Solar Carport Canopies; Building Solutions in Crowded Spaces

Jennifer Hatch
Username
Jennifer Hatch
Proposer First Name
Jennifer
Proposer Email
jen@revisionenergy.com
Proposer Last Name
Hatch
Proposer Company/Organization
Jennifer Hatch
Proposer Phone
(207) 756-2954
Proposer Job Title
Commercial Sales Support
Proposed Session Description
Solar canopies offer an innovative solution to congested areas where developing ground mount systems are challenging, or where roof space is crowded with mechanical equipment. In any location—urban, suburban, or rural—space is a premium and building multi-functional assets is forward thinking and often cost effective. Solar parking lot canopies can create covered walkways and carports that establish protected routes and comfortable access during inclement weather. Solar canopies can also help to alleviate urban heat island effects. In this session we’ll review two case studies, discussing project highlights and lessons learned. In 2020 the City of Boston invested in a 261kW solar electric parking garage canopy at the police headquarters as part of its Renew Boston Trust initiative. This carport canopy consists of 707 solar panels that reduce the amount of power the building draws from the grid, producing over 240,000 kWh annually. Oyster River Middle School in Durham, NH installed a 357kW carport canopy in 2021 consisting of 803 solar panels producing 380,847 kWh.

Comments

Anna Heath Sun, 11/14/2021 - 12:58 pm

Maybe. Interested in this from a cost standpoint too. Not sure how it ties into the theme but I get that it will be important for our future. I would like to see more thought on the relationship to the theme and if additional speakers could enrich the conversation.

Mark Schow Tue, 11/16/2021 - 12:56 pm

Round 1: Yes, I think this is a good practical session.  We're all familiar with PV and there are a number of technical constraints related to car ports (snow and rain).  Hopeully they also talk about integration with EV charging.  There can be some savings by installing both systems.

Mark Schow Sun, 12/12/2021 - 9:53 pm

Round 2 - Probably Yes.  I still think this is a great practical session on PV panels - specifically car ports and EV charging stations. I think Revision Energy is the best in the business for PV and I think this session can cover many aspects like incentives, typical ROI's, and utility approvals.  Not enough buildings (new and renovation) are getting PV panels and I think this could be a great session to discuss the current status of PV.  Only concern is that there are so many other great presentations and if there is a spot in the field for this one. 

Learning Objectives
Discuss areas in which carport canopies would make for great solutions for solar installations.
Identify challenges of carport installations.
Describe through case studies how carport solutions can work to offset electric loads.
Explore benefits to carport canopies in addition to offsetting electric loads.
Session Format
Interview or structured conversation among panelists
Recommended Length
60-minute session
Reviewer 1
Schow, Mark
Reviewer 2
Schow, Mark
Proposal #
152
Committee Decision
Being Considered

Presenters

Full Description
How do we work to solve the climate crisis in areas where land is constrained, how do we help to mitigate heat island effects.