The movement towards renewable energy is one of the worst-kept secrets in the US energy sector, with many businesses and new builders gravitating towards the most widely available and applicable renewable energy- solar. Besides reducing your carbon footprint, there are a range of other benefits for businesses that choose to go solar. For example, the price of solar panels has seen a 70% drop since 2014 as business from all over the country transform the way they consume energy. However, a business may wonder if solar can easily be implemented into their commercial property and if so, what their options are. 

With modern technology come modern problems. Commercial properties often do not have enough space for solar panels because the roof of their property does not receive the amount of sunlight required to generate enough solar energy to reduce non-renewable energy consumption. Fortunately, there are other options for solar installation, namely carports and solar canopies, an attractive prospect for businesses looking to go solar.

Carports and solar canopies are perhaps the most straightforward way of incorporating solar effectively into your business. Solar canopies are elevated structures with solar panels on the top. They provide shade and are a space-efficient way of converting to solar energy. Solar carports are individually covered parking slots with roofs made of solar panels. Solar carports include EV chargers powered by the solar panels attached to them. 

Solar carports and canopies are not only a great option for businesses with limited space but are also eligible for a range of state-wise incentives and rebates for businesses that implement them for the use of employees or the public. However, in order for your switch to truly make a difference, you need to select a top solar installation service that can accurately evaluate your circumstances and give you the best advice. IE Construction’s seasoned professionals can help you achieve your goals and make the most of your solar installation. 

The fact is that while every business might not have a functional roof with space for solar panels, it will have parking spaces for its various employees and the public. By taking advantage of the space available, you can offset your energy bills up to 100%, cultivate a sustainable image and encourage the community around you to switch to electric vehicles. In addition, solar carports and canopies keep vehicles safe and dry, add to the visual value of your property, and have plenty of scope for customization.

IE Construction has plenty of experience with the design and installation of customizable, space-efficient solar carports and canopies. A simple solar canopy can instantly turn your parking lot into a self-sufficient power station capable of powering both EV chargers and your business. As the US searches for ways to encourage the widespread use of solar energy, innovative solutions like solar canopies solve the issues associated with roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panels which often aren’t feasible in an urban environment. 

Even in urban environments, there are parking lots that are present in almost every business and are currently underutilized. While ground-mounted solar systems are an alternative to roof-mounted systems, businesses often find that they simply can’t dedicate the necessary area for a ground-mounted solar system and regularly face issues with shade and obstructions that limit the potential output of such a solar installation. That’s why many ground-mounted solar systems are installed in rural areas where space isn’t such a valuable commodity. 

The beauty of a solar canopy is that it is raised in such a manner that cars can easily park underneath them and plug into the EV charger. Therefore, any business with a parking lot can easily utilize the same space for solar. What’s more, electric vehicles are set to take over the country in the coming years, which is why making the switch to solar can give your business a head start before EV chargers become widespread and are no longer incentivized. 

Parking lots require resources to be maintained and do not usually generate any revenue. As of February 2022, 5% of the US is covered with parking lots. This means that there are more than half a million square kilometers of parking space available in this country, all ready to be converted into solar canopies! With our expertise and track record of providing the highest quality turnkey solar solutions to businesses, IE Construction is the ideal solar installation service to help you convert your parking lot into a source of clean solar energy! Contact us today!