The installation is the result of a partnership between the city and SolarCity, a California-based vendor of solar-energy solutions, to put up solar panels on all major city-owned buildings. The city will pay a third less per kilowatt energy as well as generate much of its own electricity under the deal.

“The many projects comprising our Solar Lancaster program are creating a number of benefits to our community. Not only are we taking further steps toward our goal of becoming the alternative energy capitol of the world, but we are creating jobs in many of our region’s hardest hit industries,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Clear Channel Stadium is the first of many City of Lancaster projects that will contribute to a greener City, a greener California and a greener nation.”

At the ballpark, 1,500 solar panels will be installed on a 700-foot-long carport beside the ballpark, well outside of foul-ball range. The electricity generated by the 340-kilowatt panel system will supply 98 percent of the power needed to run the ballpark, including the ballpark lights, and should save the owners of the JetHawks some $48,000 per year in utility costs.

“The entire Lancaster community has embraced the city’s mission to become the alternative energy capitol of the world, and as the first minor league team in California to go solar, we’re happy to do our part,” said JetHawks owner Peter Carfagna.

The ballpark is one of six city sites slated to go solar as part of a 2.5 megawatt project, and is the first city project under the Solar Lancaster program to be underway. The city projects, including City Hall and the City’s performing arts center, are expected to save the city more than $7 million over the next 15 years.