If your business or apartment complex has a large parking area, you could benefit from a parking lot solar canopy. These canopies are an extra way to utilize your property, plus they have environmental benefits. Many desert businesses have already taken advantage of this unique way to meet their electrical needs. Discover more information about parking lot solar canopies for businesses and their benefits.
Parking lot solar canopies consist of raised solar canopies over a parking area. Like other solar panels, they have photovoltaic panels and an inverter to convert the electricity to AC. Some also have meters so you know how much energy you create and use off the grid.
Generally, the panels are positioned so vehicles can park under them. These panels are great for businesses with large power needs and where rooftop solar is not practical or sufficient.
Canopy styles vary, but you can categorize most of them into two basic types.
Architectural and tracking canopies often blend into the existing architecture. They often have a dual purpose in that they can also help with rain runoff. Many of these mounts have a motor that changes the position of the panels as the sunlight changes. This movement allows for maximum sunlight collection throughout the day.
A fixed tilt canopy is a basic solar panel system with tilted or flat panels. Their main function is to get the most of the available light with minimum construction and maintenance. They are perfect if you have a large parking lot and need many panels.
Like their rooftop cousins, parking lot solar canopies provide extra electrical benefits. If you have a large lot and many canopies, then you could generate power for your business. More power means you can run more equipment and keep your building cool without absorbing power from the local electrical grid.
The environmental benefits of a parking lot solar canopy are many and could be specifically beneficial for your business. Discover some benefits that a parking lot solar canopy may provide for you.
Your customers will appreciate the shade your solar panels supply. They are less likely to return to a hot car after they visit your business. If their car is cooler to begin with, they will spend less fuel trying to cool it down.
Parking lots are notorious producers of urban heat, especially a large one. When you cover the lot with a structure like a solar panel, you reduce the radiant heat that contributes to excess warming.
When you use less electricity from the grid, you will reduce the amount of electricity you use from the grid. Many of these other sources use fossil fuels that contribute to environmental issues.
A parking lot solely used for cars is relatively unproductive. With solar panels, you get two uses in one space without impeding either use.
When you install solar panels in a parking lot, you show your commitment to green energy. This show of commitment could give you a competitive edge over other businesses in the area, especially if you are one of the few with parking lot solar panels.
If you plan to redo your parking area or are in the process of building one, then consider a parking lot solar canopy. Many of your customers and residents will appreciate its direct and indirect benefits. When you are ready to take the steps towards a parking lot solar canopy, give Harmon Solar a call. You can see some of our previous work on our website. Then, contact us with a call, text, or email.