Electrical Workers Complete Largest Solar Installation in Washington, D.C., Metro Area
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“As big as a football field”—the phrase that describes something really big takes on new meaning after members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 26 helped FedEx Field “go green.” Union members equipped FedEx Field, home of the region’s NFL team, with the largest solar-power installation ever undertaken in the region. As highlighted in the Local 26 magazine, INCharge:
In less than three months, the crew of over 100 Local 26 workers installed over 8,000 solar panels at FedEx Field, connected by over 19 miles of new wiring. Beyond the solar panels above the parking lot and affixed to the side of the stadium, more solar power is captured by the solar sculpture of a football player—affectionately dubbed “solar man” by the Local 26 crew—that can be seen outside one of the stadium’s main entrances. The solar panels create enough energy to meet all of the stadium’s power needs on non-game days, and about 20 percent of the stadium’s power during a game, keeping 1,780 metric tons of carbon out of the atmosphere while keeping the lights shining bright on the Redskins. “This installation shows how, through innovation, creativity and expertise, we are working towards a more secure energy future,” said David Crane, CEO of NRG, which oversaw the design and installation of the solar project.
IBEW Local, Contractors Unveil Solar-Powered Vehicle Charging Station
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San Diego drivers with electric vehicles (EVs) can charge up their rides at no cost, thanks to a new solar-powered electric vehicle power station unveiled today by Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569 and the San Diego chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
Local 569 business manager Johnny Simpson told a morning press conference:
“San Diego’s electric vehicle industry is a win-win for local electricians and the community. It’s creating good, middle-class electrical jobs and helping us reduce harmful air pollution. IBEW Local 569 is thrilled to do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by offering free, solar-powered EV charging to the community.”
The station is located at the IBEW-NCEA Training Center at 4675 Viewridge Ave., in San Diego. The training center is powered by a rooftop solar array and the charging station ties into the building’s electrical supply so both are running on solar power. The electric vehicle unit is publicly available to the community to use at any time, free of charge.
Andy Berg, executive director of the San Diego chapter of NECA, added:
The electric vehicle industry in San Diego, particularly installing the charging infrastructure, is giving local electrical contractors a great shot in the arm. Plus, our customers know they will always get the best possible installation because of the training provided at this center.
State Sen. Christine Kehoe joined with representatives from the San Diego chapter of the Sierra Club and Operation Free, a national coalition of veterans, national security experts and retired military personnel working to secure America with clean energy, to announce the charging station.
Celebrate Earth Day with These Green Tips
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In honor of Earth Day today, Jennifer Wright Dorr at Union Plus sends us this feature about the Union Plus Green Minute video series.
This Earth Day and everyday, you can learn how you can go green and save green at the same time with the Green Minute video series from Union Plus. From installing a programmable thermostat to buying union-made green light bulbs, you can learn more with your Union Plus Green Minute.
Is your home ready for the warmer weather that’s on the way? By making a simple investment in insulation, you can keep your home cool in the summer using less electricity and saving money in the long run. Click here for this Green Minute.
You can save money and carbon emissions with solar power. Click here to learn more about solar panels and rebates in this Green Minute.
Green Minute videos are also available for:
- Low flow toilets;
- Energy efficient windows;
- Hybrid car maintenance;
- Efficient heating and cooling systems;
- High efficiency water heaters; and
- Energy efficient appliances.
To make it even easier to save green when you go green, Union Plus provides rebates of $100 – $500 if you use your Union Plus Credit Card to pay for energy efficient home improvements. Start going green today and you’ll be ready to start saving this summer.
