As the name suggests, Green Dealer Support (GDS) exists to help auto dealerships go green. As we encourage dealers to implement eco-friendly business practices, we also strive to embrace them.
Like many of the dealers we work with, we have considered the installation of solar panels and have been motivated by what the car dealers we serve have done. “We see retailers all over the country who have invested in solar to reduce or eliminate their energy bills,” said GDS CEO Chuck Golden. “It is a solid plan for the future as energy costs are predicted to rise each year.”
“I’ve been thinking of adding solar for about 10 years,” Golden continued. “Efficiency has really improved. Panels get better every year. I finally decided it was time.”
A solar installation was installed at GDS headquarters this summer. The 23-kW ground-mount system consists of 72 panels. It’s expected to produce more than 30,000 kWh of electricity annually, which Golden says is 99% of the expected usage.
"At our headquarters we also use geothermal for heating and AC needs," adds Golden. "So with geothermal and the new solar panels, essentially all energy needs at our headquarters are provided by the sun."
Golden says he should recoup the system’s upfront cost in about seven years. He was able to take advantage of federal tax credits.