As energy prices soar and demand on the electrical grid intensifies, terminal operators are looking for innovative ways to control costs and enhance sustainability. Sprague Solar has taken a leadership position in the industry by pioneering a groundbreaking approach: converting the unused space on top of liquid fuel storage tanks into energy-producing solar systems. Sprague Solar’s pilot installation in Rensselaer, NY, along with our initial pilot in South Portland, ME, have served as proof of concept, demonstrating the viability, safety, and benefits of this transformative energy solution.
Why Fuel Terminal Operators Should Take Notice
With nearly 8,000 fuel terminals worldwide, and over 600,000 above ground storage tanks (ASTs) in operation in the U.S. alone, the opportunity to repurpose existing infrastructure for renewable energy generation is substantial. Here’s why tank solar solutions should be on every terminal operator’s radar:
- Reduce Reliance on Grid Electricity: By utilizing otherwise unused space, terminal operators can generate their own renewable power, reducing dependency on increasingly costly utility electricity.
- Combat Rising Energy Costs: With grid capacity struggling to meet the surging demand from electric vehicles, AI, and crypto mining, electricity prices continue to climb. The ability to generate on-site solar power provides price stability and potential long-term savings.
- Enhance Sustainability Credentials: As regulatory and market pressures mount, fossil fuel operators are being pushed to adopt more sustainable practices. Tank-top solar installations provide a straightforward path to improving environmental performance without disrupting operations.
The Proof: Pilot Installations at Rensselaer and Portland
Sprague Solar has successfully implemented and operated installations at our Rensselaer and Portland terminals, showcasing the effectiveness of this innovative approach. These successes highlight several key benefits:
- Maximized Land Use Efficiency: Traditional solar farms require a significant amount of land area, whereas tank-top solar utilizes existing infrastructure, preserving valuable real estate.
- Scalable and Adaptable Design: Our solution can be deployed across various tank sizes and locations, making it a versatile option for a wide range of terminal operators.
- Immediate Operational Impact: The generated solar energy can be directly integrated into terminal operations, lowering electricity costs and boosting resilience against grid instability.
Industry Trends: The Case for Solar Energy in Terminal Operations
The increasing strain on the electrical grid is a pressing concern for industrial energy users. Reports indicate that:
- The EV Boom Is Stretching Grid Capacity: The rapid expansion of electric vehicle adoption is pushing utilities to invest heavily in infrastructure upgrades, costs that will inevitably be passed down to commercial customers.
- AI and Crypto mining Are Driving Up Demand: Energy-intensive data centers are consuming vast amounts of electricity, contributing to price spikes and supply challenges.
- Regional Price Surges Are Already Happening: The PJM energy market, for example, is set to experience double-digit percentage increases in electricity costs this July, sending clear signals that businesses need to act now to secure energy stability.
The Future of Tank-Top Solar: What’s Next?
Sprague’s pilot installations mark the beginning of a larger effort to revolutionize terminal energy use. As Sprague continues to expand its solar solutions, we invite terminal operators, water tank managers, and other stakeholders in above-ground storage to explore how Sprague Solar can help them reduce costs, increase energy security, and stay ahead of regulatory requirements.
By converting unused tank spaces into valuable energy assets, Sprague Solar provides a practical and scalable solution for fuel terminals to adopt renewable energy without major disruptions. The time to act is now—don’t wait until rising energy prices and regulatory pressures force your hand.
Ready to Learn More?
If you operate a fuel terminal and are interested in exploring how Sprague Solar can deliver savings and sustainability, contact us today to request a custom solar system quote. Also, be sure to check out our recent blog, “Rising Energy Costs and the Solar Energy Solution”. Let’s turn your unused tank space into a competitive advantage.
