SAN DIEGO -- The Padres on Wednesday officially unveiled plans for the installation of a new solar power system at Petco Park, which will be the largest in Major League Baseball.
The system -- which will feature solar panels on the roof of the ballpark's upper deck -- is expected to be completed by Opening Day. Construction is underway, and the Padres have partnered with Sullivan Solar Power on the initiative.
On a fittingly sunny day in the East Village, the news was unveiled in a news conference featuring Padres COO Eric Greupner and San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer.
"It's the right thing to do for our environment and the right thing to do for our city," said Faulconer. "And once again the San Diego Padres lead the way."
Faulconer noted the project's importance in the city's goal to use renewable energy exclusively by 2035.
The system will generate enough solar power to run the entire Padres' front office. The organization expects energy savings in the millions of dollars over the course of its lifetime.
Speaking at Petco Park's main entrance, Greupner was quick to note that the upgrade was a priority of the team's fans and the general public as much as anything.
"As those of us who are tasked with leading this organization have said for years, we consider Petco Park to be a public asset," Greupner said. "The things that are important to the people of San Diego and the city of San Diego are important to us. And energy-efficiency sustainability is among the top initiatives that are important to us, as a result."
Daniel Sullivan, the president of Sullivan Solar, made certain to note the system's impact in the coming years. The project is made up of 716 solar modules hoisted above the stadium's upper level.
Sullivan called it "one of the most complex installations this region has ever seen." And well worth it, he added.
"The Padres are going to have the largest solar power system in Major League Baseball -- and larger than every other stadium combined," Sullivan said. "So this season, the Padres are going to be starting in first place."