What Makes These Round Solar Panels Unique?

Who Makes These Round Solar Panels and What Makes Them Unique?

Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.

Why Solar Power is Getting Cheaper


1) Solar modules are getting more efficient. "This doesn't necessarily make the modules themselves cheaper," Kann says. "But as modules get more efficient, you can get the same amount of power in a smaller area of your roof, which makes it easier to install, you need less racking and wiring, and it saves money on balance-of-systems costs.

2) System manufacturers are facing pressure to cut costs. Again, back in 2008 to 2012, panel manufacturers faced a lot of competition and pressure to cut costs. Nowadays, that same pressure applies to the people making other parts of solar systems — the racking, for instance.

3) Economies of scale. Historically, the residential solar market consisted of thousands of small local installers who had high costs for finding new customers. But nowadays, the rooftop solar industry is dominated by some large companies — particularly SolarCity and Vivint, who had half the rooftop market in the second quarter of 2014. "So as the big guys gain more scale," Kann says, "you see some savings out of that."

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CBS Studios Solar Parking & Roof is Very Impressive

CBS Studio Fairfax solar roof and parking lots

CBS Studios Solar Parking Lot & Roof 

CBS Studios has constructed a 1.7 million megawatt solar parking lot and roof at the Television City facility in the Fairfax District. Carport canopy parking structures not only power the location's studios and offices but also provide shade for employee and visitor parking.   See more pictures here

Solar parking lots typically involve installing solar panels on canopies or structures built over parking areas, allowing the panels to generate clean energy while providing shade and protection for parked vehicles. Solar roof installations involve placing solar panels on the rooftops of buildings to harness solar energy.

Secaucus, New Jersey Commercial Solar Buildings

Very Impressive Solar Map Density in Secaucus, New Jersey

Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.

Anyone know why or who led this adoption?  Please comment below . . . 

Floating Solar Farm by Hydrelio

Solar platform Hydrelio allows standard PV panels to be installed on large bodies of water such as drinking water reservoirs, quarry lakes, irrigation canals, or remediation and tailing ponds. See our map of solar farms

India Solar Canal Project

Where is the India solar canal?

The India Solar Canal Project, also known as the Solar Power-Green Energy Corridor (Solar Canal) project, is an innovative initiative undertaken by the Government of India to promote renewable energy generation and efficient use of land and water resources.

The project involves installing solar panels on the top of canals to generate electricity. By utilizing the canal space for solar power generation, the project aims to address two critical challenges faced by India: land scarcity and water conservation. It aims to make use of the vast canal network across the country to generate clean energy while reducing water evaporation from the canals.

The idea behind the project is to maximize land utilization by utilizing the water surface of canals for solar power generation. The solar panels are mounted on specially designed structures that are elevated above the canal's surface, allowing water to flow freely beneath them. This approach helps in conserving land and reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional ground-mounted solar installations.

The project was first piloted in the Indian state of Gujarat in 2012, where solar panels were installed on a canal stretch. It proved to be successful, and the concept gained recognition and support from the Indian government. Subsequently, the project was expanded to other states, including Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

The India Solar Canal Project has several benefits. It helps in increasing India's renewable energy capacity, reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, and contributes to the country's climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, it provides dual benefits by generating solar energy and preventing water loss through evaporation from the canals.

By combining infrastructure for solar power generation with water management systems, the India Solar Canal Project showcases the potential for innovative solutions that integrate renewable energy and sustainable resource utilization.

India's Solar Canal is 1K Long But Will Be Expanding to 19K

Map of Walmart Stores With Solar Panels on the Roof

New Locations Will Be Updated Search "Walmart Solar" at SolarEnergyMaps.com

According to reports at that time, Walmart had installed solar panels on the roofs of more than 500 of its stores in the U.S.

Walmart has been installing solar panels in various locations across the United States as part of its sustainability efforts.  Walmart's solar installations have been widespread, covering stores in multiple states. Some of the states where Walmart has installed solar panels on store rooftops include California, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, and Illinois, among others.

