As the Nation continues to shift towards renewable energy sources, the need for innovative solutions is more pressing than ever.  As the investment in and growth of solar occurs, there is a growing objection in some communities about the intrusion of very visible
renewable energy systems, including wind turbines and large solar farms.

A solution to this issue is the use of rooftops to build solar farms. This concept involves transforming the otherwise wasted space on rooftops into a producer of clean, renewable energy. As an added benefit, solar equipment is often totally out of the public’s sight. Rooftop solar is a growing opportunity for solar developers and large facility owners. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting potential of this cutting-edge energy solution.

Benefits of Using Roofs for Solar Farms

A significant benefit of using roofs to build solar farms is the ability to generate clean, renewable energy in urban areas where open land is scarce. In other cases, where land is plentiful, the community may object to it being used for solar rather than for farming or
preserved as open space.

Rooftop solar farms help to create jobs and stimulate local economies. The installation and
maintenance of solar panels require skilled labor, which can provide employment opportunities for local communities.

Not all roofs are created equal when it comes to solar installations. The ideal roof for a solar
farm is one that is flat or slightly sloped and is free from the shading of trees or other buildings. Additionally, roofs that are made of durable materials such as metal or concrete are preferred, as they can better support the weight of the solar panels and require less
frequent replacement.

Another factor to consider is the size of the roof. Larger roofs are more suitable for impactful solar production, as they can accommodate more solar panels and generate more energy.

Installing Solar Panels on Roofs

The installation of solar panels on roofs is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. It typically begins with an assessment of the roof’s suitability for solar, including an evaluation of the structural integrity and orientation of the roof. Once this assessment is complete, the solar panels can be installed on the roof using a variety of techniques, including a non-penetrating ballasted solution and anchored systems.

Future of Roof Solar Farms

With continued advancements in technology and increasing public demand for renewable energy sources, the future of rooftop solar farms looks bright. Innovations such as bifacial solar panels and solar shingles are making rooftop solar farms even more productive and attractive. Additionally, the development of energy storage technologies is making it possible to store the surplus energy generated by rooftop solar farms, reducing reliance on the grid even further.

Conclusion

Rooftop solar farms offer numerous benefits: the generation of clean, renewable energy, the use of otherwise wasted space, long-term energy cost savings, and job creation. While there are challenges associated with this concept, the benefits of solar energy, while
simultaneously satisfying communities, should attract the interest of solar developers nationwide. With the continued development of innovative technologies, rooftop solar farms are likely to become an even more popular and accessible solution for a sustainable
future.

Solar panels have traditionally been installed on roofs, whether it’s a home or business. As solar technology continues to develop, unique and cutting-edge designs are emerging. One such technology is the idea of a solar window. A solar window consists of clear glass or plastic, sometimes flexible, typically installed in high-rise buildings. They generate electricity like traditional panels but over a clear, see-through surface. This technology allows for solar to be installed in even more unique places. Imagine if your car had a glass ceiling that allowed for a great view and helped charge your car battery while driving. Or perhaps cell phone screens could be made of this material, allowing you to charge your phone while you use it. Regardless of the application, solar windows appear to be an exciting addition to the future of solar!

Cloud Seeding is a process that has been used since the 1940s to increase precipitation during a storm. It involves the use of silver iodide, which is loaded onto a plane and shot into a cloud at a certain altitude to cause individual water droplets to freeze together to form snowflakes.

Although cloud seeding cannot single-handedly end a drought, recent studies have shown that it is effective and can yield a 5% to 15% increase in precipitation. This has made cloud seeding an important water management tool in areas experiencing droughts or water shortages.

The ongoing drought in the American West has prompted the Southern Nevada Water Authority to accept a $2.4m grant from the US Bureau of Reclamation to fund cloud seeding across other Western states whose rivers supply the parched desert region.

The funding will be used to upgrade generators to those that can be operated remotely and to seed clouds using planes in the Upper Colorado River Basin.  Cloud seeding has been used in Colorado since the 1950s to increase snowfall in the mountains, which serves as a major source of water for the Colorado River

Cloud Seeding is an important tool for increasing water supply in areas experiencing droughts or water shortages. In combination with solar, wind, and other innovations, these efforts are intended to support the increasing population and economic growth in many of our states out West.

See this video from CNBC for more information.

As The Wall Street Journal stated, “Homeowners and Businesses have seen their gas bills go wild,”….” and the turbulence isn’t going to end anytime soon.”

Shouldn’t you be looking at solar and other renewable sources for your commercial facilities?

There are many reasons why a building owner or facility manager should consider commercial solar for their rooftops,
parking areas, and available ground areas. Incentives, environmental impact, and positive brand are just a few. Over
Gordian’s nearly 15 years in the commercial solar industry, utility costs were not as critical in the solar decision; both
inflation and utility rates have remained mostly stable and low. That’s all changed.

Consider solar as a w strategy to hold a significant cost center of our facility, both lower and predictable.

With nearly 15 years of solar experience and over 100 years of commercial roofing experience, Gordian Energy Systems
is the partner that will help you navigate the complexity of designing, financing, and building the right system.

 

The world is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) as an alternative to traditional cars powered by gasoline. This shift is being driven by a variety of factors, including a focus on tackling climate change, reducing air pollution, and improving energy security.

At the heart of EVs is the battery, and this battery is made up of a variety of minerals and elements. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used for EVs, and these batteries require lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite as their primary components. The
massive global increase in demand for EVs has created an unprecedented need for these minerals, leading to challenges in securing a steady and reliable source. And from areas of the world that are politically reliable

The challenge is increasing securing the minerals with demand rising. Many companies are trying to find innovations, such as recycling used batteries. Additionally, many countries and companies are exploring the possibility of using other battery technologies that don’t rely on cobalt, such as lithium-iron-phosphate or lithium-metal-polymer batteries.

Recent reports are that the U.S. and Europeans are considering a cooperative group that would work together to procure minerals, relying less on China and Congo. This “buyers’ club” could advance the industry toward reducing dependency on one source.

The shift to EVs is a major step forward in tackling climate change, but it’s essential that the minerals used in these batteries come from a reliable, ethical, and sustainable source.