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With the increasing popularity of electrical vehicles and the growing demand for renewable energy, finding solutions to harness solar power in limited urban spaces is becoming crucial. Sunzaun offers an innovative solution to this problem by introducing vertical solar arrays in parking areas. In this article, we will explore the key advantages of implementing vertical solar panels in your parking lot.

Innovative Vertical Design for Parking Lots

One of the main advantages of Sunzaun’s vertical solar panels is their innovative design, which allows for installation in parking lots where constructing a carport may not be feasible. Traditional solar panels are typically installed on rooftops or open fields, but Sunzaun’s vertical design makes it possible to utilize the vertical space available in parking areas.

By installing vertical solar panels, you can make the most of your parking lot without sacrificing the parking space. These panels are designed to be slim and vertical, taking up minimal horizontal space. This innovation revolutionizes solar panel installation and opens up new possibilities for solar energy utilization in urban areas.

A vertical solar system also contributes to the increased value of your property and demonstrates your commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Extra Income and Reduced Utility Expenses

Implementing vertical solar panels in your parking lot not only helps the environment but also provides you with additional financial benefits. The energy generated by the solar panels can create an extra income stream for you or help reduce your utility expenses, leading to improved grid independence.

By selling excess solar power back to the grid, you can generate revenue and offset the initial investment of installing the vertical solar panels. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also contributes to a more sustainable financial future. Additionally, by relying on solar power for your parking lot’s energy needs, you can reduce your reliance on conventional energy sources and decrease your utility costs over time.

Increased Property Value and Alignment with ESG Standards

Investing in vertical solar panels for your parking area goes beyond providing financial benefits. It also contributes to the increased value of your property and demonstrates your commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

As sustainability becomes a key factor in property valuation, properties equipped with renewable energy solutions like vertical solar panels tend to have higher market value and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers or tenants. By aligning with ESG standards and showcasing your efforts to reduce carbon emissions, you can attract a wider audience that recognizes the importance of sustainability.

Furthermore, implementing vertical solar panels can contribute to achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certifications. LEED certifications are internationally recognized as a symbol of excellence in sustainable building practices. By installing vertical solar panels in your parking lot, you can enhance your property’s eligibility for LEED certifications, which further enhances its marketability and reputation.

Conclusion

Sunzaun’s vertical solar panels offer a game-changing solution to make the most of limited urban spaces and meet the growing demand for renewable energy. By utilizing vertical space in parking lots, you can install solar panels without compromising parking areas or requiring complex carport constructions. The advantages of implementing vertical solar panels include the innovative design for parking lots, extra income generation or reduced utility expenses, increased property value, and alignment with ESG standards.

If you are interested in learning more about Sunzaun’s vertical solar panels for parking lots and the numerous benefits they offer, we invite you to reach out to us. Our team is ready to assist you in exploring the possibilities of integrating vertical solar arrays into your parking area and contributing to a more sustainable and financially rewarding future.

The Challenge

As the world’s population continues to urbanize, the demand for energy in cities is growing rapidly. The electrical demand in urban areas in California is expected to increase by 30% in the next 10 years. This increase is being driven by a number of factors, including:

• The growth of the population in urban areas
• The increasing use of electric vehicles
• The shift to heat pumps

The California Independent System Operator (#CAISO) projects that the state’s peak demand will reach 68,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030. This is up from 45,000 MW in 2020. The majority of this growth will be in urban areas, as these areas are home to the majority of the state’s population and economic activity.

The Way Out

These increases in demand will put a strain on the state’s electric grid. However, by investing in #renewableenergy and #energyefficiency, California can meet this demand in a sustainable way. BUT – how do we get there?

The shift to #electrifyeverything has to be countered by more generation capacity. One way to address this problem is to increase the amount of renewable energy generation in urban areas. #Verticalsolar is a promising option for generating renewable energy in cities.

