Envision Solar
Encyclopedia
Envision Solar is the only company in the world composed of architects and builders that specialize in solar
shading structures. 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. 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
.
s into Solar Groves to reduce storm water runoff pollution. 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."
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, which is enough electricity to power 68 average San Diego single-family homes. The Solar Groves at Kyocera International cost approxmitly $3 million before the application of slightly more than $1 million in subsidies and incentives.
Solar power
Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available...
shading structures. 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. 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
Solar tree
A solar tree is a decorative means of producing solar energy. It uses multiple solar panels which form the shape of a tree by assistance of poles. Solar trees can double as street lights.-External links:*]]**...
.
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. 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.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. Each Solar Tree provides shade for eight to ten vehicles. The company has incorporated bioswaleBioswale
Bioswales are landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. They consist of a swaled drainage course with gently sloped sides and filled with vegetation, compost and/or riprap...
s into Solar Groves to reduce storm water runoff pollution. 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."
In May 2006, The first Solar Grove, consisting of 25-trees, was installed at the Kyocera
Kyocera
is a multinational manufacturer based in Kyoto, Japan. It was founded as in 1959 by Kazuo Inamori and renamed in 1982. The company has diversified its founding technology in ceramic materials through internal development as well as strategic mergers and acquisitions...
International, Inc. parking lot in San Diego
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. 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, which is enough electricity to power 68 average San Diego single-family homes. The Solar Groves at Kyocera International cost approxmitly $3 million before the application of slightly more than $1 million in subsidies and incentives.