SunPower® and Healthcare Institutions
Healthcare organizations save millions by going solar
$10 Billion
in annual energy costs*U.S. healthcare organizations spend $9.585 billion per year on energy. Data Source: https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial/data/2012/c&e/cfm/c13.php (May 2016)
for US Healthcare facilities
4th Highest
energy consumer
among US commercial buildings *Healthcare Organizations rank 4th in Energy Use by Commercial Buildings. Data Source: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=us_energy_commercial#tab2
Featured Success Story
Allendale Community for Senior Living is on track to save $7.2 million with solar
Over the next 25 years, the rooftop solar arrays at Allendale will offset electricity costs by approximately 78% and generate an estimated savings of $7.2 million.
Healthcare Case Studies
Radiology Ltd.
Solar carports provide much needed shade and help save the practice an estimated $169,000 annually.
New England Biolabs (MA)
NEB, a leader in life sciences research, sought out solar as a way to enhance its mission and eliminate harmful carbon emissions from the local community.
Strictly Pediatrics
Solar rooftop and carport systems complement the building’s contemporary design and offset an estimated 50% of the surgery center’s electricity usage.
Carport installations
Protect the cars of those parking on your lot from the sun and bad weather, while making a visible statement about your organization’s commitment to sustainability. Add optional electric vehicle charging for those who want to take it to the next level.
Rooftop installations
If carports are not a possible solution, rooftop solar is a faster way to reap the benefits of solar with minimal business interruption. Large flat roofs are perfect for installing solar panels.
Increase your electricity savings with battery storage
Reduce utility bill demand charges with SunPower® Helix® Storage — which stores electricity generated while the sun is shining and intelligently discharges to offset demand spikes.
Why go solar with SunPower?
30 Year
track record
of successful solar projects
45%
more power
than conventional panels *2 SunPower 327W compared to a Conventional Panel on same sized arrays (260W, 16% efficient, approx. 1.6 m2), 3% more energy per watt (based on 3pty module characterization and PVSim), 0.75%/yr slower degradation (Campeau, Z. et al. “SunPower Module Degradation Rate,” SunPower white paper, 2013).
25 Year
industry-leading
power and product warranty
Getting your solar project started
INFOGRAPHIC
BUSINESS FEED
Frequently Asked Questions
Healthcare is an energy-intensive industry. In fact, U.S. inpatient healthcare facilities are the second most energy-intensive facility types in the nation, with the average hospital spending $675,000 per year on energy costs alone. And healthcare buildings are only getting larger, likely to meet the needs of an aging population with a growing average life expectancy.
As soon as your solar system is activated, you will start saving money that would otherwise be spent on electric bills, while protecting your facility from utility price volatility. Depending on your location and how you choose to finance solar, you can lock in low electricity rates for 25 years or more and possibly eliminate 100% of your electric bill.
The bottom-line benefits are undeniable—when your hospital or healthcare business goes solar you see savings in real dollars. And instead of spending that money on electric bills, it can be used to make operational improvements, purchase new equipment, hire more staff or simply operate more efficiently.
Hospitals that utilize renewables stand out from their peers for their commitment to community health and environmental stewardship. Renewables can reduce a hospital’s carbon emissions and have a positive effect on environmental health.
Additionally, more and more socially-driven businesses are adopting a triple-bottom-line approach to business that goes beyond measuring financial results to considering a company’s effects on people, planet and profits. This includes better community health, assistance in achieving green building certifications and an enhanced reputation.*“Renewables Make a Powerful Case as Hospital Energy. Source,” US Department of Energy, July 2011.
The truth is, more healthcare facilities and businesses of all kinds are going solar today than ever before. With solar technology firmly established as a cost-effective energy source, and installations becoming easier than ever, the growth has been notable. Over the last ten years, solar has grown at an average annual rate of 68%, and the trend shows no signs of reversing.*SunPower Brand Awareness Survey, October 2016.
The longer you wait, the more it costs your operation. By taking advantage of competitive pricing on solar panels and available incentive programs now, your hospital or healthcare facility will start saving money the day your system is activated, and see savings for the life of the solar system.
Additionally, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar is equal to 30% of the amount invested in an eligible installation (e.g., if you invest $100,000 in solar, you could receive a $30,000 tax credit). However, the ITC rate will decrease to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021, and 10% after 2021. Here’s an easy to understand guide to the Investment Tax Credit.
If your organization is tax-exempt, you cannot directly take advantage of the ITC. However, you can work with financial partners to establish a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). A PPA is a contract in which another party owns the solar system, and takes advantage of the tax benefits, but you enjoy the energy savings with no upfront costs. Learn more about Power Purchase Agreements here.
While it may sound daunting to learn about an entirely new form of energy, we are here to help. SunPower has helped thousands of organizations go solar. We will guide you through the steps—which are simpler than you might imagine. There’s never been a better time to go solar than now, and the sooner you decide to act, the more you can save.
