Chevrolet goes to put in Solar-powered Charging Stations at its North American dealerships, as a platform for charging Chevy Volts and supplement dealer’s use.

Called the golf green Zone initiative, this may generate electricity such as 12 full vehicle charges per day and excess electricity created may help supplement the dealership’s power needs. It will make the dealerships more efficient environmentally, and likewise cut the prices. The project also reinforce GM’s commitment to renewable energy projects, and should excite the media to boot!

American Chevrolet in Modesto, Calif., and Al Serra Auto Plaza in Grand Blanc, Mich., are the primary U.S. dealerships to finish their solar charging capability by installing Green Zones on their property.

“The question isn’t whether to put in a solar canopy, it’s where and what number of,” said Joe Serra, president of Serra Automotive. “It’s a win for us as the electricity generated might be useful reduce operating costs, and it’s a win for our surroundings since solar energy helps reduce our carbon footprint.”

Each canopy generates enough electricity for as much as 4,500 charges per vehicle annually. The proof of concept for the fairway Zone project is housed on the Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant, manufacturing home of the Volt.

“The fantastic thing about this program is that there’s no capital cost required from the dealership,” said Dave Halvorson, president of yankee Chevrolet in Modesto. “Not only will we generate the solar power to increase our reliance on renewable electricity, however the Green Zone is a billboard of our commitment to our surroundings.”