POCONO, PA, July 30, 2010 — As the country begins to aggressively seek alternative energy sources, a significant new solar energy project is ready to flip the switch in what might be considered an unlikely place – a NASCAR racetrack in Long Pond, PA.
PHOTO CREDIT: NASCAR MEDIA – NASCAR driver and outdoorsman Ryan Newman gets ready to flip the switch
on the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility at Pocono Raceway. The 3 MW solar farm has 40,000 solar panels covering 25 acres to fully power the track and 1,000 local homes.
Yet, considering the major sustainability programs being initiated throughout the NASCAR industry, the 3 megawatt ground-mount photovoltaic solar energy system at Pocono Raceway is completely in step with a sport taking major strides to preserve the environment.
The 25-acre solar installation, located adjacent to the 2.5-mile race track, is so large it’s visible from outer space. With its 40,000 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, it will become the primary electric energy source for the race track while adding electricity to the local power grid.
“This is an important milestone for Pocono Raceway and our sport,” said Brandon Igdalsky, President of Pocono Raceway. “Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the NASCAR industry’s commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight as the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes. This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to go green, can do it.”
“NASCAR is committed to becoming a leader in environmental responsibility by reducing our impact and serving as a testing ground for innovative new approaches for sustainability,” said Brian France, Chairman and CEO of NASCAR. “This meaningful green project reflects the NASCAR industry’s collaborative approach to preserving the environment and highlights Pocono Raceway’s significant contribution as the first major U.S. sports venue to go green with 100% renewable energy. We encourage other tracks and sponsors to follow this lead in making sustainable programs and renewable energy a continued priority for the sport.”
The Pocono Raceway Solar Project, developed by enXco, and owned by Pocono Raceway, host of two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series summer events, is located along Long Pond Road adjacent to the storied raceway on land that previously served fan parking needs but is no longer used due to a reconfiguration of other parking lots on the property.
The installation consists of nearly 40,000 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,100 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
Amid the recent push to find alternative energy sources, the benefits of solar power have been tested and proven time and again. It is virtually silent, produces zero emissions and is the most readily available energy source on Earth.
“We are proud to partner with Pocono Raceway to develop the largest renewable energy stadium project in the world by more than two times,” said Peter Solomon, Director, Solar Origination at enXco. “The Pocono Raceway Solar Project marks the first project for enXco in Pennsylvania and also our first turnkey solar project. We recognize the dedicated efforts of NASCAR to become more sustainable and we look forward to helping other tracks to follow Pocono’s leadership to reduce their carbon footprint through the generation of solar energy.”
NASCAR fans have strong feelings about individual and corporate responsibility in caring for the environment. These fans have become more engaged in environmentally-minded activities, such as recycling and using energy efficient light bulbs, according to the most recent independent research (Experian Simmons National Consumer Survey):
Green is important to NASCAR fans: 3 of 4 NASCAR fans (77%) believe each of us has a personal obligation to do what we can to be environmentally responsible compared to 75% of the overall U.S. population.
Green companies are recognized by NASCAR fans: 2 of 3 NASCAR fans (65%) indicate companies should help consumers become more environmentally responsible compared to 64% of the overall U.S. population.
NASCAR fans exhibit “green behavior” in their everyday lives: More than 80% of NASCAR fan households recycle, up +12% over the past 5 years.
Green products are increasingly used by NASCAR fans: Approximately 40% of NASCAR fan households use energy efficient light bulbs, more than double the amount just 5 years ago.
