Government property owners across the United States are increasingly choosing to implement solar panels on their properties to produce clean energy and generate revenue. Adopting solar energy on government buildings presents numerous advantages, both economically and environmentally. This resource explores why government agencies are adopting these initiatives and offers guidance on how governments can leverage their assets for clean energy and revenue production.
Rooftop Solar Energy on Government Buildings
Rooftop solar energy on government buildings presents valuable opportunities that directly benefiting the community by introducing renewable energy to public spaces, lowering government energy expenses, and offering educational prospects. Local governments often possess land and facilities near electricity demand centers, making them ideal candidates for renewable energy generation. By setting a positive example, they can inspire residents and businesses to adopt solar energy, while simultaneously providing an educational experience for the community.
Moreover, the implementation of solar energy on government buildings can stimulate job growth within the renewable energy sector. As the demand for solar installations increases, new jobs will be created, providing employment opportunities for local communities. This can have a positive impact on the economy by boosting consumer spending and increasing tax revenue for the government.
Due to these benefits, there are a growing number of local governments making the switch to be more energy efficient by powering office buildings and other structures with solar arrays. For example, the Pentagon recently announced its plans to install solar panels on the rooftop of its iconic five-sided building. The decision was made as part of the department's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of clean energy sources.
Financial Incentives & Funding For Government Agencies
Financial incentives and funding mechanisms play a crucial role in encouraging government agencies to embrace rooftop solar power. Several options exist to support these initiatives. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) gives a tax credit of up to 26% of the total cost for solar installations. This incentive significantly reduces upfront expenses, making rooftop solar more financially feasible for government agencies.
Some state and local programs offer money or loans to encourage the use of renewable energy on public properties. These financial incentives can offset installation costs and accelerate the return on investment for government agencies. PPAs allow third-party developers to install and maintain solar systems on government buildings without any upfront payment. This makes it an attractive financing option. The agency then purchases the generated electricity at a predetermined rate over an agreed-upon period. PPAs enable governments to access clean energy without bearing the initial financial burden.
Both BLM and the Department of Energy offer financial assistance and incentives to encourage the development of solar energy projects. This can include grants, loans, or funding programs to support research, development, and deployment of solar technologies, including rooftop solar installations.
Assessing Solar Energy Potential On Public Facilities
Evaluating government facilities for rooftop solar involves finding suitable sites, assessing energy generation, and analyzing economic feasibility. Factors that affect the solar energy potential on rooftops include:
Sun exposure
Available roof space
Structural integrity
Proximity to power grids
These all should be taken into consideration during this project evaluation process. By leveraging advanced technologies like LandGate’s platform, it is easy to assess multiple property assets at once to determine which properties have the most potential for rooftop solar energy. Learn more and get a free site analysis by booking a call with the government team at LandGate:
