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Phoenix VA To Build Nation’s Largest Solar Carport

November 2, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has set a goal for itself. By 2013, it expects to have 15% of its energy derived from renewable sources. The Phoenix, Arizona VA Medical Center is doing their part to help the VA meet their goal. A recently announced project will build the largest photovoltaic, or solar-powered, car port in the country at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.

A 630 kilowatt carport is already being installed at the VA center. This new project will expand that carport by another 3 megawatts. Once the project is completed, the entire system will generate over 5.7 million kilowatt-hours of energy every year. This is approximately the same amount of energy that would be consumed by 600 houses.

The benefits of such clean energy are undoubtedly attractive to the VA. An additional benefit to this expansion has been discovered as well. The expansion will provide shade, which, given the Arizona climate, is a valuable advantage. Two other large solar carports in California tout the benefits of something as simple as shade.

The expansion of the carport will allow the VA to significantly increase the amount of solar light they can collect. At the same time, veterans will be treated to shaded parking when they visit the facility.

The VA has already granted contracts to construct more photovoltaic systems totaling $78 million. While somewhat expensive to build, the benefits of reduced utility bills and not polluting the environment outweigh the initial costs.