Don Mealey Sport Subaru Partners with ESA to Electrify Auto Dealerships

ORLANDO, Fla. – Don Mealey Auto Group is pleased to announce the opening of its new Sport Subaru dealership in Orlando, featuring a rooftop solar project by ESA. This solar array will serve as a pilot project for future electrification of other Don Mealey Group Auto Dealerships as part of a multi-dealership strategy centered on clean energy technology. Consisting of nearly 1200 panels, the 395 kW array is expected to generate over 600,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.

Since 1974, Don Mealey auto group has been a leader in the Central Florida area, serving drivers with their vehicle sales and service needs by delivering an exceptional customer experience that makes memories for life. The solar panels, installed by ESA, will provide clean, renewable energy to power the dealership's operations. This location will see an average of 60% reduction in their annual electricity costs and is projected to have a return on its investment in about 6 years.

"I'm incredibly proud of the journey we've taken to bring Sport Subaru to its new home, said Robert Mealey, owner of Sport Subaru. “It wasn't easy, but we knew that relocating to a modern facility was essential to living up to the Subaru Love Promise and providing our customers with the best possible experience. Our commitment to community and environmental responsibility is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we took on the challenge of remediating the land and restoring the wetlands. And, we're thrilled to be generating our own solar power, which not only makes good business sense, but aligns with our values of sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. We're excited to be a part of the Orlando community and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service and support for our customers.”

As more people switch to electric vehicles, there is a growing need for EV charging stations. Auto dealers can use solar energy to power these charging stations, making them more cost-effective and reducing their reliance on the grid. By installing solar panels and EV charging stations, auto dealers can create a more sustainable and convenient experience for their customers.

In recent years, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has been actively engaged in discussions about the increasing importance of EVs and has been advocating for policies that support the growth and adoption of EVs, while also addressing the challenges and concerns of dealerships related to servicing and selling these vehicles. NADA has also been working with automakers and policymakers to promote consumer education about EVs and the benefits of transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.

Sport Subaru is open for business at 1800 N John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL 32804. For more information about Sport Subaru and its green initiatives, please visit www.sportsubaru.com.