The Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program has driven significant solar deployment in the state since its establishment in 2018. Businesses, schools, municipalities, and nonprofits are taking advantage of the state’s strong incentives to generate additional revenue while contributing to greener communities.
But what if your roof won’t support solar and you don’t have the space for a ground-mounted system? Or, maybe you already have one of these installations and are looking for the opportunity to invest in more? You’ll find the answer by simply looking out your office window at your parking lot.
The Advantages of Solar Canopies and Carports
Solar canopies and carports provide viable options with benefits for both commercial and industrial (C&I) and public entities. These elevated structures can accommodate solar photovoltaic (PV) panels over existing parking areas.
Such systems offer clever use of already developed land. Think about it; you’re already maintaining the lot for parking, why not make it a revenue-generating asset?
Just like rooftop and ground-mounted PV, solar canopies connect to your building to provide power for your operations. This can lower your electric bills, thereby decreasing your overhead and maximizing your tax dollars while allowing you to invest in other critical initiatives and resources.
But the best part is that solar canopy and carport structures inherently provide additional benefits. Ever get into a blistering car on a hot summer day, or scramble to gather your things soaking in a storm? Canopies and carports help keep vehicles cool and dry. Likewise – maybe even more important here in Massachusetts – they shelter spaces from snow, reducing the need to plow and increasing safety during the icy winter months.
Canopies and carports also add a nice distinguishing element to your property. Unlike rooftop solar above people’s heads or ground-mount systems that may be hidden in the back, carports create a strong visual presence. Visible solar structures demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. Employees and clients value companies with cultures that emphasize investing in the environment. Also, solar installations at schools and municipalities show support for community-wide green initiatives.
A Variety of Options and Add-Ons
The process to implement a solar canopy or carport is similar to rooftop solar as far as identifying the ideal site and doing preliminary design and sizing. The only difference is that vertical construction requires another layer of permitting. As a leader in solar carports and canopies, Solect Energy can help navigate this process with proven technology and methods, offering a variety of choices for your structure.
- "T” Canopy: We can build this structure over single or head-to-head, double-row parking lots. This is the most common and cost-effective solution for a majority of customers.
- Long-Span Canopy: This structure extends from one row of parking across the aisle into the next.
- "V” Canopy: In this design, panels are paired in the shape of a “V.” This dual-axis approach places panels on multiple slopes to optimize based on the sun’s position and generate electricity for a longer period.
Solect also offers some interesting add-ons to provide more benefits to your canopy or carport.
- Column Wraps: Wrap your columns with covers that include your logo or tagline for a prominent and fun branding opportunity.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers: With a growing number of EVs on the road, adding charging stations can enhance convenience for employees and visitors while further strengthening your commitment to clean energy.
- Energy Storage: Adding batteries to your installation provides many other benefits including maximizing your solar energy use, powering critical loads during an outage, and reducing demand charges, which can account for up to 70% of your electricity bill. This is a highly beneficial solution for Massachusetts ratepayers who experience some of the highest demand charges in the country, especially those in demand charge load zones.
Financing and Incentives
Just like with rooftop solar, C&I and public sector customers can finance their canopy or carport through a simple and convenient Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in which Solect constructs, maintains, operates, and owns a solar system on your property. You purchase the energy at a discounted rate for 15+ years, at a cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) well below your current utility rate. Direct ownership, of course, is also an option.
Customers can also take advantage of generous federal and state incentives to help improve the economics of your array. Just like with other forms of solar, customers who choose to own the array can qualify for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offered by the federal government. Also, as Massachusetts pushes to meet or exceed its greenhouse gas reduction goal, the state has overhauled its SMART incentive program to provide opportunities for even more savings.
C&I customers can qualify for incentives such as:
- Federal ITC
- Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) and net-metering programs, and special “adders” that can earn customers of Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil an increased incentive award for options like solar carports and battery storage
Municipalities and schools can qualify for incentives such as:
- Federal ITC
- Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) and net-metering programs, and special “adders” that can earn customers of Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil an increased incentive award for options like solar carports and battery storage
- Additional incentives for public projects
- Additional incentives for low-income areas
But you have to act fast. Both the ITC and SMART are declining block programs so incentives decrease over time. Early adopters get the best savings.
These savings are a welcome reward to many public entities and businesses struggling through the current health and economic crisis, in addition to doing your part in addressing climate change. Many businesses and public entities have already taken steps to embrace sustainability and more continue to move in this direction every day.
Solect is ready to equip your property with solar canopies and carports, or the most appropriate solution for you to provide the maximum long-term benefits for your organization and community well into the future to POWER YOUR TOMORROW.
Contact us today to find out how your business or community can benefit from a solar carport or canopy on your property.
