14 DAY TRIAL // What is said to be the largest solar energy installation at a National Football League stadium was presented by the Redskins team and New Jersey-based power generation company NRG at FedExField during the "NRG Solar Bowl" Quarterback Challenge.
Comprising no less than 8,000 solar panels, the system will not only power the stadium, but also its 841-car lot. Fans will also get to use 10 electric vehicle charging stations from NRG’s eVgo charging network.
The developers say the newly installed solar power system is capable of providing up to 100 percent of the stadium’s electrical needs on non-game days and up to 20% of its needed electricity on game days.
The installation includes three different types of solar panels that collectively can generate two megawatts (MW) of electricity.
By using solar power, the Redskins and NRG look to eliminate an average of 1,780 metric tons of carbon annually, which is the equivalent of replacing 349 vehicles with gasoline engines with zero emission electric vehicles.
What’s more, the anticipated power generated from the installation during game days is roughly the equivalent amount of energy used annually by 300 Maryland households.
The NRG solar entry plaza at Gate A will use technologies such as translucent solar panels and a specially designed sculpture created using thin film solar technology, in order to generate power.
The sculpture – a 30-foot tall silhouette of a football player dubbed “Solar Man” – welcomes fans to FedExField.
"I hope this installation will serve as a model for what can be accomplished at other venues across the country," said U.S. Congresswoman Donna Edwards, who attended the unveiling.
The NRG Solar Bowl Quarterback Challenge was aimed at engaging fans in the new sustainable energy initiatives at FedExField and highlight the importance of traditional and renewable energies as an important component of everyday life.
The event was attended by Redskins legends Joe Theismann and Mark Rypien as well as pro and college MVPs Joe Montana and Doug Flutie.