Slightly more than two and a half years after the dedication of Pocono Raceway’s solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 10,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark this morning. The Pocono Raceway solar installation consists of 39,960 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 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 300 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
“This is another important milestone for Pocono Raceway,” said Brandon Igdalsky, President and CEO of Pocono Raceway. “Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the 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 with the world’s largest renewable energy project to –power a 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.”
The 10,000,000 (kWh) produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of more than 57,000 – 60Watt light bulbs for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of more than 810,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO2) offset equaling that of 180,000 trees or 294,000 Propane BBQ Grills.
The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise
The Pocono Raceway Solar Farm is located along Long Pond Road adjacent Pocono Raceway’s storied 2.5 mile Super Speedway. Pocono Raceway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2013. The 32nd annual Fan Driven 400, June 7-9 and the 40th annual GoBowling.com 400, August 2-4.
After a 23 year absence, the July 6-7 Pocono INDYCAR 400 marks the return of Indy car racing to Pocono.
Pocono Raceway PR
