.A. Live entertainment center in downtown Los Angeles. They will be greeting fans just beneath the 50 kW system set to go prime time during the official live pre-show “Countdown To the Emmys,” on Sunday, September 18.

However, the list of sustainable enhancements of the awards event doesn’t end here. The carpet is manufactured from recycled materials, while energy-efficient lighting and locally sourced and organically grown food are also on the list.

Made from 50% recycled content, the carpet will be donated after the awards to the Ronald McDonald House Long Beach and to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles.

In addition, all recyclable materials used during the event will be collected and sorted. Also, all plants in the arrivals area and media areas are rented and therefore are considered reusable living plants (no cut plants).

“The Emmys spotlight the tastes, trends and technologies which viewers nationwide are tuning into in their lives,” said Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas. “This year’s show will mark the historical moment when solar power made its debut in American popular culture.”

The solar panel system will be tied into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power utility grid, significantly reducing FOX’s power consumption. After the show, the solar panels will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, who will use them to power 10-20 households.

Once permanently installed, the system is expected to eliminate an average of approximately 90,000 pounds (or 45 tons) of CO2 each year, and generate renewable energy for at least the next 25 years.