At a press conference on Thursday, executives from NRG and the Washington Redskins unveiled the new solar installation at FedExField, which is the largest installation at an NFL stadium, demonstrating the potential of innovative and renewable energy solutions available today.
On game days, solar power can provide up to 20 percent of FedExField’s power. On non-game days, the solar system can provide up to 100 percent of the stadium’s electrical needs, depending on weather conditions.
In June, NRG joined with the Redskins to design, develop and install a unique solar power system that would best meet the stadium’s energy needs. (Watch the installation on Redskins.com TV.) The installation by NRG, one of the largest solar power developers in the United States, includes three different types of solar panels at the stadium generating nearly two megawatts (MW) of electricity.
In addition to generating power for FedExField, the stadium’s 8,000 solar panels will provide shaded parking in an 841-car lot. The design includes 10 electric vehicle charging stations from NRG’s eVgo charging network for use by fans.
The NRG solar entry plaza at Gate A will generate power through a variety of green energy
technologies, including translucent solar panels and a specially designed sculpture created using thin film solar technology.
The sculpture – a 30-foot tall silhouette of a football player dubbed “solar man” – showcases the flexibility of this innovative solar technology and also is a one-of-a-kind work of art welcoming fans to FedExField.
“Our work with the Washington Redskins is a prime example of how forward-looking businesses and organizations are thinking about and using energy differently,” said David Crane, CEO of NRG, based in Princeton, N.J. “This installation shows how, through innovation, creativity and expertise, we are working towards a more secure energy future. NRG is proud to provide the power that backs the powerful Redskins team and their fans!”
“We are delighted to partner with NRG, a truly innovative leader in energy solutions, to showcase this remarkable technology at FedExField and to educate fans and the public about solar energy and other solutions that can help our country’s energy needs. We look forward to working with the NRG team to develop additional renewable features at the stadium,” said Daniel Snyder, owner of the Redskins.
Renewable Energy Provided by NRG and Reliant
The anticipated power generated from the installation during game days is roughly the equivalent amount of energy used annually by 300 Maryland households.
By using solar power, the Redskins and NRG expect to keep 1,780 metric tons of carbon out of the atmosphere each year– the equivalent of replacing 349 vehicles with gasoline engines with zero emission electric vehicles.
It was also announced that NRG subsidiary, Reliant will provide all the electricity to power the Redskins at FedExField. Reliant is a major retail electricity provider in the Texas market, and is expanding both its commercial and residential businesses to serve retail electricity customers in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
NRG Solar Bowl
To celebrate the introduction of solar and renewable technologies to consumers at FedExField, Crane announced the “NRG Solar Bowl” Quarterback Challenge to be held on Sunday, Sept. 18, prior to the Redskins’ home game against Arizona.
The NRG Solar Bowl Quarterback Challenge will feature Redskins legends Joe Theismann and Mark Rypien as well as pro and college MVPs Joe Montana and Doug Flutie.
The Quarterback Challenge is intended to engage 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.
Others attending the press conference included U.S. Congresswoman Donna Edwards, (D-MD);
Rushern Baker, County Executive, Prince George’s County; and James Brown, Host of NFL Today on CBS.
”I am excited to have the largest solar installation in the region and in the entire NFL in the 4th Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Edwards. ”The partnership between
the Redskins and NRG Energy to make this project a reality is a great example of how we can use viable energy solutions to create jobs and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
"I hope this installation will serve as a model for what can be accomplished at other venues across the country."
"Since the opening of FedExField, the Washington Redskins have brought countless players, visitors and fans to Prince George’s County,” said Baker. ”And now, the Redskins have brought us something else: a more sustainable future. This is the largest solar installation in the region and the largest installation in the NFL.
"I want to thank NRG Energy and the Washington Redskins for creating jobs in Prince George’s County and investing in a cleaner, greener world for the next generation of residents and fans.”
