Solyndra CIGS PV panels to help power Qwest Field in Seattle

May 18, 2011
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The Qwest Field Event Center, home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, is currently undergoing a “green transformation” with the installation of a rooftop solar PV system. Considered the largest rooftop solar array in Washington to date, the Qwest Field installation will have 3,750 CIGS solar panels manufactured by Solyndra producing over 830,000kWh of solar electricity per year and offset 21% of the Event Center’s annual utility costs.

Dave Miller, spokesman for Solyndra, informed PV-Tech that the 850kW solar project actually began installation last week and aims to reach full operation by late summer. The solar project covers 80%, or 2.5 acres, of the Event Center roof and is being installed by Seattle-based McKinstry, which has additionally presented Qwest Field with a conservation project that focuses on other areas that can improve the sustainability and carbon footprint of the football stadium.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“We are committed to being good environmental stewards of this world-class facility and we hope these projects will serve as a catalyst to further support clean technology and resource conservation growth within Washington State and the Pacific Northwest,” said Peter McLoughlin, president of the Seahawks, Sounders FC and FGI.

For a more in depth look at the installation and comments from Seahawks president Peter McLaughlin, Solyndra Executive VP Ben Bierman and CEO of McKinstry, Dean Allen, check out this video.

Read Next

Premium
November 7, 2025
The increasing technical complexity of the renewable energy space has increased the demands on capital raising for those in the sector.
November 7, 2025
JA Solar has signed a module supply agreement with EPC contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for two utility-scale projects in Uzbekistan. 
November 7, 2025
Saatvik Green Energy, through its subsidiary Saatvik Solar Industries, secured solar PV module orders worth INR2.99 billion (US$33.7 million). 
November 7, 2025
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has released the 2025 List of Critical Minerals, which includes silicon and tellurium.
November 7, 2025
Members of the European Parliament are urging the European Commission to restrict Chinese solar inverter manufacturers’ access to the bloc’s energy infrastructure, due to cybersecurity concerns.
November 7, 2025
Renewables asset fund Alantra Solar has secured €355 million to support the development and construction of five solar PV projects in Italy.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
November 12, 2025
10am PST / 1pm EST
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal