ESA helps Orlando car dealership to go solar

An Orlando, Florida-based Subaru dealership is looking to save about 60% on its electricity costs with a 395 kW solar array.  

Don Mealey Auto Group just opened its new Sport Subaru dealership, which features a rooftop solar project by ESA. The solar array will serve as a pilot project for future electrification of other Don Mealey Group Auto Dealerships as part of a multi-dealership strategy centered on clean energy technology. Consisting of nearly 1,200 panels, the array is expected to generate more than 600,000 kWh of electricity per year.

“I’m incredibly proud of the journey we’ve taken to bring Sport Subaru to its new home, said Robert Mealey, owner of Sport Subaru. “It wasn’t easy, but we knew that relocating to a modern facility was essential to living up to the Subaru Love Promise and providing our customers with the best possible experience.”

Since 1974, Don Mealey Auto Group has been a leading car dealer in the Central Florida area. The solar system installed by ESA will provide clean, renewable energy to power the dealership’s operations. This location will see an average of 60% reduction in their annual electricity costs and is projected to have a return on its investment in about 6 years.

“Our commitment to community and environmental responsibility is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we took on the challenge of remediating the land and restoring the wetlands,” Mealey said. “We’re thrilled to be generating our own solar power, which not only makes good business sense, but aligns with our values of sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint.”

As more people switch to electric vehicles, there is a growing need for EV charging stations. Auto dealers can use solar energy to power these charging stations, making them more cost-effective and reducing their reliance on the grid. By installing solar panels and EV charging stations, auto dealers can create a more sustainable and convenient experience for their customers.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/projects/esa-helps-orlando-car-dealership-to-go-solar/]