Overview

When Porsche of Palm Springs decided to construct a state-of-the-art new building in Palm Springs, they aimed to create a flagship facility that would serve as a model for all future dealerships. The innovative design emphasized sustainability at every level, integrating environmentally friendly features to align with modern energy efficiency standards. A key highlight of this commitment was the incorporation of a cutting-edge rooftop solar installation, showcasing Porsche’s dedication to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy solutions within the automotive industry.

Solution

Collaborating closely with Renova Energy during the pre-construction phase of the building, every square foot of available rooftop space was strategically utilized to maximize solar energy production. This approach allowed for the installation of 576 high-performance SunPower 360-Watt solar modules. Thoughtfully designed, the panels are discreetly positioned, ensuring they remain entirely invisible from the street and seamlessly blend with the sleek, modern aesthetic of the building. This integration highlights a commitment to sustainability without compromising the visual appeal of the flagship dealership.

Benefits

For Porsche, the initial 30-year savings was projected to be in excess of $2 million over the lifetime of the system, but readjusting it for actual SCE rate increases to date, the savings jump to more than $4.5 million compared to what they would have paid otherwise. In just their first year, the dealership avoided purchasing almost 360,000 KWhs from the utility.

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