Sustainability

Is it time for the shopping center industry to consider solar as a renewable, environmentally friendly, long term, low cost energy source?

Renewable energy is a focal point for many environmentalists who have helped educate the general public and congress on the need for clean energy to help reduce carbon pollution levels (global warming). Many states have already mandated that their utility companies must produce 5% to 20% of generated electricity from renewable energy sources over the next ten years. The states and utility companies plan to implement this through building their own renewable power plants or by providing incentives to their customers to implement renewable energy projects on their own.

Today, the primary deterrent to installing renewable energy (solar panels) is the high upfront cost. The most effective solar panel is Photovoltaic (PV) and is made from silicon. The high demand for this silicon around the world has increased the costs for the solar film. The good news; there is Venture Capital money flowing into this industry and there are plans in the works now to triple production of silicon that will be used for PV by 2010. Analysts believe this will significantly reduce the cost of solar film.

Many other factors such as Geographic Location, Rebates & Tax Incentives, Energy Rates and the ability to install large areas of Solar Panels all must be considered before implementation. With the right combination of these factors and the 25 year warranty on PV panels, Solar Energy can be a very attractive proposition.

Xencom plans to utilize its 20+ years of expertise in the energy industry to offer the shopping center industry a complete solar generation package. We will team with the best solar film and panel manufacturers, consultants, engineers and Honeywell Global Finance to give the shopping center owner the most cost effective solution.

Best Candidates?

Shopping Centers that have the following criteria:

• Geographic Locations - The average hours of quality sunlight varies throughout the US. Areas such as Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas are the best when it comes to how much solar energy can be harvested per year. But the amount of sunlight is not the only factor; extreme ambient heat can adversely affect the efficiency of the solar panels and may require more area for cooling.
• Energy Rebates - There are many states and utility companies offering rebates and incentives for Solar Energy. Without these rebates and incentives, solar power just does not make financial sense.
• Energy Rates - The higher the cost per kWh, the better the payback.
• Tax Incentives - There are Federal and State Tax credits that can shorten the overall payback.
• Area needed for Solar Panels - Typically 150 Square Feet of Panels per 1 kW.
• Best Shopping Centers - Malls with Central Chiller Plants which generally have more open roof space.