The Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are planning a 900-kilowatt solar project at Chukchansi Park, which will result in solar panels being incorporated into carports. Fresno-based Trinity Power has been selected to lead the organization’s transition to clean electricity, powering Chukchansi Park with energy from the sun.
The project will be fully funded by the Grizzlies at the city-owned ballpark; no public funds whatsoever will be used to design or build the stadium’s new solar infrastructure. In “Lot 1,” the large parking area adjacent to the stadium ticket office on H Street next to Chukchansi Park, SunPower’s industry-leading solar panels will be integrated into large carports. In addition to delivering reliable electricity to the stadium, the solar carports will provide fans with covered parking, an especially useful feature for sunny afternoon games. The Fresno Grizzlies also own that lot.
After the Grizzlies initiated the request for proposal process, 20 interested firms bid on the project before Trinity Power, a SunPower installer, emerged as the ideal solar partner. Construction will begin this fall, with the project completed prior to the beginning of next baseball season (a rendering is shown above).
“Trinity Power is proud to partner with the Fresno Grizzlies to not only reduce their utility bills but provide shade for all of the wonderful people who visit the ballpark to enjoy games, shows and have a fun time,” said Jayson Emerian, President of Trinity Power. “We look forward to providing a renewable energy source for many years to come.”
Once completed, this solar project will reduce the Fresno Grizzlies’ utility costs between 80 and 85 percent. With the price of utilities rising each season, a reduction in energy costs will allow the Grizzlies to pass those savings on to fans. There are also over 100 non-profit community events held at the stadium per year, utilizing the field, indoor function rooms, and outdoor social areas.
“The more sustainable we are with renewable energy, the more we’re able to improve the fan experience by way of lower prices, and more fun promotions throughout the season,” said Fresno Grizzlies President Derek Franks. “The stadium is in use more days than not through a bulk of the year when you consider soccer, concerts and other special events, so we need to make sure that we’re using energy in the most responsible way possible.”
Rendering courtesy Fresno Grizzlies.