Philadelphia Eagles Switch Solar Partners

The Philadelphia Eagles have a new sustainable energy partner having recently announced a deal with NRG Energy. Given NRG's rapid expansion and recent sponsorship deals with MetLife Stadium and Gillette Stadium, the sponsorship itself isn't that much of a surprise. However, it may be curious to some considering that the team signed a 20-year deal with competitor, Solar Blue, less than 18 months ago.

So what happened? The Solar Blue deal, signed in November 2010, fell apart due to logistical concerns. Eagles chief operating officer Don Smolenski told the Philadelphia Inquirer the deal with Solar Blue wasn't as turnkey as the team had hoped.

"It was envisioned to be plug and play," Smolenski explained. "It turned out to be plug and rebuild and rewire."

As part of the new deal, NRG will design, build and operate a unique, integrated sustainable energy solution including solar panels and micro wind-turbines that together will provide annually about six times the power used during all Eagles home games. NRG will be the official supplier of grid power to Lincoln Financial Field and a major sponsor of the Philadelphia Eagles.

"The Eagles were pioneers in embracing sustainability when they launched their Go Green! campaign back in 2003, now we are pleased to be their partner in making on-site renewable energy the centerpiece of their commitment to a sustainable future," said David Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer of NRG. "The new clean energy facilities in and around Lincoln Financial Field will make it clear to all that renewable energy makes sense, economically, aesthetically and environmentally, for businesses and individuals in and around Philadelphia."

Solar Blue, for its part, still appears to maintain partnerships with the Boston Red Sox and Florida Gators.