a large group of solar panels on the roof of a building

Howard County Solar Study

Gipe Associates performed an evaluation of Howard County’s buildings, parking lots, and land to identify appropriate locations for the installation of photovoltaic solar systems.  The goal was to maximize solar energy production on public property as well as opportunities to education the County residents.  Approximately 60 properties were evaluated under this report.  Review of the properties was from the macroscopic perspective utilizing map measuring programs and solar calculators.

The evaluation included the feasibility of installing roof mounted and/or covered parking solar panels, the condition of the roof, the type of panel, the amount of area available, estimated annual kWh as well as the estimated annual savings.  Properties then were prioritized based on those with most available area that had the ability to produce the most kWh.  Aerial photographs outlining the potential roof or cover parking areas and associated PV watts calculations were provided for each potential facility. This comprehensive report gave Howard County a road map towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly County Government.

Project Type: Civic,

a row of cars parked in front of a gas station
an aerial view of a parking lot with lots of parking spaces
a large group of solar panels on the roof of a building