Vertical Solar

Vertical solar panels can be installed on the sides of buildings, bridges, fences, sound walls, and other structures. This makes them a good fit for urban areas, where there is often limited space for traditional solar panels. As this is a very new field of application for solar modules, not all applications and advantages have been discovered. Some are:

• Saving space: The vertical installation of #bifacialpvmodules can generate more electricity per square foot.
• Innovative Use Cases: The vertical design offers new ways to install solar in urban areas that are not suitable for conventional installations like parking lots or gas stations.
• Noise Reduction: Vertical solar panels also have the potential to reduce noise pollution. The panels can be used to absorb sound waves, which can help to create a more peaceful environment.
• Dual Use: They can be used to provide #shade, to create privacy, or to even act as a #barrier.
• Increased property value: Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell for more than homes without solar panels.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar panels generate electricity without emitting any greenhouse gases. This can help to reduce the carbon footprint of a building or city and support ESG efforts!
• Improved resilience: A localized energy system is more resilient to natural disasters and other disruptions. If one part of the system is damaged, the other parts can continue to operate.
• Local Economic Benefits: Localized energy production can create jobs and boost the local economy. The installation and maintenance of solar panels, for example, requires skilled workers.
• Less Transmission: Less need for costly new transmission and distribution level projects.
• Need & Speed: Vertical solar solutions can be installed where they are needed – like next to EV charging stations paired with storage – and when they are needed.

Conclusion

Vertical solar is a promising technology that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the future of urban energy.

#dreamvertical is key – we need to find, develop and imagine urban solutions for an #energyhungry society – #verticalsolar will be one component of the solution!

Let us know what you think at Sunzaun Sunstall Inc.

Can vegetables thrive in the shade or under blue light? How can agrivoltaics and vertical solar help conserve irrigation water and boost crop yield while providing renewable energy for the country? These questions are at the core of the research conducted by Prof. Majdi Abou Najm’s team at the University of California, Davis.

To investigate these inquiries, the researchers have set up a test field where diverse plant species are grown under varying light conditions. The field is equipped with light filters that record relevant data throughout the plant growth process.

Recently, the research facility expanded to incorporate vertical solar arrays from Sunzaun. Prof. Abou Najm and his students anticipate significant discoveries in the Water-Energy-Food nexus. But what exactly is the connection between solar panels and agriculture?

Solar and Agriculture – A Perfect Match?

The practice of growing crops underneath or alongside solar panels, known as agrivoltaics or solar farming, can have a positive impact on crop yield. There are multiple ways in which solar panels influence crop growth:

Shading and Reduced Water Requirements:
Solar panels provide shade to the crops, reducing water evaporation from the soil and alleviating water stress on the plants. Some crops benefit from reduced sunlight exposure, as excessive light can lead to stress and water loss. Shading crops under solar panels can result in lower irrigation water requirements and promote efficient water usage [source: World Economic Forum].

Cooling Effect:
Solar panels intercept sunlight and create a cooling effect, regulating temperature and reducing heat stress on crops, especially during hot weather conditions. Cooler temperatures facilitate better plant growth, enhance photosynthesis rates, and improve overall crop productivity [source: Cornell University].

Protection from Extreme Weather:
Solar panels act as a protective barrier against extreme weather events like heavy precipitation or hailstorms. They shield crops from direct impact, mitigating the risk of damage and crop loss [source: Wired].

Long-Term Economic Benefits:
Agrivoltaic systems, where solar panels and agriculture coexist, offer economic advantages. The cooling effect provided by panels enhances the longevity and efficiency of solar modules, extending their overall lifespan. This longevity translates to long-term economic benefits for farmers and solar energy producers [source: Cornell University].

Research and experiments in agrivoltaics have shown promising results. For instance, studies have demonstrated successful growth of crops such as cilantro, peppers, and tomatoes under solar panels, with comparable or improved growth rates and reduced water usage compared to crops grown in open fields [source: Wired]. By combining renewable energy generation and increased agricultural productivity, agrivoltaics presents an innovative and sustainable approach to optimize land use and support food production.

