Solar panels are typically installed on Roofs, commercial warehouses, and farm fields. But what about all the other wasted spaces?  Parking lots are a great open space to put a solar canopy. And parking garages could have a solar canopy on the top floor. Deployment of solar often turns a big open empty space into a money-generating space.

What about other creative spaces? Floating arrays over large bodies of water and lakes; on top of a Tractor-trailer trailer; the future of solar will include thinking about creative spaces to maximize the green energy and to maximize energy savings.

Human Innovation solving long term challenges:

Solar power has become one of the most important sources of renewable energy worldwide, and its popularity continues to grow. The solar panel industry is evolving rapidly, and as a result, the number of solar panels in use has increased dramatically. It is estimated that over 90 million solar panels were installed worldwide in 2021, and this number is expected to grow in the years to come.

As solar panels reach the end of their life cycle, there is a growing need for recycling them in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. This has led to the development of new technologies that are designed to make solar panel recycling more efficient and cost-effective.

Solar panels are made of various materials, including glass, aluminum, copper, and silicon, which all have different recycling requirements.

The solar industry has made significant progress in developing new technologies to recycle solar panels. In fact, according to the EPA, solar panel recycling has been shown to reduce the environmental impact of solar panel production by up to 90%.

One of the most exciting new technologies in solar panel recycling comes from France. A company called Rhonatec has developed a new recycling process that can recover over 95% of the materials in a solar panel, including the rare and valuable materials used in the panels. This new technology is expected to significantly reduce the cost of recycling solar panels and make it more economically viable.

Another exciting development is the emergence of a circular economy for solar panels. In this model, solar panels are designed from the outset to be easily recyclable, with the goal of creating a closed-loop system where solar panels are continuously recycled, and the materials are reused in new panels. The circular economy model for solar panels has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of solar panel production and reduce the need for raw materials. Additionally, this model could help to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the solar panel recycling industry.

The World Economic Forum has recognized the importance of solar panel recycling and has called for a global effort to scale up the effort. According to the Forum, the global solar panel recycling market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2026.

In conclusion, the current trend of solar panel recycling is positive and inspiring. Despite the challenges associated with recycling solar panels, the industry has made significant progress in developing new technologies and business models that are designed to make solar panel recycling more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. With continued investment and support, solar panel recycling has the potential to become a key driver of sustainable growth and economic development in the years to come.

As the solar industry continues to grow, more solar arrays are popping up nationwide. One of the locations used for solar panels is installing them in farm fields. Instead of a farmer growing crops in their field, they install rows of solar to capture sunlight. This allows farmers to collect revenue more consistently throughout the year. Recently there have been new strides in solar farming, including adding crops underneath the solar panels. This maximizes the space by growing crops on the ground while collecting solar above them. These types of solutions will propel the renewable energy industry and work towards a cleaner future.

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.

While commercial rooftop solar has many benefits, it may not be the right choice for every business. Here are three reasons why a business may choose not to install commercial rooftop solar:

1. Upfront Costs: One of the biggest barriers to installing commercial rooftop solar is the upfront cost. Solar panel installations can be expensive, and it may take several years for a business to recoup its investment through energy savings. Some businesses may not have the capital to make the initial investment or may be hesitant to take on debt to finance the project.

2. Space Limitations: Depending on the size and location of a business, there may not be enough space on the roof to accommodate a commercial solar installation. In some cases, the roof may be too small, too shaded, or too structurally weak to
support the weight of solar panels. In these cases, it may be necessary to explore alternative energy solutions.

3. Energy Needs: Businesses with low energy usage may not see as much benefit from a commercial rooftop solar installation. If a business does not use a significant amount of energy during the daytime when the sun is shining, it may not be able to take full advantage of the energy generated by its solar panels. In these cases, it may be more cost-effective to explore other energy efficiency
measures, such as upgrading lighting or HVAC systems.

Overall, while there are many benefits to commercial rooftop solar, it is important for businesses to consider their specific circumstances and energy needs before making a decision about whether to invest in solar energy.

Gordian Energy Systems is an expert at “untying the Gordian Knott” of commercial solar confusion and choices.  Our years of commercial building experience enable us to provide choices and solutions to our clients.

