SolarCity announced today that we’re bringing our money-saving, sustainable solar services to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
If you thought you knew all there is to know about the Steel City, you might be surprised. Fact is, Pittsburgh’s moved well beyond its Rust Belt reputation.
“The ‘Burgh” is a proud town with a long history that goes beyond its steel manufacturing heritage. Pittsburghers have an eye to the future, with a focus on high tech and a commitment to renewable energy.
Here are a few Pittsburgh facts we thought worth noting.
It’s celebrating a bicentennial in 2016
The city was officially chartered in 1816, though the name “Pittsburgh” was first used in the area in 1758. It was named after William Pitt, an 18thcentury British statesman and prime minister. Look for quite a party this summer as the city celebrates “PGH200.”
It’s architecture and geography are truly unique
Pittsburgh claims it has more bridges than any city in the world. You’ll find nearly 450 spans within its borders. And it’s hilly, with more vertical climbs than San Francisco, Portland and Cincinnati combined. The city’s public areas have more than 700 sets of stairs.
It’s a city of firsts
Pittsburgh holds a variety of “first” claims. Unsurprisingly, many are related to its history as an industrial center. First petroleum refinery in the western hemisphere … first national convention for the American Federation of Labor … first production of commercial aluminum … first all-aluminum skyscraper … first full-scale atomic power plant.
Livable cities? It’s near the top
The Economist named Pittsburgh as the second-most livable city in the United States in 2014, after only Honolulu. The city rated highly in all categories, including stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
It’s a bona fide home to high-tech
More than 1,600 tech firms—from start-ups to heavy-hitters like Google, Apple and Intel—have a home or presence in Pittsburgh. Carnegie Mellon University has emerged as a leader in robotics and computer science. More and more of its grads are choosing to stay in the area, attracted by the growing community of innovation, availability of start-up capital, and affordable living.
It’s committed to sustainability
For its commitment to solar adoption, Pittsburgh is one of only one of 25 cities to be named a “Solar America City” by the U.S. Department of Energy. Overall, the city buys 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources. Pittsburgh also ranks in the top 10 for LEED-certified buildings in the U.S. That’s thanks partly to the adoption of various green-building legislation by its government.
Go solar in the Steel City
SolarCity is the country’s leading provider of rooftop solar. And we’re excited by the opportunity to help Pittsburgh save money and be even more sustainable. Learn more about all we offer.
More Pittsburgh-themed conversation-starters
“Night of the Living Dead,” “Silence of the Lambs” and “The Dark Knight Rises” were all filmed in Pittsburgh.
The smiley-face emoticon was created by Carnegie Mellon computer scientist Scott Fahlman in 1982. :-)
The first simultaneous heart-liver-kidney transplant took place in Pittsburgh in 1989.
Dr. Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh in 1952.
The iconic “Rosie the Riveter / We Can Do It” poster was created by Pittsburgh artist J. Howard Miller. It was originally displayed at Pittsburgh’s Westinghouse Electric factory to boost employee morale during World War II.
Fred Rogers—“Mr. Rogers” of PBS fame—was from Pittsburgh. His show was produced by local public station WQED.
Bingo was invented in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh’s museum of art—founded by Andrew Carnegie—was the first modern art museum in the U.S.
