Solar design and installation firm Solar Alternatives of New Orleans and Stion Corp in nearby Hattiesburg, MS, which makes nanostructure-based CIGSSe (copper indium gallium sulphur-diselenide) thin-film photovoltaic panels, have teamed up to install solar panels at New Orleans’ Kingswood Playground as part of the city’s Super Bowl festivities this week.
On the eve of Super Bowl XLVII, the Super Bowl Host Committee will hold its premier community initiative, Super Saturday of Service, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, the Young Leadership Council and other local organizations. Super Saturday of Service will result in $2m of renovation and beautification, including a solar-powered canopy constructed by Solar Alternatives using Stion’s Elevation Series solar modules.
The canopy features a unique octagonal design that highlights Stion’s all-black modules. The installation is being used to power lighting and other services, resulting in the state’s first net-zero public facility. The solar panels provide 11kW of power, and will reduce CO2 emissions in the area by more than 500,000 pounds over the next 25 years, it is reckoned. Staff from both firms are participating in the Super Saturday volunteering efforts as well as subsequent efforts to raise awareness about solar power.
Stion’s solar modules are produced less than 100 miles away in a factory in Hattiesburg, where the firm employs 120 local workers and has invested over $100m. The modules are the only solar products manufactured locally in the Gulf Coast region. Stion is expanding production at both its San Jose headquarters and its first mass-production facility, in Hattiesburg (opened in September 2012).
“We are pleased to work with the City of New Orleans, the NFL, and the Super Bowl Host Committee,” says Solar Alternatives’ president Jeffrey Cantin. “We are excited to showcase Stion’s unique technology to the millions who will be watching worldwide,” he adds. “This is a great opportunity to highlight our emphasis on community involvement,” comments Frank Yang, VP of business development for Stion Corp and Stion Solar Mississippi LLC.