Walmart has a corporate goal to reach 50% renewable energy by 2025, and solar power is a significant part of its renewable energy strategy. They continue to explore opportunities to install solar panels in more stores and distribution centers, as well as pursue other renewable energy projects such as wind power and fuel cells.

Almost Every Home in This Maui Neighborhood Has A Solar Roof

Maui satellite image of solar homes
Most of the Homes Have Solar In Maui.  Very Impressive! 

How many homes in Hawaii have solar?

Hawaii has been at the forefront of solar energy adoption in the United States due to its abundant sunshine and high electricity costs. Solar roofs, also known as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on rooftops, have become increasingly popular in Hawaii, including on the island of Maui.  

It has been reported that over 20% of Hawaiian homes had solar PV systems installed, making it the highest residential solar adoption rate in the country at that time. This figure is quite impressive considering Hawaii's population and the challenges associated with the remote island grid systems.

Hawaii has been proactive in promoting solar energy through various initiatives, including the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045. The state offers incentives and programs to encourage homeowners to install solar panels, such as the Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit and the Net Energy Metering program. 

Maui, like other Hawaiian islands, has been actively promoting renewable energy, including solar power. Solar panels have become increasingly popular among homeowners and businesses in Maui due to the island's abundant sunshine and high electricity costs. Many residents have installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their rooftops to generate clean energy and reduce their reliance on the traditional power grid.

It was estimated that thousands of homes and businesses on Maui had already installed solar panels. However, it's important to note that the number of homes with solar panels is constantly changing as more people adopt solar energy.

The White House Solar Roof Panels

Satellite image of solar panels on the roof of the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Solar Roof Panels on the White House
In 2010 the Obama administration announced that it would re-installed solar panels on the roof of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! The completion date for the project was originally Spring 2011 and finally got completed in 2014.  Hip hip hurray!

On June 20, 1979, President Carter installed 32 solar thermal panels to generate hot water, but the panels were taken down (and not reinstalled intentionally) while the roof was being resurfaced in 1986 while Reagan was president.

Palos Verdes, California Solar Powered Homes Map

Palos Verdes solar roof map
Palos Verdes Has Done An Impressive Job Adopting Solar
Add New Locations To Our Map Here at SolarEnergyMaps.com

Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.

Gisele Bundchen & Tom Brady's Sell Solar Powered Mansion to Dr. Dre for $40M

Gisele Bundchen & Tom Brady's Brentwood Solar Mansion Sold to Dr. DreGisele Bundchen & Tom Brady's Sell $40M Brentwood Solar Mansion on Chalon Rd. to Dr. Dre
Read more on Huffington Post

Map of Solar Related Companies in U.S.

Map of solar companies across the U.S. - installers, contractors and businesses related to solar.
Map of solar companies across the U.S. - installers, contractors and businesses related to solar. 


Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.

Solar Installation Chart 2010 - 2013

solar installation chart 2010- 2013

There are now over 13,000 MW of cumulative solar electric capacity operating in the U.S., enough to power more than 2.2 million average American homes. There were 140,000 new solar installations in the U.S. during 2013, bringing the total to over 445,000 PV systems operating today. The utility market led the charge again with 2,847 MW of PV and 410 MW of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) installed in 2013.
Data source.

Top 10 Solar Installation States Ranked

solar state rankings map
California ranks #1 among all states in number of solar systems installed with 145,634. The next state, New Jersey, has only 18,349 installs.  Source

Potential Solar Energy Map of US

Solar potential heat map

This map shows the national solar photovoltaics (PV) resource potential and concentrating solar power (CSP) resource potential for the United States. Source.  

See our map of potential solar energy map of US

Mexico's Largest Solar Farm Will Produce 64% of La Paz's Electricity

Aura La Paz Solar Farm
Aura La Paz Solar Farm

Aura Solar will begin delivering solar-generated electricity to the La Paz power grid by the end of August. The 100 hectares 250-acre site will provide 30 megawatts of electricity or about 64% of the La Paz requirements. The facility, managed by Aura Solar is being constructed by the Portuguese company, Martifer Solar which began construction in January of 2013. The extensive facility is located to the east-southeast of the La Paz International Airport with business development being managed by Gauss Energía, a Mexican company. The plant is estimated to cost $100 million US dollars.  

