Dimmitt Chevrolet, located in Clearwater, announced that the dealership has completed an extensive project to convert their entire 13-acre facility to operate using solar power.  

After almost one year of installation, the project was completed in December, but had to undergo a commissioning process with the energy company to allow connection to the grid.  

Duke Energy completed their review and commissioning process and allowed bi-direction connection to their network on Mar. 19. 

Dimmitt partnered with ESA Solar and Duke Energy to go green in anticipation of the company’s own future energy demands, due to the growth in sales and service of electric vehicles. 

“When considering the positive impact on the environment and the increased energy demands of a majority electric vehicle inventory, the decision to invest in solar made sense,” said Lawrence Dimmitt III, the owner of Dimmitt Chevrolet. “We are proud to be one of the first dealerships in the Tampa Bay area to make this important change.” 

Dimmitt Chevrolet’s solar energy system is expected to generate more than one million kilowatts of power per year compared to the dealership’s current average usage of 855,000 kilowatts. Solar energy will account for almost 130 percent of the dealership’s power needs. The excess power generated will be supplied back to the power grid. 

Dimmitt Chevrolet has installed just over 2,000 solar panels on both the roofs of their service and sales buildings. Dimmitt estimates that with current solar energy tax benefits, the company will return on its significant solar investment in only five years. 

In this, Dimmitt’s 99^th year in business, Dimmitt Chevrolet continues to be a leader in innovation, recognizing the importance of clean energy and the increased future power demands of electric vehicles. 

In the expectation that Dimmitt will grow, along with the number of Americans purchasing electric cars, Dimmitt has also installed 21 electric vehicle charging stations to accommodate the company’s electric vehicle customers.

Dimmitt Chevrolet is proud to be approaching its 100^th year serving the Tampa Bay community and to be continuing to operate in responsible ways that benefit future generations.