Crops Next to Vertical Solar

The research team at UC Davis chose to install the panels on Sunzaun’s vertical racking structure, which offers a small spatial footprint and allows farmers to move their harvesters between the rows. Additionally, the east and west facing bifacial panels generate most of the power in the morning and afternoon, aligning better with electricity demand compared to traditional south-facing inclined systems (read our post about the duck curve here).

This research project will contribute to find out which configurations are the best combination of agriculture and solar energy. In this way, Agrivoltaics can both make food production more resilient and decarbonize the electricity supply. Sunzaun is grateful to be part of this and is excited to see the initial research results.

If you would like to learn more about vertical solar systems for agricultural applications, feel free to contact us!

A Day of Exploring Sustainable Agriculture through Solar Energy Integration

The California Germany Agrivoltaics Conference is set to take place at UC Davis on November 1st, 2023, from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. This exciting one-day event promises to be a day of inspiration, innovation, and discovery for anyone with an interest in the intersection of solar energy and agriculture.

More than 200 attendees, including agrivoltaic experts, corporates, policy-makers, founders, researchers, academia, developers, and farmers from California and Germany will converge to share their knowledge and best practices.

Use the registration link to save your ticket!

The conference is hosted by the German American Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Aztec Solar, Solar4America, and Sunzaun, making it one of the most anticipated events in the field of agrivoltaics.

Attendees can look forward to a packed day of engaging talks, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, exploring the latest advances and trends in agrivoltaics.

Attendees can look forward to a packed day of engaging talks, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, exploring the latest advances and trends in agrivoltaics. They will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts and practitioners in the field, exchange ideas, and collaborate on innovative solutions that will help shape the future of sustainable agriculture and energy.

Topics

The conference will cover a wide range of topics related to agrivoltaics, including the benefits of agrivoltaics for farmers and developers, farm optimization, existing technologies and types of agrivoltaic PV systems, resilience and sustainability for energy and farming, and possible partnerships between California and Germany.

During the conference, attendees will be able to engage with experts and gain practical insights into the latest developments and innovations in the field. They will also learn about successful agrivoltaic projects and the challenges that were overcome during the implementation process.

One of the key topics of the conference will be the benefits of agrivoltaics for farmers and developers. This session will explore how the integration of solar energy and agriculture can lead to increased profitability, reduced water use, and improved soil health. Attendees will learn about the different strategies and technologies used to implement agrivoltaic projects, and how these projects can bring about positive economic, social, and environmental impacts.

Another important topic that will be covered during the conference is farm optimization. This session will explore how agrivoltaics can be used to optimize farm operations and increase efficiency. Attendees will learn about the different types of agrivoltaic systems and how they can be designed to maximize energy production and crop yield.

The conference will also cover the latest advances in agrivoltaic PV systems, including the different types of systems and their applications. Attendees will learn about the existing technologies and how they can be used to generate renewable energy while simultaneously supporting sustainable agriculture.

In addition, the conference will explore resilience and sustainability for energy and farming. This session will cover how agrivoltaics can help increase energy and food security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil health. Attendees will learn about the various benefits that agrivoltaics can bring to sustainable agriculture and energy systems, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome to implement these projects successfully.

Finally, the conference will examine possible partnerships between California and Germany. This session will explore how the two regions can work together to advance the adoption of agrivoltaics and create a more sustainable future for agriculture and energy.

Attendees can expect to leave the conference feeling inspired, energized, and equipped with the knowledge and connections to drive change in their organizations and communities. The conference will provide a platform for attendees to network with peers, share their experiences, and explore potential collaborations.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to save the date and join us for an exciting and informative day of exploring the intersection of solar energy and agriculture!

What is the duck curve?

The duck curve is a phenomenon that occurs in some regions with high solar power penetration, where the electricity demand drops during midday hours when solar power generation is high, and then ramps up rapidly as the sun sets and solar power generation decreases. This creates a mismatch between electricity supply and demand, which can strain the electricity grid and increase the need for fossil fuel-based power generation. 

