Solar canopies: More and more people are driving electric vehicles all the time. As a property owner, being aware that it can take 30 minutes or longer to charge is a good thing, since if it's in the middle of the summer with the sun beating down, electric vehicle owners would appreciate the shade while they wait. And if they have to wait, having a sign near your chargers advertising your commercial tenants would be a great way to send business their way that would be worthy of an extra monthly payment for the advertising.
Solar canopies that are sized with a ground footprint fitting single parking spaces can provide shade for a parked vehicle while simultaneously charging that vehicle or powering other applications. One canopy in particular can be installed by just 2 people in 4 hours, making it a quick and easy solution for property owners looking to add solar energy production to their parking areas.
Battery storage: With these units, property owners can store excess renewable energy produced by solar panels or other sources during peak production times, and then use that energy when demand is higher or when renewable production is low. This can help reduce energy costs and provide a more reliable source of energy at all times, not only during power outages or emergencies.
Geothermal heat: This technology uses the constant temperature of the earth to provide heating and cooling for buildings. By tapping into this renewable energy source, property owners can significantly reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions.
Imagine a commercial property owner who installs six parking spaces of solar canopies, each with EV charging capability. By using renewable energy from the solar panels to charge electric vehicles instead of relying on traditional fossil fuels, the property owner can save on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, the battery storage technology can help the property owner save even more money by allowing them to store excess energy produced during peak solar production times and use it later when energy demand is higher.
Furthermore, if the property owner also invests in geothermal heat, they can further reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions by using a renewable energy source for heating and cooling instead of relying on traditional HVAC systems. This combination of renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the property while also providing significant cost savings over time.
The UC San Diego Microgrid project has been operational since 2018. It cost $13 million to build, but has offered $12 million of savings in annual energy costs. The microgrid utilizes a combination of energy storage, solar PV, and fuel cells to provide reliable and sustainable power to the university campus. The key benefits of the microgrid include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing backup power during grid outages, and reducing energy costs for the university. Additionally, the project serves as a model for other campuses and communities looking to implement sustainable energy solutions.
Ball State University's geothermal project has been operational since 2014. The project cost $83 million and took 5 years to complete, but it resulted in 47 buildings (5.5 million square feet) are able to be heated and cooled with 500 billion BTUs of renewable energy. The project saved the university $2.2-$2.5 million annually in energy costs, 45 million gallons of water, and 75,000 tons of CO2 emissions while resulting in the creation of 2,300 jobs in Indiana where the university is located.