A solar canopy, whether that’s used for shelter from the rain or sun or for decorative purposes, does more for the planet than a regular canopy does.
Here at A&S Landscape, we offer solar canopies which are made to reduce your carbon emissions and generate renewable energy. If you’re trying to be environmentally consciousconcious but are still wanting that perfect amount of shade, then a solar panel canopy is the perfect solution!
Whether you’re after a solar canopy for a senior school, or are just passionate about mitigating climate change, we encourage that you make the switch to a solar canopy today.
In this guide, we will take you through some of their many benefits, as well as giving you tips on how to clean a solar canopy. We also include a comment from one of our canopy exerprets, which will hopefully leave you feeling curious!
With this in mind, let’s explore the reasons behind investing in a solar canopy.
What is a Solar Canopy?
So, what is a solar canopy?
Essentially, a solar canopy is a type of outdoor canopy that offers a modern, energy-efficient take on traditional canopy solutions, whether that is for a school or hospitality business.
They are typically freestandingground or roof mounted steel structures which are topped with solar panels. Solar canopies are seen as a smart way to produce energy from large sun exposed surfaces, whilst providing shaded rest areas for pupils or customers.
A fabric or metal covering is attached to the canopy structure, which provides shade and shelter from weather conditions such as sun, hail, snow, and rain. For some fabric canopy inspiration, A&S offer an impressive and weather-proof range.
If you didn’t know, solar panels essentially convert sunlight into electricity, acting as a renewable source of power. This can be critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Switching to solar panels allowsallow you to save money while helping the environment, a win-win situation in our eyes!
What are the Benefits of Solar Canopies?
Before you commit to a solar canopy, it’s important to take a look at their benefits. Needless to say, there are a whole range of advantages that comes with this kind of canopy. Your instant thought might be their impact on the environment, but there are many other educational and functional benefits too.
Let’s have a look at some of these benefits in a bit more detail.
Lower Energy Price
One of the main and most important reasons that you should invest in a solar canopy is because they will instantly reduce the cost of energy. With a dedicated source of renewable energy, schools and businesses can save on utility bills over time.
As energy costs have soared through the roof in recent years, investing in a solar canopy may just be the ideal step moving forwards. By harnessing solar power, you not only save money but you also reduce your carbon footprint by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
Education for Staff and Students
Solar canopies can also offer valuable educational opportunities. Schools are able to incorporate real-time energy production data into their curriculum, teaching students about the importance of renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental practicespractises.
Educating pupils is one of the first steps to take to ensure they are aware of environmental issues. Involving pupils in the installation of solar panels can have huge beneficial effects on their awareness and education. Solar panels can also spike an interest in all subjects, such as maths and geography and not just science.
Shows your Dedication to Saving the Planet
There’s no doubt that investing in a solar canopy has great benefits on the environment. In a nutshell, solar panels don’t produce greenhouse gases, which is one of the main ways to save the planet. When you replace the fossil fuels powering your home with clean solar energy, you reduce the amount of greenhouse gases you’re responsible for.
Solar panels can also be broken down into individual materials which can almost be entirely recycled. Silicone based solar panels can be broken down into glass, aluminium, cell modules, and silicon wafers, all of which can at least 80% can be reused.
So, why not show off your dedication to saving the planet?
Functional Canopy
Solar canopies function in the same way as any other canopy would – they are just significantly better for the environment. Offer your pupils and staff a functional, shaded space for a domestic setting, such as one of our school playground canopies.
Glass solar panelling options can allow some light to pass through the structure, while simultaneously generating energy. Solar PV canopies continue to produce energy even when the sun goes down, allowing you to use your solar energy even after daylight hours!
Do I Need to Turn Off Solar Canopies to Clean Them?
The straightforward answer is: no.
Turning off solar panels for cleaning is not necessary for most cases, as they operate safely even when exposed to water. Most solar panels are made to withstand harsh weather conditions, and can even be classed as being totally weather proof.
However, we strongly advise you to take the necessary precautions around electrical components and to follow proper safety protocols to avoid accidents or damage to the system.
We recommend that you don’t use detergent or other cleaning products; just water will do. We also recommend that you use a soft bristled brush, and to clean every few months or when you feel like the canopy has a significant amount of dirt or dust on its panels.
If that isn’t enough, we’ve also got some top tips for cleaning your canopy in every season!
Is a Solar Canopy Still Effective in Winter?
There’s no need to worry, as your solar canopy will still work efficiently in the winter months. However, using a solar energy or solar battery solution might help to boost this, as seasonal solar performance is somewhat lower in winter compared to summer.
Solar panels use the energy that is originated from the sun’s light rather than the heat. This means that in colder months, when the sun’s rays hit the earth at a shallower angle, the sun’s light will still hit the solar panels and generate electricity.
Along with lower temperatures in winter comes serious weather conditions, but even then your solar canopy will be fine. A good quality solar panel is made to be durable, and solar panels can even work under water, so a little bit of snow or rain probably won’t cause permanent damage.
Hear From Our Experts About Why They Would Choose a Solar Canopy
Before investing in a solar canopy, you might want to hear from someone who knows what they are talking about. Luckily for you we can provide an expert comment from one of our canopy experts!
Take a look below:
“Solar canopies are becoming increasingly popular amongst schools in the UK. These are a great way of increasing the number of solar panels present at a school, when there is little roof space available on the buildings. In many cases, these can often be fitted retrospectively to existing structures.”
– Stefanie Lomas, Canopy Consultant.
Invest in a Solar Canopy With A&S Landscape!
Hopefully, we have answered one of your frequently asked questions: ‘what is a solar canopy?’
As discussed above, there are plenty of benefits when it comes to switching to a solar canopy, including lower energy prices, further education, and a dedicated mindset when it comes to saving the planet.
Solar canopies are a great step forward in the right direction, especially as they have a positive and indirect impact on the environment.
Want to tailor a solar canopy that fits your requirements? Here at A&S Landscape, you can get completely bespoke canopy solutions, adapted to your specific needs.
If you have any further enquiries or canopy related questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. An expert member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you!
For more canopy related content, check out some of our similar guides below.
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