Secco’s commitment to sustainability took shape with the installation of a solar carport at its Rosario headquarters. The structure combines renewable electricity generation with shade and shelter for vehicles. The project marks a significant advancement for the incorporation of solar technologies in business environments.
With 2,520 photovoltaic modules, the project reaches a capacity of 1.15 MW. This performance places it among the most notable installations in the country. The energy obtained already allows reducing the company’s electrical costs by 40% of the company.
The design and execution were carried out by the internal Renewable Energy team. The structure was completed in just four months and operates with ten high-efficiency inverters. When production exceeds consumption, the energy is fed into the grid to reinforce the electrical system.
Self-generation and operational efficiency
The carport operates under the self-consumption model, also known as self-generation. This allows a large part of the renewable electricity to be directly allocated to internal operations. At certain times, the plant covers the entire energy demand of the company.
The installation offers space to accommodate up to 360 vehicles. Its East-West orientation optimizes solar capture throughout the day. Additionally, it improves thermal comfort for workers and visitors.
The company plans to add electrical storage and hybrid connection with generators. This scheme will allow for more resilient energy management in the face of peaks or outages. It will also enable the reduction of contracted capacities, with a positive economic and environmental impact.
Infrastructure designed for an accelerated transition
The project reflects an innovation model that integrates efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Its scale demonstrates the potential of renewable energies in the Argentine corporate sector. The incorporation of hybrid systems prepares the company for scenarios of greater energy variability.
The experience also shows how solar solutions applied to everyday spaces can have a strategic role. A carport, beyond its shelter function, becomes a productive surface. This redefines urban and business spaces from an environmental perspective.
The renewable push also allows for emission reductions and frees up capacity in electrical grids. Each square meter of solar contributes to the reduction of fossil fuel dependency. Thus, the infrastructure adds value beyond economic savings.
Environmental benefits of the solar carport and how to leverage them
Solar carports allow transforming parking surfaces into active sources of clean energy. They simultaneously tackle two urban challenges: the lack of shade and the need for sustainable electrification. This reduces the use of fossil fuels and decreases the carbon footprint of companies.
Distributed generation provides stability to the electrical system. By producing energy close to the point of consumption, transportation losses and demand peaks are reduced. This strengthens the grid and improves its resilience to extreme events.
Moreover, these systems reduce heat islands in large paved areas. The shade lowers temperatures and improves environmental comfort in high-use areas. This contributes to healthier and more efficient spaces.
How to better leverage a solar carport:
- Integrate storage to manage energy during low generation hours.
- Incorporate chargers for electric vehicles and promote sustainable mobility.
- Apply smart monitoring to optimize production and detect early failures.
- Design structures oriented to maximize solar capture throughout the year.
- Use surpluses for community clean energy programs when regulations allow.
