NRG Energy Intros Solar Canopy to Extend Energy Independence beyond the Rooftop
NRG Energy, Inc. through its wholly owned subsidiary NRG Solar LLC announced the offering of the fully customizable, freestanding NRG Solar Canopy. The introduction marks a major step forward in expanding the viability of solar installations beyond large rooftop structures. The canopy can provide supplemental power on and/or off the grid (dependent on configuration) to help manage energy costs along with usable shade and shelter. Using a modular kit produced by Sunora Energy Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Solar, the modular design reduces cost and time of installation without sacrificing customization to meet each customer's unique requirements.
"In the wake of Hurricane Sandy's devastation, NRG began to take a more urgent look at providing a solution that could meet basic power needs in the event of a grid emergency," said Tom Doyle, president and CEO of NRG Solar. "We believe in bringing renewable energy solutions--like the NRG Solar Canopy--to customers in new and innovative ways that extend beyond the rooftop so customers are not limited in their approach to energy independence."
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) recognizes the top solar adopters to be some of the country's most recognizable brands with large footprints and buildings with flat roofs that can support rooftop solar installations. The introduction of NRG's Solar Canopy will bring the power of solar beyond the roof in conjunction with existing solar installations, as well as to new business types to further expand the use of solar and benefits of lowering operating costs and increasing profits.
The NRG Solar Canopy can be incorporated into large-scale commercial use as part of a comprehensive rooftop, ground mount, or solar parking solution that could also be included in a power purchase agreement (PPA) from NRG Solar. The canopy is optimal for universities, hospitals, gas stations, banks, stadiums, bus stops and remote locations such as islands, parks and farms, and dependent on installation size, can power a variety of appliances - from laptops to ATMs.
It will come in four models: 1. Solar Canopy Mini: dimensions are 15 feet x 14 feet; 2,440 annual kWh; 2. Solar Canopy Model 1: dimensions are 7.5 feet x 27 feet; 2,440 annual kWh; 3. Solar Canopy Model 2: dimensions are 15 feet x 27 feet; 4,880 annual kWh; and 4. Solar Canopy Model 3: dimensions are 22.5 feet x 27 feet; 7,320 annual kWh.
"Upon testing the idea with customers, we found that there also existed a strong demand for a solar power generating solution that would complement their architectural environment and make a statement for their brand," said Doyle.
