Solar carports online at Berger Foundation Charitable Center

For several months the Berger Foundation has been relying on solar energy to power its complex in Palm Desert.

From curbside you won’t notice the carports at the foundation’s charitable center are topped off with solar panels.

The more than 2,200 panels that cover the 47 carports provide about 70 percent of the power needs of the complex.

Since there is a substantial savings in electricity costs, the company that designed the carports is hoping to see more business come its way.

“You’re actually making yourself self efficient and you’re taking a parking stall, which is there anyway now, and you’ve created all the convenience yourself, and it’s an asset, it makes you money,” said Joe Portolesi, owner of Solar Carports USA.

Solar Carports USA considers the Berger project its prototype.

The solar panels went online in February.