Auric Solar switches on 2-MW solar system at Utah stadium

Auric Solar last week officially flipped the switch on a 2-MW solar power system at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah, which is home to the Real Salt Lake soccer club.

The Utah-based solar company installed 6,423 panels at the stadium, the vast majority of which on new solar-covered parking structures. The project was completed in six months.

The system, described as Utah's largest solar power project, will offset 73% of Real Salt Lake's total annual stadium power needs, representing the largest offset in North American professional sports and entertainment venues, according to the announcement.

The solar array will generate enough power to meet the energy needs of 284 homes a year and will reduce carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions by the equivalent of removing 450 cars from the road or planting 47,278 trees annually.

In addition to converting the stadium toward energy self-sufficiency, the installation is also improving experience for fans by providing a covered and lit parking, noted Andrew Carroll, chief business officer for Real Salt Lake.

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