Thanks to the power of the radiant sun and generous funding, the Bowl shines brightly all year long with the completion of a solar array system!

The SBBowl Foundation is pleased to announce the completion of a 133.33 kWp solar system to offset power consumption for concerts and daily operations.

Made up of three separate arrays throughout the property, including a 200-panel ground-mount array, this system will create approximately 75% of the energy consumed by the facilities year-round and concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Constructed over five winters and managed by local business Sun Pacific Solar Electric, Inc., the system came fully online in July 2022.

The Gainey Foundation was instrumental in bringing this project from a wish to a reality. Foundation President Dan Gainey was passionate about creating this lasting community impact. “The Santa Barbara Bowl is a beloved part of our community,” states Gainey. “It was designed to harmonize with its environment, and we see this as a way to create a more sustainable concert experience.” Since 2020, over 560 MWh have been generated as part of this multi-phased installation of arrays, saving over 870,000 lbs. of CO2. This is all part of the industry-leading Greening The Bowl initiative to lower concerts’ carbon footprint as much as possible.

Rick Boller, CEO of the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, has proudly led the Santa Barbara Bowl in stewardship of the environment in the concert industry. “It is with deep gratitude to our family of generous donors that we continue to innovate to reduce our impact and create a lasting legacy through all of our Greening initiatives,” says Boller.

Other Santa Barbara Bowl innovative initiatives include hand-sorting event waste, diverting 75% from landfills, partnering with r.Cup for a 100% reusable cup solution for all drinks, 85% of concession items sourced organically and locally, complimentary bike valet at all events in partnership with Move Santa Barbara County, and an industry-first reusable souvenir pint program that includes discounts on all your refills of Bowl Souvenir pints.

Learn more about donation opportunities for Greening initiatives today!