Sanyo Electric Solar Ark Science Museum in Anpachi, Japan

Will The Solar City Tower for Rio Olympic Games 2016 Actually Get Built?

The Rio Solar City Tower for Rio Olympic Games 2016 That Never Got Built
The planned location is off Cotonduba Island.  This project is still in the proposal stage, and it is currently uncertain whether or not the project will get the green light.  The project will incorporate both solar power and pumped hydro technology.  See our map of solar energy in the area

World's Largest Solar Powered Office Building

Sundial Solar Office Office Building China
Sundial Office Building China spans 800,000 square feet

The office building situated in Dezhou, China spans 800,000 square feet and is designed to resemble an ancient sundial, serving as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for renewable energy. It serves as the primary venue for the 4th World Solar City Congress and was officially inaugurated on November 27.

Within the building, visitors will find exhibition centers, research facilities, meeting, and convention spaces, as well as a hotel, all powered by an array of solar panels adorning its roof. Through the utilization of steel and wall insulation, the structure surpasses China's national energy efficiency standards, achieving 30 percent higher energy savings.

China recognizes solar development as a vital component of its broader development strategy, especially in light of recent energy shortages experienced in major cities such as Shanghai. Consequently, the surplus energy generated by the facility can be utilized for various purposes. One practical application is water heating, which is cost-effective. China is already a global leader in residential rooftop solar thermal hot water development, with CleanTechnica reporting that 75 percent of all solar thermal collectors worldwide are produced and installed in China.

Lancaster Schools Solar Energy Parking Shades

Map of 25 Lancaster, CA Schools With Solar Energy Parking Lot Shades and Roofs

The City Has Equipped 25 Schools With Solar Energy Solar Parking Lot Shades and Roofs
Very Impressive!  

Lancaster Schools implementing solar energy parking shades is an excellent initiative that combines renewable energy generation with practical infrastructure. Solar energy parking shades, also known as solar carports, are structures built in parking lots that incorporate solar panels on their roofs to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity.

By installing solar energy parking shades in Lancaster Schools, several benefits can be achieved:

Renewable Energy Generation: Solar carports provide a clean and renewable source of energy by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity. This helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the school's carbon footprint.

Cost Savings: Solar energy can help offset a significant portion of the school's electricity costs. By generating their own power on-site, Lancaster Schools can reduce their reliance on the grid and potentially save money on utility bills.

Environmental Impact: The use of solar energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it produces electricity without burning fossil fuels. By transitioning to solar, Lancaster Schools can contribute to local and global efforts to combat climate change.

Educational Opportunities: Installing solar energy parking shades can serve as an educational tool for students. It provides an opportunity to learn about renewable energy, sustainability, and the benefits of solar power. Students can also get involved in monitoring energy generation and understanding the environmental impact.

Improved Parking Conditions: Solar carports provide shade for parked vehicles, protecting them from direct sunlight and adverse weather conditions. This can be particularly beneficial during hot summer months, as it helps keep the interior of cars cooler and more comfortable.

Google Ivanpah Solar Power Plant Sets Record, Settles Controversy

Amazing look at the solar thermal power plant from airplane.

A-List developers on this 392-megawatt solar thermal project include NRG (known for its EV charging stations and freestanding solar parking canopies), BrightSource Energy, and Google, which invested $168M build it, as well as the global engineering firm Bechtel. 

Solar Rebate Programs for Solar by State

Property Tax Incentives for Solar by State

Sales Tax Incentives for Solar by State

State tax incentives map from 2013

Several states in the United States did offer sales tax incentives for solar energy systems. These incentives could include exemptions, credits, or reductions on sales taxes related to the purchase and installation of solar energy equipment. It's important to note that the availability and specifics of these incentives can vary from state to state and may also depend on the size and type of solar installation.

