In today’s ever-changing landscape of real estate, sustainability and renewable energy solutions have become essential considerations for property owners and developers. Among the leading initiatives in this realm, LEED certification and solar energy integration hold immense promise for creating eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings. By harnessing the combined benefits of LEED certification and solar energy, real estate owners can unlock a multitude of advantages that go beyond environmental stewardship.
In this blog post, we will explore the powerful synergy between LEED certification and vertical solar energy and shed light on the remarkable benefits they offer to real estate owners. From enhanced energy efficiency and cost savings to reduced carbon footprint and increased property value, we will delve into how this dynamic duo can revolutionize your real estate portfolio.
By adopting LEED certification, real estate owners can ensure that their buildings are designed and operated in a sustainable manner, optimizing energy usage and minimizing environmental impact. Meanwhile, the integration of vertical solar energy systems empowers these buildings to generate clean and renewable electricity on-site, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering operating costs.
What is LEED?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is the most widely used green building rating system globally (source). It was developed by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings, homes, and neighborhoods.
LEED certification is a voluntary program that enables building owners and operators to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. The LEED rating system consists of a set of criteria and standards that cover various aspects of building design and operation, including:
- Location and Transportation
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Indoor environmental quality
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Integrative Process
- Materials and resources
- Innovation
By meeting these criteria, a building can earn points and achieve different levels of LEED certification, such as Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, based on the total number of points earned.
LEED is applicable to various building types, including commercial buildings, residential buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, and more. It provides guidelines and best practices for creating healthy, efficient, and cost-saving buildings that minimize environmental impact while promoting occupant well-being and sustainability (source).
LEED certification has become a recognized symbol of sustainability and is often sought after by building owners, developers, and occupants who value energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices. LEED also helps investors to meet their ESG requirements (read our blog on ESG requirements). It promotes the adoption of green building strategies, encourages innovation in the construction industry, and contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of the built environment.
Vertical solar panels contribute to earning LEED credits
Vertical Solar panels can contribute to earning LEED credits for buildings by demonstrating the use of renewable energy and promoting sustainability. The primary LEED category relevant to solar panels is the “Energy & Atmosphere” category, specifically EA Credit 2, which is the “On-Site Renewable Energy” credit (source).
The On-Site Renewable Energy credit within LEED rewards projects that generate renewable energy on-site, such as through solar panel installations. This credit can provide up to 7 possible LEED points, depending on the specific project and the percentage of energy output supplied by the renewable source. Builders can earn points under the renewable energy sub-category based on the tier and the percentage of electricity generation provided by the renewable source (source).
Here is a breakdown of the points available under Tier 1 for renewable energy generation:
- 1 point: 2% electricity generation
- 2 points: 5% electricity generation
- 3 points: 10% electricity generation
- 4 points: 15% electricity generation
The specific number of points earned will depend on the amount of energy produced by the solar panels and its contribution to the overall energy needs of the building.
By incorporating solar panels into a building’s design, owners and developers can demonstrate their commitment to utilizing clean and renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Solar projects can help achieve LEED certification at various levels, such as Basic, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, based on the number of credits attained.
Benefits of vertical solar for buildings and EV charging
In addition to rooftop solar and panels on a carport, vertical ground-mount solar panels can be integrated into the design of a building. Vertical panels can be used as a fence around property lines. Another way to power batteries and electrical vehicle charging opportunities is to install them on parking lots (Here is an example from Japan). Sunstall Inc. recently installed two Sunzaun modules on the parking lot of the headquarters as a proof of concept model.
In the United States, there are various financial incentives and policies in place to encourage the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. These incentives aim to promote the widespread adoption of EVs and support the development of a reliable charging network. While the specific details may vary by state, here are some common financial incentives and support mechanisms:
- Tax Credits: Many states offer tax credits to individuals, businesses, or property owners who install EV charging stations. These credits can help offset a portion of the installation costs. The availability and amount of tax credits vary by state.
- Grants and Rebates: Some states provide grants or rebate programs that offer financial assistance for the installation of EV charging infrastructure. These programs can provide funding for both public and private charging stations, encouraging their deployment in various locations such as workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, and public areas.
- Utility Incentives: Many utility companies offer incentives to promote EV charging infrastructure. These incentives may include rebates, grants, or special electricity rates for EV charging stations. Utility incentives can help reduce the upfront costs of installation and make operating the charging stations more cost-effective.
- Public Funding Programs: In certain cases, federal or local government entities may provide funding opportunities or grants specifically aimed at supporting the installation of EV charging infrastructure. These programs often target public or semi-public locations such as parks, government buildings, and transportation hubs.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative initiatives between public and private entities can also contribute to the financial incentives for installing EV charging infrastructure. These partnerships may involve cost-sharing arrangements, revenue-sharing models, or other cooperative mechanisms to facilitate the expansion of charging networks.
If you are interested in exploring vertical solar opportunities for the LEED certification of your project, visit our office to see the Sunzaun racking system or reach out to us!