Patriot Place is a 1.3 million SF regional lifestyle destination attracting shoppers and sports fans adjacent to Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. This is a unique energy project solution that incorporates the function and beauty of solar into its surroundings. DLR Group's design of this on-site renewable solar system for NRG Energy transforms an open-air lifestyle center into a visually stunning destination using a dynamic, color changing LED lighting design to create a unique retail experience. The solar array generates approximately 30 percent of the power to Patriot's Place. Kiosks, electric vehicle charging stations, and four unique off-grid solar ‘Helios' located at the main entrance to the stadium provide renewable energy education for visitors.
The scope for this project was a solar array made of more than 3,000 conventional and translucent BIPV photovoltaic panels. The design integrates panels into the rooftops of South Market Place retail buildings and above walkway canopies throughout the North Market Place. The lighting system in the North Market Place consists of 1,100 linear feet of 275 ultra-bright RGB LED fixtures that can be programmed to display an infinite number of colors. The system also integrates into the Patriot Place audio system to create unique audio/visual experiences for shoppers. The solar panels used at Patriot's Place provide 20 watts per SF, with ten percent of them being translucent. The output of the new solar power system is projected to be 1.1 million kilowatt hours. DLR Group provided design, electrical engineering, structural engineering, and construction administration services for this project.