NRG Energy Introduces Solar Canopy Solution

NRG Energy, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary NRG Solar, formally launched the offering of the NRG Solar Canopy, a freestanding solar power generation structure

"The introduction marks a major step forward in expanding the viability of solar installations beyond large rooftop structures," NRG said.

The canopy will come in four models that will generate from 2.44 kW to 7.32 kW of power depending on the geographic location.

1. Solar Canopy Mini: dimensions are 15 feet x 14 feet; 2,440 annual kWh

2. Solar Canopy Model 1: dimensions are 7.5 feet x 27 feet; 2,440 annual kWh

3. Solar Canopy Model 2: dimensions are 15 feet x 27 feet; 4,880 annual kWh

4. Solar Canopy Model 3: dimensions are 22.5 feet x 27 feet; 7,320 annual kWh

The NRG Solar Canopy can be incorporated into large-scale commercial use as part of a comprehensive rooftop, ground mount, or solar parking solution that could also be included in a power purchase agreement (PPA) from NRG Solar, the company said.

NRG said target users include universities, hospitals, gas stations, banks, stadiums, bus stops and remote locations such as islands, parks and farms. Depending on installation size, the canopies can power a variety of appliances -- from laptops to ATMs.

Residential solar canopies will be available in 2014 in the same sizes and configurations. Purchases for private homes, in addition to those from smaller volume businesses, will be handled through NRG's "Get a Quote" process on nrgsolar.com, or directly through Sunora or one of its channel partners

NRG said that the solar canopy, "offers grid autonomy through its optional bi-modal and off-grid capabilities, allowing unused solar energy to be stored to an optional battery backup housed within the canopy, instead of being sent to the public grid."

These optional battery "banks" come in strings of eight. Each string provides the equivalent to approximately 1.5 days of reliable power depending on power usage. For customers who already have diesel, propane or natural gas-powered back-up generators, these batteries offer further assurance, as the solar canopy has zero dependency on fuel, NRG said.

NRG said that Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, through its partnership with NRG, is deploying solar canopies in addition to rooftop and ground mounted solar installations on selected hotels and resorts