Soaking Up Sun: Kauffman Stadium Goes Green

Solar panels were recently installed around the outfield of Kauffman Stadium that will generate enough electricity to power four average homes. The Kansas City Royals play their first home game of the season on April 13.

Friday marks the Royals season home opener. If you are heading over to Kauffman Stadium, you will notice something different at the K. With 120 newly installed large solar panels wrapping the back of the ballpark, the Royals are going green. It is apparently the largest in-stadium solar installation in major league baseball.

The panels will generate about 36,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy a year. That’s enough to power four average homes. The panels are non-reflective and tilted to keep any reflections from interfering with play. That was a concern of Major League Baseball, which had to approve the stadium change.

When the dog days of summer arrive and you are basking in the sun at the stadium, just remember that even your beer and soda are going to be cooled by the sun.