AES Distributed Energy (AES DE), a subsidiary of The AES Corporation, announced the completion of a 700 kW rooftop solar system in Sacramento, California located at the Golden 1 Center, the world’s first LEED Platinum Indoor arena and the home of the National Basketball Association’s Sacramento Kings. AES DE co-developed the project with SPI Solar, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SPI Energy
“We are excited to be a part of this innovative project that showcases how our nation’s sports and entertainment venues can offer environmentally sustainable solutions,” said Woody Rubin, President of AES Distributed Energy. “Our team is honored to partner with the Sacramento Kings and SPI Energy to deliver the benefits of renewable energy.”
AES DE entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Sacramento Kings to own and operate the projects. The solar system utilized SunGrow inverters, SPI Energy panels and AET racking and was completed prior to opening night of the new arena.
This rooftop array, in conjunction with the Rancho Seco solar array located in Herald, CA, will supply the stadium with 100% of its electricity demands. The Golden 1 Center is expected to be the first indoor arena in the world to receive its entire power supply from solar energy sourced within 50 miles of the facility.
“The successful development and completion of the Sacramento Kings project is another strong testament to our reliable and high quality products,” said Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of SPI Energy. “We are delighted to witness the Golden 1 Center become the first indoor arena in the world to utilize all solar energy. We are pleased to be working with AES DE on this project, and we expect the partnership to continue as we develop more rooftop solar projects in the region and throughout the nation.”