General View of the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers on opening day at Dodger Stadium on Apr. 4, 2014. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Solar cell manufacturer Hahwha Q Cells has announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The company is now the official solar partner of the team and will have its brand promoted at Dodger Stadium starting from the upcoming MLB season.
The Hahwha Q Cells logo will appear on field-level signage during home games and the company will also be a promotional partner on Dodgers’ marketing campaigns, according to an official press release. However, although Dodger stadium has been under renovation, the announcement does not detail whether the venue itself plans to install or use solar power.
“We are thrilled to welcome one of the world leaders in solar energy to our partnership family,” said Michael Wandell, Dodgers SVP of Global Partnerships, in the press release. “We look forward to working hand-in-hand to help grow their business domestically and abroad.”
Hanwha Q Cells also sponsors German soccer club RB Leipzig. By sponsoring the Dodgers, the company hopes to be “further cementing its position as a leading solar company in the U.S., particularly in the residential market,” according to the press release.
SportTechie Takeaway
California is the leading U.S. state for solar installations, making the Dodgers a sensible fit for this partnership. According to Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, California accounted for 40 percent of the estimated 2.4 gigawatts of solar energy collection capacity installed in the U.S. in 2018.
However, the San Diego Padres seem to be a step ahead of their Southern Californian rivals in embracing solar power. Last year the Padres installed a massive solar array on the roof of the upper deck at Petco Park. This January, across on the East Coast, the New York Yankees also announced the creation of professional sports’ first environmental science advisor position.
