# Chevrolet Harnesses Sun to Power Volts and Dealerships

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/chevrolet-harnesses-sun-to-power-volts-and-dealerships/
- Published: 2011-08-13T20:12:09-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

[Chevrolet](https://www.chevrolet.com/) is harnessing the power of the sun to install
solar-powered electric charging stations for its [Volts](https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/volt-plug-in-hybrid)
at dealerships in North America. The Green Zone initiative will generate electricity
equivalent to 12 full vehicle charges per day and excess electricity created will
help supplement the dealership’s power needs.

# Green Zone

“The Chevrolet Green Zone will provide our U.S. dealers with added flexibility when
it comes to charging their vehicles. All the while also reinforcing GM’s commitment
to renewable energy projects,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet
Marketing and Strategy.

[American Chevrolet in Modesto](https://www.americanchevrolet.com/), Calif., and
[Al Serra Auto Plaza](https://www.alserra.com/) in Grand Blanc, Mich., are the first
U.S. dealerships. All to complete their solar charging capability by installing 
Green Zones on their property.

## Win Win

“The question isn’t whether to install a [solar canopy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/new-thomas-jefferson-solar-canopy-at-mount-rushmore-national-memorial-amps-up-efforts-by-xanterra-travel-collection-to-create-greener-national-parks-memorials/),
it’s where and how many,” said Joe Serra, president of Serra Automotive. “It’s a
win for us. Especially because the electricity generated will help reduce operating
costs. Also  it’s a win for the environment since solar power helps reduce our carbon
footprint.”[⌊Solar power⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_2429.jpg?quality=52&ssl=1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

###  4,500 Charges Per Year

Each canopy generates enough electricity for up to 4,500 charges per vehicle annually.
The proof of concept for the Green Zone_ _project is housed at the [Detroit Hamtramck](https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/company_info/facilities/assembly/dham.html)
assembly plant. That’s the manufacturing home of the Volt.

“The beauty of this program is that there is no capital cost required from the dealership,”
said Dave Halvorson, president of American Chevrolet in Modesto. “Not only do we
generate the solar energy to increase our reliance on renewable electricity, but
the Green Zone is a billboard of our commitment to the environment.”

[⌊Chevy volt charging up at a hotel⌉⌊Chevy volt charging up at a hotel⌉[

 

 

 

 

The Chevy Green Zone Initiative is part of GM Ventures’ recent announcement to invest
$7.5 million in [Sunlogics](http://sunlogics.com/). That’s a solar panel manufacturing
and development company that will supply the panels and install the dealer charging
stations. Both American Chevrolet and Al Serra Chevrolet partnered with Sunlogics
for installation of their Green Zones.

“Just one of these canopies provides enough renewable energy to power two to three
homes per year. I mean or more than 25 percent of a dealership’s energy consumption,”
said Perry. “Collectively, that will be a lot of power we are putting back into 
the grid.”

As part of the GM Ventures investment announcement in Sunlogics, General Motors 
committed to double its solar output globally – from 30 megawatts to 60 megawatts
by 2015. The company derives 1.4 percent of its U.S.[ energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/10-largest-wind-project-development-2022/)
consumption from renewable resources.

Finally, GM is the leading user of renewable energy in automotive manufacturing.
It has three of the largest automotive rooftop solar power installations in the 
United States. Also, the world’s largest rooftop solar installation at its car assembly
plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Additionally, GM has started construction on a new solar
field at its Detroit-Hamtramck facility. Finally and completed construction on a
solar array on top of its Baltimore Operations facility.

**_Source: General Motors_**

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
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Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
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