Don’t miss the solar-generating tree as you walk into SPI

As you enter the Anaheim Convention Center this SPI, make sure you look up. That tree above your head may not be growing leaves, but instead generating solar power. That’s because it’s a solar tree, one of Spotlight Solar’s newest installations.

When CEO Craig Merrigan started looking to enter the solar industry in 2008, he was struck by how little marketing was associated with solar and other clean energy installations. He saw many miss an opportunity to build clean energy awareness and understanding, and to grow the market profitably.

“I’ve always been attracted to dynamic industries and products that benefit people. Solar addresses both of those things,” he said.

He and his co-founders were inspired by other solar sculpture projects and how they brought visibility to clean energy. “Our idea was to make similarly compelling aesthetic structures, not as one-off art projects, but as products engineered for reliability and efficiency, as well as beauty. Between us, we have a lot of experience in design, marketing and manufacturing. Architectural solar structures (solar trees, as many people call them) make solar visible and compelling; this taps into the positive image people have of solar and amplifies it. This is solar marketing in a physical product.”

Merrigan pointed out that these structures aren’t meant to replace rooftop solar and other clean energy measures, but complement them. Many solar rooftop systems, efficient building practices, geothermal and lighting upgrades go unseen and so may go unappreciated. They often have little power to inspire other people. So adding a solar tree can help give environmental efforts a physical presence and inspire people to consider their own energy choices. He noted the customers advocacy, employees affinity, photographer visits and blog posts that a visible structure can spark.

Beside the convention center, Spotlight Solar trees can be found on stadiums, office buildings, airports and universities. Once recent installation was a pink tree to match the flamingos at the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City.

Tracy Aviary

“Our products are signals of stewardship, adding reputation value to the ROI from other energy measures, which tend to be hidden from view,” said Merrigan. “So the best scenarios for our structures are high-visibility locations (with sunlight) where the owner has made other investments in clean energy or efficiency.”

These structures can typically generate 1.5 kW to 3 kW and range  $30,000 to $60,000. Tax incentives can help offset the cost, just like any other solar installation. Customers can also customize their solar tree by color, position, angle and even add lighting. The structures are also easily integrated with electric vehicle charging stations.

Spotlight Solar will have more than 50 installations by the end of 2015. These projects are all in the U.S., but Merrigan plans to expand internationally.

Solar Power World