
The Pearlridge Center mall in Oahu, Hawaii, is currently in the process of considering the installation of photovoltaic solar panels to cover parking spaces, reports the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
According to the news source, approximately half of the mall's 6,000 parking spaces are uncovered, and Pearlridge general manager Fred Paine said the solar panels would provide extra shade for parking customers, in addition to electric power for the facility.
"Providing shaded parking would be fantastic," he told the news source. "It's something really desired in Hawaii."
The major reason why the solar panels would need to be installed as covers for parking spaces is that the majority of the mall's roof is used for parking, according to the news source. However, if such panels are determined to be feasible for the mall, it could provide one of the biggest solar power boosts to an existing business in the state.
According to the Washington Post, now may be an ideal time for companies to add solar panels to their facilities, as the Department of Energy recently invested $150 million in a company that is researching ways to cut solar cell manufacturing costs.

