Envision Solar International Inc., a leading sustainable infrastructure product designer and developer, announced installation of its new Cadillac Solar Tree array at Fremont (Calif.) Cadillac Buick GMC.
Energy produced by the installation will go directly back to the dealership. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the consumption of 2,500 gallons of gas, or 52 barrels of oil, on an annual basis.
“The Solar Tree will generate approximately 33,000 kWh of clean energy from a highly architecturally accretive platform,” said Desmond Wheatley, President and CEO of Envision Solar. “We’ve also implemented design enhancements provided by the Cadillac team to make the system uniquely theirs and supportive of the renowned carmaker’s brand in a very positive and aesthetically pleasing way.”
Installation of the array will lower the dealership’s environmental impact while improving the region’s built environment.
“It’s very exciting to be the first dealership to roll out this initiative,” said Jessie Dosanjh, General Manager of Fremont Cadillac Buick GMC. “Deploying this beautiful and iconic renewable energy landmark reiterates that we understand the wants and needs of the people in the Bay Area and is another example of how we’re fulfilling our commitment to the environment. We’re proud to take on a leadership role in this movement and encourage other Cadillac dealerships in the country to do the same.”
Equipped with integrated electric vehicle charging stations, the Solar Tree array can generate enough renewable energy to charge six electric vehicles each day. Envision Solar’s proprietary tracking system, EnvisionTrak, causes the array to follow the sun, capturing more of its energy and increasing electrical output by nearly 25 percent over typical fixed solar installations.
“Our renewable energy strategy goes beyond our company walls,” said Mary Alice Kurtz, Program Manager, Sustainability Initiatives, General Motors. “We encourage all of our partners to explore renewable energy alternatives, whenever possible.”
Within the next year, Cadillac will launch the ELR, the first luxury coupe with extended range electric technology. The Cadillac Solar Tree is available to Cadillac dealers nationwide to support the ELR launch, and to assist in making dealership facilities more energy efficient.
“Fremont Cadillac’s solar tree installation is a great individual example of how we’re elevating and expanding in the areas of product, technology and customer experience,” said Chase Hawkins, CadillacVice President of Sales. “We’re the fastest growing full-line luxury brand in the U.S. today, including a 54 percent increase in the San Francisco area.”
— Solar Builder magazine
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.