Fattening and Flattening

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) describes two ways of re-shaping the duck chart: To “fatten” the curve and to “flatten” the curve. Fattening means increasing the flexibility of power systems to allow them to start and stop more frequently. Flattening is shifting load and supply so that the power supply meets the demand.   

Vertical solar panels can help to flatten the duck curve by producing power during the hours when demand is highest. This is because vertical panels are more efficient at capturing sunlight when the sun is low in the sky, such as in the morning and evening. Additionally, vertical panels can be installed on buildings, which can help to reduce the amount of land that is needed for solar power generation. Vertical solar panels can also be integrated into farmland which increases the land use efficiency as well.

This will give us power when we actually need it.

David Harde, the owner of a Californian Winery emphasizes the supply benefits of the Sunzaun installation on his vineyard: 

“I think it will do very well, producing a great amount of power in the morning. Midday – not so much. And then in the later afternoon, in contrast with horizontal designed systems. Those systems produce more efficiently in the midday, but they fall off in the morning and are inefficient in the afternoon. So this will give us power when we actually need it.”

Advantages of vertical solar panels for the grid

Vertical solar panels are a promising technology that can help to mitigate the duck curve and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Here are some additional details about how vertical solar panels can help to support the duck curve:

• Vertical solar panels can be installed on buildings, which can help to reduce the amount of land that is needed for solar power generation. This is important because land is a scarce resource in California.
• Vertical solar panels are more efficient at capturing sunlight when the sun is low in the sky, such as in the morning and evening. This is when demand for electricity is highest, so vertical solar panels can help to meet this demand.
• Vertical solar panels can be installed on a variety of surfaces, including rooftops, parking lots, and even the sides of buildings. This makes them a versatile option for solar power generation.
• Vertical solar panels are a relatively new technology, so they are still being developed. However, they have the potential to play a significant role in the future of solar power generation
• Reducing the need for transmission infrastructure: Installing vertical solar on buildings in densely populated areas can reduce the need for expensive transmission infrastructure to deliver electricity from remote power plants to urban areas. This can help to minimize the strain on the grid during periods of high demand and improve grid reliability

Overall, vertical solar can help to address the challenges posed by the duck curve by increasing solar power generation capacity, shifting solar generation to peak demand hours, and reducing the need for long-distance transmission lines.

#duckcurve #dreamvertical #agrisolar #agrivoltaics #solarchitecture

I just went to the Solar Farm Summit, presented and spoke to the experts in the industry – one topic never came up – How will #esg requirements from companies like Cocacola Now and Walmart  influence agricultural photovoltaics?

Just to make sure that everybody understands the terms – please google for more context – ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ; #apv ( agricultural photovoltaics)/ #agrivoltaics  / #agrisolar  are kind of the same.

ESG requirements from companies like Coca-Cola and Walmart are likely to have a significant impact on APV, which is the practice of integrating solar panels into agricultural lands.

Firstly, these companies have committed to reducing their #carbonfootprint  and promoting sustainable practices in their operations, which will require them to procure renewable energy. APV is a form of renewable energy that can be integrated into agricultural production and help reduce the carbon footprint of these companies. Therefore, the ESG requirements of these companies may drive the adoption of APV by their suppliers and partners. And not only that they will ask and require their suppliers to follow similar regiments to reduce the carbon footprint they will ask for strategic plans to get there and reports on the success.

ESG requirements are increasingly becoming a factor in investment decisions, with investors looking for companies that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility.

Secondly, APV can offer several benefits to #farmers , including providing an additional source of income, reducing water evaporation, and improving crop yield. By promoting the adoption of APV, these companies can encourage sustainable agricultural practices and support local communities. Given the ESG requirements farmers will be asked to support the goal of #carbonneutrality – it will be a challenge but also a huge opportunity through #solarfarming.

Finally, ESG requirements are increasingly becoming a factor in investment decisions, with investors looking for companies that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. The adoption of APV can enhance the ESG profile of companies in the agriculture sector and help them attract more socially responsible investment.

