Porsche Dealership Now Running on Solar Power

Beginning in early Spring 2012 with the acquisition of the contract with the Porsche Dealership, work quickly commenced to make a truly unique solar photovoltaic system to offset Porsche of San Antonio’s energy consumption.

“We are thrilled to have teamed up with Porsche of San Antonio to spread sustainability and clean energy,” says Shelby Ruff, VP of Sales. “This project was particularly fun from the scope of the system, to the style of the very interesting building, upcoming LEED status of the building due to green building practices, and everything in between. We’ve come together to create something great and highly-advanced, and also continue pushing energy sustainability in San Antonio.”

The installation of a solar PV system on the San Antonio Porsche dealership is another step in the corporate model to begin to achieve higher levels of sustainability. Early in 2010 Porsche installed one of the most modern and efficient solar photovoltaic systems in Stuttgart, Germany, generating nearly two million kWh per year, which is equivalent to the average energy consumption of approximately 500 four-person households. Today, this installation marks one of the first Porsche dealerships to take the solar energy leap towards sustainable energy.

Background of the Project:

The project commenced in early Spring 2012 with a site survey, design, and installation soon after receiving approval by CPS Energy for their Solar Rebate Program. The system was constructed using 87 Schuco 230 watt solar panels, each with a 25-year production warranty. The highly developed Schuco modules used allow for higher efficiency in production, beginning earlier in the morning and ending later in the evening than the standard solar panel. Also included in the Porsche of San Antonio solar PV system are 87 Enphase M-215 Microinverters, each with a 25-year warranty as well. The advanced microinverter technology outfitted in this installation allows for monitoring of the system’s production as a whole, as well as the monitoring of each individual panel’s production from a variety of sources. Porsche of San Antonio’s new solar PV system is grid tied into CPS Energy utility company in San Antonio.

The entire installation culminates in energy production of 20.01 kW for the dealership. Further, the Porsche of San Antonio dealership is now being certified as a LEED GOLD building and our solar PV installation strongly assisted in earning points toward this accreditation.