Rooftop & parking lot solar opportunities for government agencies have become increasingly necessary to meet various mission-driven goals for sustainability and energy transition. Installing solar panels on rooftops or parking lot canopies is an efficient option for governments to generate their own carbon-free electricity behind the meter.
Additionally, there are opportunities to sell any excess power to the grid. Rooftop and parking lot solar energy is beneficial for the environment. It utilizes empty rooftops and existing impervious surfaces to generate electricity instead of requiring a large piece of land.
LandGate's experts use advanced technology to help government agencies find the value of rooftop and parking lot solar projects. Solar developers are actively looking at LandGate's marketplace for opportunities to develop rooftop and parking lot solar projects.
Assessing The Solar Energy Potential On Public Facilities
Government agencies play a crucial role in spearheading and executing sustainable practices to effectively combat climate change. Government facilities also must set the tone for privately owned facilities by meeting the various clean-energy goals set at the Federal, State, and Local levels. An example of this is the commitment between the U.S. Department of Energy and Xcel Energy ‘to provide Federal facilities in Colorado with 100% carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030”.
In addition to innovative partnerships like Xcel and the DoE, another innovative solution that can be explored is the installation of solar panels on public rooftops and parking canopies. By conducting thorough assessments and realizing the untapped potential of this renewable energy resource, government agencies can not only drive sustainability initiatives but also decrease their reliance on fossil fuels, thus paving the way for a greener and more environmentally friendly future.
Evaluating government facilities for rooftop solar involves finding suitable sites, assessing energy generation, and analyzing economic feasibility. Factors like:
Sun exposure
Available roof space
Structural integrity
Proximity to power grids
These all should be taken into consideration during this project evaluation process. By leveraging advanced technologies like LandGate’s platform, it is easy to assess multiple property assets at once to determine the best sites.
There are a growing number of local governments making the switch to be more energy efficient by powering office buildings and other structures with solar arrays. Over the last five years, Christopher Brown, the head of Montgomery County's Office of Energy and Sustainability, mentioned the installation of solar panels on libraries, recreation centers, and a fire station. Brown emphasized that by adopting this technology, Montgomery County intends to serve as a model for other counties and cities, showcasing the advantages of solar initiatives.
Financial Incentives & Funding Mechanisms For Government Agencies
Financial incentives and funding mechanisms play a crucial role in encouraging government agencies to embrace rooftop solar power. Several options exist to support these initiatives. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) gives a tax credit of up to 26% of the total cost for solar installations. This incentive significantly reduces upfront expenses, making rooftop solar more financially feasible for government agencies.
Some state and local programs offer money or loans to encourage the use of renewable energy on public lands. These financial incentives can offset installation costs and accelerate the return on investment for government agencies. PPAs allow third-party developers to install and maintain solar systems on government buildings without any upfront payment. This makes it an attractive financing option.
The agency then purchases the generated electricity at a predetermined rate over an agreed-upon period. PPAs enable governments to access clean energy without bearing the initial financial burden.
Both BLM and the Department of Energy offer financial assistance and incentives to encourage the development of solar energy projects. This can include grants, loans, or funding programs to support research, development, and deployment of solar technologies, including rooftop solar installations.
The Advantages Of Utilizing Rooftop Solar Power On Government-Owned Properties
Harnessing the power of rooftop solar panels on government-owned properties offers numerous advantages that extend beyond environmental sustainability. Firstly, solar energy reduces reliance on traditional fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. Government can fight climate change by using solar power and other renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, implementing solar panels on public lands provides an opportunity for cost savings.
As electricity prices continue to rise, government agencies can benefit from reduced utility bills by generating their own clean energy. This not only helps allocate budget resources more efficiently but also frees up funds for other critical public services and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, installing rooftop solar systems enhances energy resiliency and security for government buildings. Generating electricity onsite reduces vulnerability to power outages caused by natural disasters or grid failures.
To achieve sustainable energy goals, government agencies are increasingly exploring rooftop solar potential on public lands. Mapping and assessing these opportunities is crucial for maximizing solar potential and ensuring efficient utilization of available resources.
The first step in this process involves comprehensive mapping to identify suitable rooftops for solar installations. Utilizing advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and aerial surveys, agencies can assess the solar irradiance levels, shading analysis, and roof conditions of public buildings.
This data-driven approach enables accurate identification of rooftops with high solar potential. Simultaneously, conducting detailed feasibility studies is vital to assess the economic viability of rooftop solar projects. These studies consider factors such as installation costs, energy savings, payback periods, and potential revenue streams through net metering or power purchase agreements.
