Commercial Solar Carports & Energy Storage: What You Need to Know

For businesses looking to embrace clean energy, solar carports provide a highly effective way to generate power while utilizing existing parking spaces. These structures create renewable energy and offer benefits like reducing energy costs and protecting vehicles from harsh weather. Pairing solar carports with energy storage takes this solution to the next level, allowing businesses to store surplus energy, reduce costs, and enhance energy security. This blog will explore the benefits of combining these technologies and how they can future-proof your operations.

What Are Commercial Solar Carports and Energy Storage?

Solar carports, or solar parking canopies, are structures installed over parking lots or the top level of parking garages. These steel-framed canopies support solar panels that generate electricity, which can then power business operations. Unlike rooftop or ground-mounted systems, solar carports utilize otherwise unused parking space to create renewable energy, making them a highly efficient option for commercial properties.

Energy storage complements solar carports by allowing businesses to store the energy generated during the day for use at night or during periods of peak demand. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) consist of interconnected batteries that store excess energy, ensuring that solar energy is available whenever needed. Together, solar carports and BESS create a powerful clean energy solution for businesses.

The Benefits of Commercial Solar Carports

Commercial solar carports numerous advantages for businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact and optimize energy use:

• Energy Savings: Solar carports generate renewable energy on-site, which can directly power your operations. In some cases, businesses can even produce more energy than they consume.
• Space Efficiency: Parking lots are typically underutilized spaces. You can transform these areas into productive energy-generating assets by installing solar canopies.
• Employee Comfort: Covered parking spaces provide shade and protection from weather, keeping vehicles cooler during hot months and reducing weather-related damage. This improves employee satisfaction and can even lower car energy use, as drivers won’t need to run their air conditioning as frequently.
• Environmental Impact: Solar carports significantly reduce your business's carbon footprint, contributing to your sustainability goals and showcasing your environmental commitment.
• PR and Branding Benefits: A solar carport demonstrates your dedication to green energy solutions. It enhances your corporate image and can attract customers and clients who value sustainability.

Solar carports can play a central role in a comprehensive sustainability strategy when combined with other clean energy solutions.

Why Bundle Solar Carports and Energy Storage?

While solar carports offer significant benefits on their own, pairing them with energy storage unlocks even more advantages:

1. Extends Solar Energy Use
   Solar energy generation is limited to daylight hours, but your energy needs likely extend beyond that time frame. You can use surplus energy in a BESS at night or during cloudy weather. This capability provides greater energy security and ensures your business remains operational during power outages.
2. Earn Monthly Utility Credits
   In regions with net metering programs, businesses can send excess solar energy to the grid in exchange for credits. These credits can offset your energy costs during periods of higher demand, effectively reducing your utility bills. Net metering can create a revenue stream for businesses that generate more energy than they use.
3. Participate in Energy Arbitrage
   Energy arbitrage allows businesses to buy electricity when prices are low and sell it when demand (and prices) are high. Energy storage will enable you to store solar energy generated during the day and deploy it strategically during peak demand periods, saving money and potentially earning additional revenue.
4. Economic and Future-Proofing Advantages
   Bundling solar carports and energy storage often makes financial sense, as installing both simultaneously can reduce overall project costs. Additionally, some states, such as California, mandate solar and storage integration for new construction, making this combination a forward-thinking choice for businesses looking to comply with evolving regulations.

Another Perk: Solar Parking Canopies with EV Chargers

Integrating EV chargers with solar parking canopies enhances their value, creating a multi-functional clean energy solution. Here are the key benefits:

• Leverage Both Technologies: Use solar-generated electricity to power EV chargers, reducing grid dependency and operational costs.
• Lower Costs and Emissions: Solar canopies produce emissions-free energy that can power buildings and EV chargers, cutting annual energy costs and carbon emissions.
• Support EV Drivers: Provide convenient and sheltered charging options for employees and customers. Covered charging stations enhance driver comfort by protecting vehicles from inclement weather and excessive heat.
• Create Revenue Streams: Charging a nominal fee for EV charging allows businesses to monetize this service, generating additional income.
• Streamline Logistics: Installing solar canopies and EV chargers together reduces project complexity, as both systems can be designed, permitted, and interconnected simultaneously.

They create a comprehensive, sustainable energy solution with solar carports, energy storage, and EV chargers.

We Saved the Best Perk for Last

Bundling solar carports, energy storage, and EV chargers maximizes sustainability and energy savings. Solar energy can power EV chargers directly, eliminating fossil fuel needs. Surplus energy is stored in batteries for later use, allowing businesses to meet their energy needs sustainably and cost-effectively. This integrated approach represents the future of clean energy and positions your business as a leader in sustainability.

Logistics for Solar Parking Canopies and Storage

To determine the best approach for installing solar parking canopies and energy storage, businesses should consider the following:

• Energy Needs: Assess your current and projected energy demands to determine how many solar panels and batteries will be required.
• Space Availability: Ensure your parking lot has enough room to accommodate solar canopies and a BESS without overcrowding.
• Budget Considerations: Plan for installation costs and evaluate long-term ROI to ensure the project aligns with your financial goals.

An on-site assessment is essential for tailoring these solutions to your unique needs and maximizing their effectiveness.

Contact Us to Begin Your Assessment

Solar energy offers businesses a powerful way to reduce their energy footprint, save on costs, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. By combining solar carports with energy storage and EV chargers, you can create a clean energy system that supports your business now and in the future. Contact PowerFlex today to schedule your assessment and take the first step toward a greener tomorrow.