In a significant move towards sustainability, one of the largest car dealership groups in the United States has successfully installed 10,000 solar panels across various locations.
Rooftop Solar Initiatives at Car Dealerships
The Austin-based company, Freedom Solar Power, collaborates with major automakers such as Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi, and Hyundai/Genesis to equip their franchised dealerships with rooftop solar systems. Recently, they completed the solar panel installations for Group 1 Automotive.
According to Ryan Ferrero, the national automotive manager at Freedom Solar Power, “Dealerships typically have substantial rooftop space that can host solar arrays capable of significantly reducing their energy costs. As more auto dealers become informed about solar power, they recognize it as a beneficial strategy for the environment, society, and their business.”
Energy expenses constitute a major operational cost for car dealerships because of their extended hours and energy-intensive showrooms and parking lots. As a result, many dealerships are turning to rooftop solar solutions to alleviate their high energy consumption and ensure a stable power supply.
While Group 1 Automotive has not disclosed the specific dealership locations for the installation of the 10,000 solar panels, they have announced plans to finalize solar setups at 25 dealerships by the end of 2024.
Electrek’s Perspective
With the extensive rooftop areas of car dealerships resembling those of warehouses and big-box retailers, utilizing these spaces for solar installations makes perfect sense. The benefits include reduced emissions, lowered costs, and a sustainable energy source for charging electric vehicles, making it a win-win for businesses and the environment.