Are shopping malls the future of energy management?

Shopping malls and similar venues present attractive, big-time opportunities as potential sites for grid-connected solar power, energy storage and intelligent, highly energy-efficient facilities management.

Can solar power power a shopping mall?

Using solar power to power a shopping mall is a great idea. Malls, with their large expanses of flat roof space, are a logical place to install solar panels. Any business related to trade, in one way or another, consumes electrical energy. Accordingly, the use of solar power plants is economically justified and expedient.

Why should you install solar panels on a shopping mall?

Electricity can be stored in batteries until it is needed during an emergency or when the sun goes down. Solar power provides an efficient source of power. Renewable energy produces zero pollution. Installing solar panels on shopping mall rooftops provides great publicity for reducing pollution.

Should a shopping mall have a solar roof?

Investing in a solar power system can be the smartest investment that a shopping mall owner will ever make. In fact, many famous shopping malls worldwide have been making clean energy shift with solar roofs in the past years. Solar roofs for shopping centers have numerous benefits.

Do shopping malls need energy storage systems?

Usually, shopping malls are connected to the medium voltage (MV) grid and benefits of discounted and advantageous tariffs. However, they may vary considerably from country to country. The transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon technologies, mainly through RES generation, might require a wide utilization of energy storage systems (ESS).

How do photovoltaic and wind generators work in a shopping mall?

Both photovoltaic and wind generators directly produce electricity, and they are applied mainly to meet local needs. However, a shopping mall is also characterized by a significant heating and cooling demand that could be fulfilled through renewable energy resources.