In summary, the ESG requirements of companies like Coca-Cola and Walmart are likely to drive the adoption of APV in the agriculture sector, promoting sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprint, and improving the ESG profile of companies in the sector.

And the Oscar goes to THE FARMERS!! They will be asked to help!

I feel with the solutions we have seen over the last days at the conference the AG and solar community is ready to support the ESG goals!

March 20, 2023 by Helge Biernath

Talos, the ancient greek ancestor of todays AI tools you can see on this drachma, used to swim around Crete three times daily. Nowadays, some authors use ChatGPT three times daily to answer their questions or even get their work done. Well, we were curious to see what the chatbot can teach us about the solar industry. We asked for a text about vertical solar and this is what showed up:

One of the primary benefits of vertical PV systems is their ability to conserve land space

“Vertical photovoltaic (PV) systems are a new and innovative way of harnessing solar energy, and they have gained popularity in recent years due to their many benefits. In a vertical PV system, solar panels are installed on the sides of buildings or structures, instead of on the roof. This allows for the use of otherwise unused vertical space and makes it possible to generate electricity in densely populated urban areas.

One of the primary benefits of vertical PV systems is their ability to conserve land space. In urban areas, where land is scarce and valuable, vertical PV systems allow for the generation of electricity without taking up valuable real estate. Additionally, vertical PV systems can be aesthetically pleasing and add to the overall appearance of a building.

Another advantage of vertical PV systems is that they can reduce the cooling load on a building. When installed on the sides of a building, they provide shade, which can lower the temperature inside the building and reduce the need for air conditioning. This can result in significant energy savings and reduced energy costs.

Vertical PV systems are also easy to install and maintain, making them a cost-effective solution for many building owners. They can be integrated into new construction or retrofitted into existing buildings, and they typically have a long lifespan, making them a good investment for the long term.

However, there are also some limitations to the use of vertical PV systems. For example, the efficiency of vertical PV systems may be lower compared to horizontal systems due to the shading effects from the building itself. Additionally, the installation of vertical PV systems can be more challenging and may require specialized equipment.

In conclusion, vertical photovoltaic systems offer a unique and sustainable solution for energy generation in urban areas. With their ability to conserve land, reduce cooling loads, and provide long-term energy savings, they are an attractive option for building owners looking to generate clean energy. However, it is important to consider the limitations and challenges associated with vertical PV systems when making a decision on whether to install them.”

This is a nice text about vertical PV on buildings, of course, but ChatGPT seems not to be aware of all the other applications that are possible with a vertical racking with bifacial modules: agrivoltaics, solarchitecture, next to freeways, railroads, gas stations, carports and so forth.  

Dear ChatGPT, You need to learn more about the latest trends in renewable energies, you need to learn more about Sunzaun! Feel free to reach out, we are happy to chat!

The sunzaun is a new product category. This vertical solar system combines the new technology of bifacial modules with the primary or secondary use as a barrier between roads, properties and or whatever else you can think of. It produces power and shows the environmental consciousness of its owner!

The sunzaun is designed  to accommodate framed and unframed bifacial panels and to manage the wires in a safe and sound way. For more details call 415 707 0305 or email us at info@sunstall.com

Dual use is the name of the game in the agricultural world.  Farmers not only want to  harness the power of the sun by growing the best crop but also use the sun to generate green power. This is one aspect of #agrivoltaics. But the #sunzaun can also be used as an erosion control element and we are just in the beginning of identifying the endless opportunities for this new solar power category.

Advantages of #sunzaun for farmers & ranchers:
+Independence from rising electricity prices
+Immediate electricity demand on site can also be met on site
Dual use of agricultural land
+Avoidance of competition for land between food and electricity production
+Wind protection belts, shading elements and hail protection through photovoltaic modules make the locations more resilient
+Longer moisture in the soil due to a significant reduction in evaporation
+New income opportunities for farmers through electricity production or leasing
+Replacement investment for standard fences