With the warmest months of the year in full swing and everyone enjoying the beautiful summer weather, now is a great time to upgrade your canopy or add a canopy to your commercial property. For forward-thinking, eco-conscious businesses looking to prioritize clean energy and help the environment, a solar canopy is the next evolution in commercial canopies in NJ.

Like traditional canopies, solar canopies are generally freestanding structures that provide shade from the sun and shelter from inclement weather. What sets solar canopies apart is that they have solar panels on their roofs, providing a dual benefit: energy collection alongside weather and sun protection.

In this post, we will show you how a solar canopy can save you money and improve the aesthetics of your business premises. We will also explore some of the new sleek, lightweight, and attractive solar canopy designs on the market.

Why Choose a Solar Canopy in New Jersey?

According to the US Energy Information Administration, as of 2023, solar power accounted for 3.9% of electricity generated in the United States. Solar power is experiencing significant growth and increasingly widespread adoption worldwide as a sustainable, renewable, and environmentally friendly energy source in place of fossil fuels.

Solar canopies feature solar panels on their roofs, which convert light energy from the sun into usable electricity. This energy can then be utilized in several ways–used to meet on-site energy needs (for example, for heating and lighting), stored for later use in batteries, or fed back into the grid. Contrary to popular belief, solar panels do not require direct sunlight to work. They are most effective in direct sunlight, but they can still generate power on overcast or cloudy days. They do not, however, work at night. 

Commercial solar canopies are growing in popularity here in NJ and across the US. They are highly versatile and have been adopted by businesses and organizations from commercial hubs to schools. Companies can install them over walkways, car parking lots, outdoor workspaces, dining areas, playgrounds, and more. 

Read on to learn about more of the benefits of solar canopies in NJ. 

Sun Protection and Clean Energy with Solar Power Canopies

Any canopy can shield your employees, customers, and assets from the sun's rays. This can keep people comfortable and prevent health issues such as heat stroke and sunburn. From a business perspective, people will remain on your premises longer if they are cool and comfortable. 

Solar canopies shelter your employees and visitors while turning sunlight into usable energy. This allows you to cut operating costs by generating renewable energy on-site. You can even make further savings and maximize the return on your investment by selling excess energy to be fed back into the grid. 

NJ Solar Panel Incentives

Installing solar facilities can have a high upfront cost, but national and local governments are offering various incentives and financing options to support the adoption of renewable energy sources and fight climate change. These incentives can help a business purchase solar canopies and invest in solar canopy projects.

Thanks to New Jersey’s state-wide Clean Energy Program, several financial incentives and rebates are available to help NJ businesses install and utilize solar panels. For example, in the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program is a performance-based state incentive, and the New Jersey Department of the Treasury offers property tax exemptions to residential, commercial, and industrial property owners.

You can learn more in this New Jersey solar incentives guide.

Sleek, Lightweight Canopy Designs

Many prospective clients assume solar canopies must be heavy, bulky, or only suitable for large commercial spaces. This is no longer the case. Thanks to the latest technological, materials, and design advancements, many thin, light solar panels and canopies are now available. Solar developers are continuously working on new ways to make solar installations attractive and durable as well as functional.

These sleek, modern canopy design options fit tight spaces or large lots alike, work well in the urban landscape where open space is at a premium, and integrate easily into different types of commercial properties.

Better Solar Panel Aesthetics: No More Eyesores

Do you associate solar canopies with ugly or unsightly designs? If so, throw out that preconception because it is far from accurate. 

Modern solar canopies range from bulky to barely noticeable. They can also be sleek, attractive, and unobtrusive, blending with a building's existing design or architecture and adding curb appeal for businesses.

Solar Canopies NJ: The DCI Advantage 

For forward-thinking businesses in NJ, solar canopies are a no-brainer. They provide sun protection and lower energy bills while contributing to a stylish, contemporary aesthetic. They can also help to boost your reputation as a green business amongst eco-conscious consumers. 

DCI Signs and Awnings is the New Jersey business community's go-to provider of awnings, canopies, and other architectural sun control products. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and we can integrate solar panels into most of our commercial solar canopy designs. No matter the type of business or the size of your building, we can help you take advantage of smart, attractive, and efficient modern solar canopies.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation or get started with your solar canopy project.