DSD Renewables and Black Bear Energy have broken ground on two solar canopy installations totaling 1.7 MW in southern California for The Muller Company, a real-estate investment, development and management firm. The canopies will be installed on top of parking garages and surface-level parking at the Orange Executive Tower in Orange and the Main Street Town Center in Santa Ana.

“Installing onsite solar is an essential way for The Muller Company to generate renewable energy and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. Creating long-term value for The Muller Company and providing our tenants with clean energy are all reasons we are committed to pursuing onsite solar projects,” said Sue McDonough, The Muller Company’s Director of Tenant & Capital Improvements.

The 804-kW and 981.26-kW solar canopies will provide covered parking for the adjacent office buildings and provide tenants with access to lower-cost, onsite solar energy through a power purchase agreement.

Facilitated by Black Bear Energy, the project will be built and owned by DSD. The canopies will provide covered parking for the adjacent office buildings.

“It’s an exciting moment to see these two projects begin construction,” said Jason Chiang, senior director of commercial origination at DSD. “DSD is thrilled to be working with clients such as The Muller Company, helping them generate clean energy and create long-term value for tenants, while helping achieve sustainability goals.”

With a lifetime of over 20 years, these canopy systems will support Muller’s commitment to sustainability for years to come. DSD will own and operate the projects long-term.

“We are proud to have facilitated this project between The Muller Company and DSD. Both are leaders in their respective industries and are committed to building a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Drew Torbin, Black Bear Energy’s president.