Commercial rooftop solar is becoming increasingly popular among businesses for many reasons. Here are three key reasons why it is a no-brainer for your facility:

1. Cost Savings: Installing a commercial rooftop solar system can result in significant cost savings for your facility. Solar energy is much cheaper than traditional grid electricity and businesses can lock in a fixed electricity rate for years to come, helping them to plan and manage their budgets effectively. Additionally, commercial solar systems are eligible for tax credits, incentives, and
other financial benefits that can reduce the overall cost of the installation and pay for themselves over time.

2. Corporate Social Responsibility: More and more customers demand that businesses take action to reduce their environmental impact. By installing a commercial rooftop solar system, businesses can demonstrate their commitment
to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. This can help to improve brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and increase customer loyalty.

3. Energy Independence: With a commercial rooftop solar system, businesses can generate their own clean energy and become less reliant on the grid. This means businesses can protect themselves from power outages and price volatility associated with traditional grid electricity. It also means reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Installing solar panels on a commercial roof is a great way to generate clean energy and reduce bills. However, over time, solar panels may need to be removed and replaced due to a variety of reasons. These often include needing a new roof or performing a major repair. The first step in the process is to assess the condition of the current panels. This includes evaluating the age and condition of the current panels, as well as the structures on which they are mounted. Additionally, if any of the components have deteriorated, such as wiring or mounting brackets, these should be replaced as well.

The second step is to safely remove the current panels from the roof. This requires the use of specialized tools, such as a ladder, hoisting equipment, and protective gear. It is also important to ensure that the roof is not damaged during this process. The process described require a professional contractor with solar and electric experience. Next is replacing the old solar panels with new ones. Depending on the size of the solar array, this process can be done quickly or may require several days. Additionally, the new panels
should be connected to the existing wiring and mounting brackets, and should be properly sealed and grounded.

Finally, the last step is to test the new solar array to ensure that it is working properly. This includes setting the desired levels of energy production, making sure the system is properly connected to the grid, and ensuring that the solar panels are correctly connected to the batteries.

Removing and replacing solar panels on a commercial roof can be a time-consuming and costly process. However, when done correctly, it can result in a more efficient and reliable source of clean energy. By following the steps outlined above, businesses can ensure that their solar array is up-to-date and properly maintained.

The time has come to remove and replace the solar array on a commercial building. There are several reasons why this is a necessary measure, some of which include:

1. Age of the Array: The life of a solar array varies, but the average is between 20-25 years. If the solar array in question has been in place for a long time, it’s likely due for replacement.
2. Technology Upgrades: Technology advances rapidly, and it’s important for a commercial building to keep up with the times. Installing a newer, more efficient solar array will improve the building’s energy efficiency, leading to lower energy
bills.
3. Financial Incentives: Governments and utility companies often offer financial incentives for solar power installation and upgrades. This can be a great way to offset the cost of the new solar array.
4. Safety: Solar panels can become damaged over time, leading to a risk of electric shock or fire. Replacing any damaged panels with new, up-to-date ones can reduce these risks.

5. Improved Efficiency: Solar technology is constantly improving, and newer models are more efficient than those from the past. By installing a newer, more efficient solar array, the building can take advantage of this improved efficiency and generate more
energy from the same amount of sunlight.

In summary, there are many reasons why it’s important to remove and replace the solar array on a commercial building. Doing so can improve energy efficiency, take advantage of financial incentives, and improve safety. Additionally, it can ensure the building is up to date with the latest technology and generate more energy. As such, it’s important to assess the state of the array periodically to ensure it’s in good condition and up to date.

As the days begin to warm with spring around the corner, many will start spring cleaning. If you own a PV solar array, what steps can you take to perform a “spring cleaning”?

One step is to clean off your modules. By cleaning the dirt and debris off of solar panels, you can increase the total yield of the system. In addition, having your O&M provider perform annual site maintenance checks will help maximize your system’s output as we move into the high-production summer months. Always practice proper roof safety when working on or around a PV solar array. You can get your system clean and ready to produce with a few extra steps!

Contact Gordian Energy Systems if you need help.