While it may not be common place yet, solar is emerging as an innovative solution for liquid fuel storage terminals. These facilities can leverage solar in a variety of ways, each offering meaningful operational, financial, and environmental benefits. Solar delivers a level of adaptability and operational versatility that far exceeds conventional expectations.
Busting the Solar Myth
When people hear “solar energy,” they may think costly, disruptive, or complex. In reality, with the right partner and product, solar directly addresses many of these concerns.
While glass panels are the most commonly seen solar panel system, these are not a viable option for many buildings at terminals. However, solar comes in different forms, some specifically designed for atypical structures like fuel storage tanks. Because of their curved shape, these tanks require a solution engineered to conform to the surface, making flexible, lightweight solar modules an ideal fit.
Traditional, heavier systems with steel racking and required roof penetrations aren’t suitable for many rooftops, especially above-ground storage tanks where ongoing operational access is critical. Flexible solar panels, however, offer a streamlined alternative that work with your operations. They simplify installation and maintenance, minimize operational disruptions, and help reduce long-term operating costs.
For terminals, where business continuity is essential and space is abundant, solar flourishes as an asset, not an obstacle. Solar isn’t limited to a single application or footprint; its uses are broad, adaptable, and increasingly common across terminal operations.
With recent advances in solar panel technology, many of the constraints we believed about solar are falling away. A good solar partner will help you think creatively and strategically to meet you energy and sustainability goals.
Where Solar Can Flourish
Above Ground Storage Tanks
Terminals rely on these structures every day, but they also provide large areas of unused roof space that can be repurposed for clean power generation. With more than 600,000 above-ground storage tanks across the U.S., the national kWh production potential is tremendous.
Flexible, thin film panels conform to the tank surface while still allowing safe, routine access to vents, gauges, and other maintenance areas. Access pathways can also be carefully planned to ensure convenience and safety for personnel.
Leveraging tank roof solar can help you:
- Offset and better control operating expenses
- Significantly reduce emissions from terminal operations
- Generate reliable, on-site power from a long-term, low-maintenance source
- Built to perform through extreme temperatures, hurricane level winds, ice and snow.
Tank Solar highlights how this infrastructure can shift from passive to productive assets, transforming unused space into renewable power.
Click here to check out the tank roof solar installations in action.
Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Office buildings, commercial facilities, and industrial spaces are paramount to terminal operations, and they also represent opportunities for solar, depending on structural capacity and space.
Thin film solar systems allow for ease of installation on building rooftops, without compromising structural integrity. They deliver reliable, on-site power while maintaining safe access for maintenance and protecting the integrity of your roof infrastructure.
Unused field space on terminal property can be another valuable location for solar installations. Ground-mounted systems in these areas can harness significant energy, especially when paired with battery storage. Battery storage allows terminals to store excess solar energy for later use, further reducing reliance on the utility grid and enhancing energy resilience.
Examples of what commercial solar can look like:
Similar to storage tanks, solar arrays on commercial and industrial buildings can be arranged to provide safe access to critical areas. Routine walking on the panels is minimized, but designated pathways ensure essential maintenance can be performed comfortably and safely.
Whether you’re exploring tank roof or commercial solar, you can learn more about our offerings here. Our team is here to help you explore what’s possible in your own space.
