Rooftop solar panels could power a third of the US manufacturing sector

A new study has found that rooftop solar arrays could potentially fulfil up to 35% of the energy needs of the US manufacturing sector.

Currently, on-site renewables supply less than 0.1% of industrial demand, and the industrial sector accounts for 38% of global energy consumption and 37% of greenhouse gas emissions.

The study, led by researchers from Northeastern University, compared the potential electricity generation of rooftop solar arrays against the electricity demand per unit of floor space for the average manufacturing building. Depending on the season, the results are that rooftop solar could fulfil the electricity needs of between 5% and 35% of manufacturing in the US. 

Dr Matthew Eckelman, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northeastern University, says: “Currently, less than 0.1% of the electricity required by the manufacturing sector in the US is generated through renewable, on-site sources. This must change if we are going to meet decarbonisation goals, and in many cases rooftop solar panels are now a feasible option for supplying low-carbon energy.” 

That's partly because of falling prices and improved efficiencies in solar panels, but also because manufacturing units tend to have large flat rooftops and flexibility in installation. 

Eckelman concludes, “Greater policy attention on the feasibility and potential benefits of rooftop solar panel arrays will help industries to achieve renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions goals. Our research provides an indication of the locations and sectors for which rooftop solar arrays could significantly help manufacturing firms to reach these goals.” 

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