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Commercial Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy Systems as a Public Relations Event
Introduction
Design
Building Integration
System Sizing
Commercial Sites
Cost
Incentives
Uninterrupted Power Supply
Design
In order to maximize your public relations benefits, we recommend that you consider a system that is both aesthetically pleasing and visible from the main customer thoroughfares. We also recommend that an educational display, such as a kiosk, be used to provide community educational opportunities and add public relations benefits.
Building Integration
Photo 2: Atrium with PV overhead glass
One strategy for optimizing the curb appeal of your PV system is to use a building integrated design. Building integrated PV systems replace metal roofing, atrium glass, windows, curtain walls, and shade screens. So consider PV systems as options to improve upon these building elements. The photographs presented here are all of building integrated PV systems. For more about building integrated options visit (link for BIPV report).
System SizingThe majority of benefits coming to a business with a PV system are in the public relations area. Thus it is very important to design a highly visible and aesthetically appealing system. These benefits are not a function of the system’s size.
Many business use today’s high PV system cost as reason not to move forward. WisconSUN advocates small commercial systems. A one to four kW PV system should be large enough.
WisconSUN believes that a small, highly visible and aesthetically appealing PV system will do more to help promote the use of PV than a large system hidden from view.
Photograph 2. Atrium with PV overhead glass
Photo creditsPhoto 2 U.S. DOE/NREL
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