Photovoltaics | Solar parking spaces: Asphalt parking with solar roofs as a solar parking lot against urban heat islands

In addition to the triple functionality of parking, weather protection and electricity generation, there is a fourth and further environmental policy aspect: reducing urban heat islands.

The temperatures in the cities continue to rise. This is mainly due to the asphalt deserts that are taking up more and more area. Parking lots and streets create heat islands that cause the ambient temperature to rise.

These heat islands are a big problem, especially in metropolitan areas. In New York City, for example, the average summer temperature is almost five degrees higher than in the suburbs. This means that it is much hotter in the city than in rural areas.

The problem with heat islands is that they are not only uncomfortable for people, but also lead to increased energy requirements. The air conditioning systems have to work harder and therefore use more electricity. Vehicles also have to use more energy to move in the heat.

All of this leads to further warming of the atmosphere and thus to even more heat islands. It's a vicious circle that can only be broken if we make our cities greener.

One way to do this would be to grow more trees and green spaces in cities. Or shade asphalted areas with solar roofs.

With semi-transparent modules that allow light to pass through, greenery elements can even be integrated underneath, which in turn creates new acceptance and opportunities for city planners and architects.

This would not only lower the temperature, but also reduce CO₂ emissions. It would also be good for people to spend time in nature and enjoy the fresh air.

More about it here:

• Impact of urbanization: Urban heat island (UHI) – avoided through solar roofing while generating electricity

It is an indirect functionality with a knock-on effect. Urban heat islands can have a direct impact on the health and well-being of city residents. In the United States alone, an average of 1,000 people die each year as a result of extreme heat. Because urban heat islands are characterized by elevated temperatures, they can potentially increase the magnitude and duration of heatwaves in cities. Research has shown that mortality rates during a heat wave increase exponentially with maximum temperature, an effect that is exacerbated by urban heat islands. The number of people exposed to extreme temperatures is increased by warming caused by urban heat islands.

With the expansion of open parking spaces and a paradigm shift in the general understanding of parking areas, asphalted areas in urban regions can protect the health of city residents through multiple uses. Transparent solar modules open up new design options for urban planners and architects for greening, which in turn has a positive effect on well-being and the feel-good factor in cities.

More about it here:

• Solar carports and solar parking spaces – the sustainable type of photovoltaics on asphalt surfaces

Some cities have already recognized that installing solar power systems in public parking lots can be an effective way to reduce urban heat islands.

Solar facades are another way to reduce urban heat islands. Solar facades absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. The electricity is then used to light the building or run the air conditioning. Solar facades can also be used to heat water or generate other energy.

Solar facades offer a variety of advantages over traditional facades. First, they are more energy efficient. Solar facades use the sun's energy to generate electricity rather than simply dumping it. Second, solar facades reduce the need for traditional energy sources such as coal and gas. Third, solar facades help reduce environmental pollution from fossil fuel extraction.

Asphalt is an ideal surface for parking cars. It is smooth and level so you can easily park your car. It is also easy to clean and maintain.

The big advantage of asphalt parking so far has been that it is much easier and cheaper to build or repair a parking space. But not sustainable. This awareness only emerges slowly. Previously, the topic was often ignored because there were no other real alternatives or practical solutions.

Another big advantage of asphalt parking is that it is very versatile. It can be created in different sizes and shapes, making it suitable for both small and large vehicles. The design of the asphalt parking area is also very flexible. For example, you can use different areas for different purposes.

In combination with partially transparent solar module roofing and at the same time partial expansion of greening options, a turnaround and a rethink is now possible here too.