MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons are thrilled to announce a partnership between Hemlock Semiconductor and Jinko Solar to provide a newly-updated solar panel array at Dow Diamond.
“Solar panels at Dow Diamond isn’t a new concept for us; we’ve always made every effort since ground was broken on the stadium to be as energy efficient as possible,” said Loons President & General Manager Chris Mundhenk. “Sustainability and sports can share the same field and we are fortunate to have partners like HSC and Jinko Solar that share common values in the sustainability arena. Their generosity and expertise in solar made this project become a reality.”
The new system, located on the south side of Dow Diamond near the outfield parking lot, replaces an older solar array that was installed at the stadium almost 20 years ago. The upgraded array features 80 of JinkoSolar’s high-efficiency EAGLE® Modules, containing U.S. polysilicon from Hemlock Semiconductor. JinkoSolar’s EAGLE® Preserve takeback and recycling program has already recycled the decommissioned solar panels, reinforcing the Loons’ long-standing commitment to sustainability.
“We’re excited to team up with the Loons and Hemlock Semiconductor to power Dow Diamond with next-generation solar,” said Nigel Cockroft, General Manager of JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc. “These panels are built with polysilicon made right here in Michigan, proving that American materials and JinkoSolar’s technology can deliver clean energy and real community impact. And while the original solar panels were not ours, we made sure to recycle them through our EAGLE® Preserve program, because sustainability doesn’t stop at installation.”
Midland-based Blasy Electric played a key role in project management and the installation of the modules. The new system will generate up to 50,000 kilowatt hours for the ballpark annually.
“We believe that sustainability starts at home, and Dow Diamond is a home base for so many in our community,” said Phil Rausch, Corning Division Vice President of Commercial for Solar and Hemlock Semiconductor Senior Vice President of Commercial. “This solar array harnesses the most affordable energy source of the 21st century, using a foundation made of our hyper-pure polysilicon manufactured right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region. We’re proud to support a project that reflects our shared values and delivers lasting benefits to the region we call home.”
The Loons have been committed to maintaining Dow Diamond as a best-in-class facility in recent years. Ahead of the 2024 season, a state-of-the-art LED field lighting system was installed as part of $4.7 million investment throughout the ballpark. Other improvements as part of that project included expansion of the protective netting areas, new video surveillance and door access control systems, new wall padding, as well as significant improvements and renovations to numerous locker room areas.
JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and other countries and regions. JinkoSolar had over 10 productions facilities globally, over 20 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, and other countries, and a global sales network with sales teams in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India, as of June 30, 2025. To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com.
Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) is a leading provider of hyper-pure polysilicon, the foundation of semiconductor chips and solar panels. HSC transforms people’s lives by connecting and energizing the world through silicon technology. As the only polysilicon manufacturer headquartered in the United States, HSC provides high-purity American-made products for the global semiconductor and solar industries. HSC is one of the select few manufacturers in the world that make polysilicon to the purity level needed for leading-edge chips, and nearly all electronic devices in the world contain HSC polysilicon. HSC was established in 1961 and is majority-owned by Corning Incorporated, with Shin-Etsu Handotai holding a minority stake.
The Great Lakes Loons have been a partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team’s home and houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and Sports Radio 100.9 The Mitt. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit www.loons.com.
