Solar power system built by Constellation Energy

BALTIMORE (AP) — Constellation Energy Group Inc. said Wednesday it will build a photovoltaic system to generate solar power at an entertainment complex adjacent to the New England Patriots' stadium in Massachusetts.

The power system will generate about 525 kilowatts at Patriot Place, the 1.3-million-square-foot entertainment, retail and dining complex next to the NFL team's Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Topping seven roofs, the power system will supply about 30 percent of Patriot Place's power, Constellation said.

Construction is expected to begin in late October and will require installation of about 2,800 photovoltaic panels, the company said. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, spokesman Aaron Koos said.

Constellation Energy estimates the system will generate more than 12 million kilowatt hours of electricity over 20 years and will prevent the release of more than 8,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The company said that is equal to removing more than 1,600 cars from the road for a year.

Under a 20-year power purchase agreement, Constellation Energy's projects and services group will own the energy assets and sell the electricity it generates on site to Patriot Place.

Baltimore-based Constellation has done larger projects — one for General Motors Corp. in California and another for spice retailer McCormick&Co. Inc. in Maryland. But the Patriots project, which draws millions of visitors during the football season, provides high visibility for renewable solar power, Koos said.

Constellation's shares edged up 2 cents, to $32.51 in afternoon trading.