{"id":9763,"date":"2018-10-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-10-09T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"uncategorized\/is-a-solar-parking-canopy-right-for-your-organization\/"},"modified":"2020-07-29T15:25:25","modified_gmt":"2020-07-29T15:25:25","slug":"solar-parking-canopy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"news\/solar-parking-canopy\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Solar Parking Canopy Right For Your Organization?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A solar parking canopy provides shade for cars and generates clean, sustainable energy. But does this dual purpose PV installation make sense for your organization? <\/em><\/p>\n

Solar Parking Canopy: Does It Make Sense?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The benefits of going solar are greater than ever and organizations ready to benefit both financially and environmentally are looking for ways to share in the savings. Below we\u2019ll uncover the benefits of installing a solar parking canopy and help you decide whether a PV canopy is right for you.<\/p>\n

What is a Solar Parking Canopy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A solar parking canopy is a double-duty elevated structure located in paved area, that not only provides shade for cars, but also hosts solar panels. As an alternative to rooftop solar, solar parking canopies are installed above parking lots, yet considered ground-mounted solar. The difference between a typical ground mount installation is that a parking canopy is taller to accommodate space for a car to park beneath.<\/p>\n

What are the Benefits of a Solar Parking Canopy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The usage of solar parking canopies has grown in popularity across the US as organizations embrace the benefits of renewable energy. Solar parking canopies allow companies to rely less on the power grid and lower their energy costs. Benefits include:<\/p>\n

Offers Weather Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Providing protection from the sun, snow or rain, parking canopies keep employees and customers happy, drier and cooler. Walks to and from vehicles in inclement or extreme weather days become more bearable.<\/p>\n

Cool and fuel-efficient, the protections also extend to the atmosphere. Consider that a cooler vehicle doesn\u2019t have to work as hard as when the A\/C is on full blast. A covered vehicle therefore uses less energy and pushes out less harmful emissions into the environment.<\/p>\n

Show your commitment to sustainability- it\u2019s a powerful motivator for consumers.<\/p>\n

Maximize Space<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Availability of land space continues to be an issue for many organizations who want to invest in solar. For companies that want to go solar, but lack room, a solar parking canopy makes good sense. In fact, a previous study by the U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that only 26 percent of small buildings have rooftop areas suitable for a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system.<\/p>\n

Organizations with their own parking lots can take advantage of this existing space to create a solar energy PV system, without cannibalizing green space. No matter the size of your building, a solar parking canopy also allows real estate owners to customize installation for optimal solar production.<\/p>\n

Maximize your available space without compromising functionality.<\/p>\n

Significant Savings<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With unpredictable electricity costs, a solar parking canopy can hedge against utility rate increases and keep energy bills more predictable. By stabilizing a business\u2019 cash flow, it can also present an opportunity to invest in energy savings.<\/p>\n

While initial costs can be a concern for some, solar incentives can help. The solar tax credit<\/a><\/u> allows a federal tax deduction of 30 percent of the amount you spend on installing a qualified solar energy system or solar water heater. This includes solar carports.<\/p>\n

Who Should Invest In a Solar Parking Canopy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As an increasingly popular way for organizations to take advantage of solar power and utilize open space, a solar parking canopy is an optimal choice for:<\/p>\n