Commercial Solar Carport Installation in NJ - Coastal Solution

We're thrilled to announce that our commercial solar carport installation in NJ has earned one of the solar industry's most prestigious recognitions.

We’re pleased to share the news that TerraSol Energies, Inc. has been given a SunPower 2019 “Regional Intelegant” Award. The award specifically recognizes TerraSol’s coastal health facility carport project in Atlantic City, NJ.  

What Is the Commercial Solar Carport Installation in NJ That Won the Award?

The name “Intelegant” is a combination of “Intelligent” and “Elegant,” which SunPower explains: “defines the award recognizing residential and commercial projects that exemplify the company's commitment to outstanding system aesthetics, quality, and performance, as well as customer satisfaction (source).”  

As SunPower explains, the award recognizes "residential and commercial projects that exemplify the company's commitment to outstanding system aesthetics, quality, and performance, as well as customer satisfaction." (Source: SunPower Newsroom)

Norm Taffe, SunPower executive vice president for North America, said, “TerraSol has demonstrated superior craftsmanship with the sleek design and installation of this SunPower system, featuring premium solar panels that are unmatched in performance, reliability, and aesthetics.  

“We congratulate TerraSol for their extraordinary delivery of such an elegant commercial solar project and look forward to their continued success as a SunPower dealer in 2020.”    

For our team, that recognition goes beyond a trophy. It validates what we believe every solar carport installation should be: functional, beautifully constructed, and built to make a real difference.

We’re thrilled to have these attributes recognized in our carport project, of which we’re immensely proud.  

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The Atlantic City Project: A Coastal Solar Solution

The site was a coastal health facility in Atlantic City, NJ. A commercial building with significant energy needs driven by heavy medical equipment. The challenge wasn't just how to install solar panels, but how to do it in a way that maximized every square foot of available space, including areas that were previously considered unusable.

The 470 kW solar system was designed to offset the substantial electric usage of the health facility’s medical equipment. It was also important to make sustainable use of the otherwise unusable brownfield surrounding the facility.  

In total, our installation consists of 660 SunPower solar panels in the rear lot and a 396-panel system on the previously unusable rooftop.  

The system has offset electricity usage by 33%—that’s one-third of the power used for the whole year! The facility is also down 637 tons of CO2 per year. Check out the full story of the “Coastal Solar Solution” in our case study.   

Click here to read more about the Intelegant Awards and our fellow recipients.   

Why a Solar Carport — Not Just a Rooftop System?

One of the most important decisions in this solar project was choosing to build solar carports rather than relying solely on the commercial rooftop. Here's why that decision made all the difference.

Unlocking Underutilized Space

The health facility's surrounding area included brownfield land — previously developed or contaminated land that couldn't be built on in the traditional sense. Rather than letting that parking lot sit as wasted space, our team designed solar canopies that convert an ordinary parking area into a high-performing renewable energy asset.

Overhead canopies maximize parking infrastructure without consuming open land, and that's exactly what we did here.

Solar carports are particularly well suited for commercial buildings in New Jersey, where aggressive renewable energy goals and high-density business environments make every square foot of energy-generating space count. (Source: NJ Board of Public Utilities)

Not Every Building Has Enough Roof Space

Here's something many business owners don't realize: commercial solar systems typically require roofs larger than 10,000 square feet, and larger-scale installations often require a minimum roof size of 50,000 square feet or more to meet significant energy needs.

When roof space alone isn't enough to determine the right system size, carport solar installations become a practical and powerful complement. Engineers look at your local conditions to calculate your return on investment.

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In this case, the flat roof of the health facility accommodated 396 panels, while the parking lot carport structure held 660 more — giving the system the scale it needed to make a real dent in the facility's operating costs.

Protection and Dual Purpose

Beyond electricity generation, solar carports protect vehicles from weather elements — including rain, heat, and snow accumulation — while simultaneously generating clean power from the sun's energy. That dual-purpose value makes them one of the most efficient uses of a commercial site's footprint.

Engineering a Solar Carport That Lasts: What Goes Into the Design

A solar carport installation at this scale isn't just a matter of mounting solar panels over parking spots. It involves careful engineering across several disciplines. Here's what our installation process accounts for on every commercial project:

Structural Load Design

The design of solar carports must account for snow and wind loads to meet local building codes and ensure long-term structural integrity. New Jersey winters are no joke, and our systems are built to handle them.

Vehicle Clearance

Structures must accommodate vehicle clearance for various vehicle types — from standard passenger cars to delivery trucks and, increasingly, electric vehicle charging-capable vehicles.

Foundation Engineering

Proper foundation design depends on geotechnical surveys of the parking lot soil. Every site is different, and we don't cut corners on the groundwork.

Drainage

Integrated drainage systems are necessary to prevent water pooling beneath the carport. A critical consideration for any coastal or high-rain-exposure site like Atlantic City.

Zoning Compliance

Projects must adhere to local NJ zoning ordinances regarding structure height, and zoning compliance is required for all solar carport projects in New Jersey. Our team handles permitting and municipal coordination as part of the installation process, so our customers don't have to navigate it alone.

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The Financial Case for Commercial Solar Carports in NJ

Beyond the environmental impact, the investment case for a commercial solar installation in New Jersey is compelling — especially right now.

30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Eligible projects can claim a 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit for solar installations, which directly reduces the total cost of the system dollar-for-dollar. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)

Property and Sales Tax Exemptions

Commercial solar projects in New Jersey may also qualify for property and sales tax exemptions, further improving the return on investment. (Source: DSIRE)

Reduced Operating Costs

Once installed, a solar system dramatically reduces monthly electricity costs. For a facility like our Atlantic City client — running medical equipment around the clock — that 33% electricity offset translates to substantial annual savings year after year.

Improved Brand Image

Going solar isn't just good for the grid. It signals commitment to sustainability and community responsibility, which translates into an improved brand image and stronger customer satisfaction.

Research consistently shows that consumers and business partners respond positively to companies that invest in clean energy. That's a value that extends well beyond the system itself.

Is a Solar Carport Installation Right for Your Commercial Property?

If your business has an underutilized parking lot in New Jersey, solar carport installations may be one of the most financially and environmentally efficient investments you can make.

Here are a few indicators that your site could be well-suited for a commercial solar carport:

• You have a parking lot with 20 or more parking spots

• Your commercial building has high electricity bills driven by equipment, HVAC, or lighting

• Your roof space is limited, occupied, or not ideally oriented for solar

• You want to add EV charging stations as an added amenity for employees or customers — solar carports and EV charging infrastructure are a natural pairing, and the demand for charging stations is growing rapidly across New Jersey

• You're interested in community solar participation or grid-connected solar production

New Jersey's solar technology incentives, clean energy mandates, and net metering policies make it one of the best states in the country to invest in a commercial solar system.

Whether your building has a flat roof, a large parking area, or both, TerraSol can help you determine the right approach and build customized solutions around your specific energy needs and budget.

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Start Your Commercial Solar Carport Project With TerraSol

Winning the SunPower Intelegant Award is something we're immensely proud of. But what matters most to us is the impact this project has had for our client: lower electricity bills, a dramatically reduced carbon footprint, and a facility making use of the sun's power every single day.

That’s what a truly rewarding experience looks like in the solar industry, and it's what we bring to every project we take on.

Whether you're just beginning to explore solar or you're ready to move forward with a system design, our team is here to help. We offer a free consultation with no pressure and no obligation — just honest answers about what a commercial solar carport installation in NJ could look like for your property, your business, and your budget.