Envision Solar

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Envision Solar LLC
Type Private
Founded 2006
Headquarters San Diego, California, U.S.
Key people Bob Noble, founder and CEO
Industry Energy
Website www.EnvisionSolar.com

Envision Solar is the only company in the world composed of architects and builders that specialize in solar shading structures.[1] Envision Solar is also the only solar energy company to provide a "Single Point of Contact," which includes design, engineering, contract management, site maintenance, financing, construction, installation, entitlement/permit process guidance, feasibility studies, and system monitoring.[2] Envision Solar with Kyocera Solar are commercializing a variety of photovoltaic carport systems—mainly the award-winning Solar Grove, a solar shade carport structure composed of Solar Trees.[3]

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[edit] History

Prior to founding Envision Solar, Bob Noble was the CEO of Tucker Sadler Architects, an eco-friendly architectural firm; Tucker Sadler Architects, Midwest General Construction, and Kyocera Solar have partnered with Envision Solar to develop and construct Solar Groves and LifePorts.[4] Envision Solar was formed in 2006 after a collaboration with Tucker Sadler Architects and Kyocera to develop a solar carport at Kyocera International and since then the company has been receiving interest nationally and internationally.[5] Envision Solar and Tucker Sadler have close ties, in addition to being partners on solar development, Tucker Sadler partner Art Castro owns a majority of Envision Solar's shares and the Envision Solar operates out of Tucker Sadler’s office.[3]

[edit] Products

Solar Trees consist of a central pole that supports a "canopy" of solar panels, which are designed to be built above cars in parking lots to create shade and generate solar power without encumbering the parking spaces.[3] Each Solar Tree provides shade for eight to ten vehicles.[3] The company has incorporated Bioswales into Solar Groves to reduce storm water runoff pollution.[3] The company is also currently developing LifePorts, which are non-commercial carports, designed to be used as a four or two car garage or storage area, which Noble claims is "easier than putting solar panels on your roof."[6][3]

In May 2006, The first Solar Grove, consisting of 25-trees, was installed at the Kyocera International, Inc. parking lot in San Diego, California. The Solar Grove provided more than 100 percent of electricity of the San Diego Kyocera office and saved Kyocera $50,000 in electricity costs in the first year by generating 428,000 kilowatt hours of electricity,[1][3] which is enough electricity to power 68 average San Diego single-family homes.[7] The Solar Groves at Kyocera International cost approxmitly $3 million before the application of slightly more than $1 million in subsidies and incentives.[3]

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[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Lewis, Cynthia (2007), “Parking lot power: One Passionate Architect's Mission to Reclaim Renewable Energy Through CarPorts”, 944 Magazine, San Diego April edition: 60 & 61, <http://www.944.com/sandiego/more.php?article=4315> 
  2. ^ "The Future is Bright for Envision Solar, LLC, as the Solar Developer Announces a Series of Strategic Alliances Worldwide". Business Wire (published on AllBusiness.com). 2007-06-21. Retrieved on 2007-08-26.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Graham, Marty. "Bob Noble Taps Into Solar’s New Roots", The San Diego Metropolitan, November 2007. Retrieved on 2007-04-06. 
  4. ^ The Company: Partners. Envision Solar. Retrieved on 2007-04-26.
  5. ^ Solar carports being marketed by Kyocera and partner. Inside greentech (2007-05-02). Retrieved on 2007-05-27.
  6. ^ Graham, Marty. "Google Plants Solar Trees", WIRED, 2006-12-13. Retrieved on 2007-04-05. 
  7. ^ Killion, Andy. "Envision Joins Kyocera to Market Shade and Solar Energy", San Diego Business Journal, 2007-03-01. Retrieved on 2007-04-07.