Here is a list of some states that were known to provide such incentives at that time:

New York
California
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Minnesota
New Jersey
Maryland
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) was an incentive that allowed homeowners and businesses to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. However, please note that the information provided may have changed since then, and it's important to consult official sources or a tax professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Residential Solar ITC: Homeowners who installed solar energy systems on their primary or secondary residences were eligible for a federal tax credit equal to 26% of the total system cost. This credit is applied to both purchased systems and systems leased through a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) or solar lease.

Commercial Solar ITC: Businesses, including corporations, partnerships, and other entities, were also eligible for a federal tax credit equal to 26% of the total system cost for solar energy installations on commercial properties. This credit is applied to both purchased systems and systems acquired through a solar PPA or solar lease.

States That Offer Tax Credits For Solar

Stadiums With Solar Panels On Their Roof

solar stadiums map

List of some NFL and NBA stadiums with solar panels on their roofs. 

Several NFL stadiums have implemented solar energy systems. However, it's important to note that the landscape of solar installations is constantly evolving, and there may have been additional developments since then. Here are a few examples of NFL stadiums with solar installations:

MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey): MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, has a solar ring surrounding the top of the stadium. The installation consists of over 1,300 solar panels and can generate up to 350,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

FedExField (Landover, Maryland): FedExField, where the Washington Football Team plays, has one of the largest solar power installations among NFL stadiums. The system includes over 8,000 solar panels and has a capacity of 2 megawatts, generating a significant amount of clean energy.

Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, features solar panels installed on its façade and roof. The solar installation is part of the stadium's broader sustainability efforts, which also include wind turbines and a biodiesel plant.

Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California): Levi's Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers play, boasts one of the most notable solar installations in the NFL. The stadium features over 1,150 solar panels and multiple solar bridges that generate enough electricity to power the stadium on game days.

NBA stadiums have implemented solar energy systems. However, it's important to note that the landscape of solar installations is constantly evolving, and there may have been additional developments since then. Here are a few examples of NBA stadiums with solar installations:

Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, California): The Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings, is known for its sustainable design and features one of the largest solar arrays among sports venues. The rooftop solar panel system generates renewable energy to help power the arena.

Talking Stick Resort Arena (Phoenix, Arizona): Talking Stick Resort Arena, the home arena of the Phoenix Suns, has a solar panel installation on its roof. The solar panels contribute to the arena's overall energy supply and help reduce its environmental impact.

TD Garden (Boston, Massachusetts): TD Garden, where the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins play, has a solar array on its roof. The solar panels generate clean energy that is used to power the arena's operations.

Crypto.com (Los Angeles, California): which hosts the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Kings, has a solar power system installed on its rooftop. The solar installation contributes to the venue's energy needs and supports its sustainability efforts.

Let us know if we are missing any and we will update the solar map database.  You can also add new locations to our crowdsourced database of solar energy locations.  

See our map of stadiums

Walmart Solar Roof Panels

How many Walmart stores have installed solar?  500 plus stores.

Walmart has been a leader in corporate renewable energy adoption and has made significant investments in renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power. The company has set a goal to power 50% of its operations with renewable energy by 2025.

The amount of money Walmart saves from solar panels will vary depending on factors such as the size of the solar installations, the local solar resources, the cost of electricity in each location, and the specific terms of the solar power purchase agreements or financing arrangements.

However, it is widely recognized that solar power can provide financial benefits to businesses over the long term. By generating their own electricity from solar panels, companies like Walmart can reduce their reliance on traditional grid electricity, which can help lower their operational costs. Solar power is a renewable energy source, and as the cost of solar technology continues to decrease, the financial returns on solar investments can improve.

Crypto.com & Microsoft Theater Solar Roofs Photo

Crypto.com & Microsoft Theater solar roofs

Solar roofs can be seen on satellite images at Crypto.com Arena and Microsoft Theater. 

Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as Staples Center) and Microsoft Theater. The installation of solar panels on the roofs of commercial buildings, stadiums, and venues has become a popular practice to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon footprints.

See our map of stadiums



Solar Parking Lot

solar parking lot
Solar Parking Lots Make a Lot of Sense - Shade & Power for Electrical Vehicles