The future of parking: Smart parking with solar carports and solar parking spaces in Germany

Germany is in the middle of the energy transition, and solar energy plays a key role in it. In addition to the well-known roof systems, solar carports and parking spaces are becoming increasingly important. Not only do they offer protection from the weather, but they also generate clean electricity that can be used directly on site. But what is the current market development in Germany, and what trends are emerging for the future?

Current market overview

The market for solar carports and parking spaces in Germany is dynamic and constantly growing. Although exact figures on the market size and number of installed systems in Germany are difficult to find, various sources indicate strong growth. The global market for solar carports already reached a value of around 482 million euros in 2022 and is forecast to grow to around 630 million euros by 2028. Germany is considered one of the most important markets in Europe and is likely to play a leading role here, which is confirmed by the great interest in photovoltaic systems, government support and the increasing number of electric vehicles.

Solar carports for private households

Solar carports for private households are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a space-saving and aesthetic solution for charging your own electric vehicle with self-generated solar power. In 2019 alone, 160,000 wooden carports were sold in Germany, which offer enormous potential for expansion with photovoltaic systems. The demand for solar carports is constantly increasing, especially in combination with charging stations for electric vehicles.

The market for solar carports is diverse and offers solutions for different needs. For example, there is:

• Single-row carports with vehicle arrangement: This variant is suitable for covering a single row of parking spaces.
• Two-row carports with vehicle arrangement: This variant is suitable for covering two rows of parking spaces.
• Two-row carports with a double tilt arrangement: This variant offers optimal alignment of the solar modules to the sun.

There are also different options in terms of capacity and design:

• Capacity: Solar carports are offered with different outputs, from less than 500 kW to over 1 MW.
• Design: In terms of design, a distinction is made between T-frame structures and V-frame structures.

Solar parking spaces for companies and public institutions

Solar parking spaces offer the opportunity to use large areas, such as parking lots of companies, supermarkets or public institutions, to generate electricity. Hamburg's largest solar parking lot, for example, opened in 2021 and supplies the charging stations for electric cars with clean energy. Solar parking spaces make an important contribution to the decarbonization of transport and the achievement of climate goals.

Comparison with other countries in Europe

The market for solar carports and parking spaces in Germany is well developed compared to other European countries. France in particular is considered a pioneer in this area. A law was passed there in 2020 that requires the installation of solar systems in parking lots with at least 80 spaces. This law is intended to help accelerate the expansion of solar energy in France and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In Germany there is no nationwide solar requirement for parking spaces, but in some federal states solar systems are legally required in parking spaces with a certain number of spaces. These regulations show that the importance of parking PV is increasing in Germany and Europe.

Parking lot PV is also becoming more important in other European countries, such as Great Britain, the Netherlands and Austria. The European Union has formulated ambitious climate goals as part of the Green Deal and is promoting the expansion of renewable energies, which has a positive impact on the market for solar carports and parking spaces.

Costs and benefits

Solar carports

The costs for a solar carport vary depending on size, material and features. On average, prices are between 5,000 and 15,000 euros for the carport itself, plus the costs for the photovoltaic system (approx. 2,000 euros per kilowatt peak output) and, if necessary, a wallbox (400 to 1,800 euros). Cost factors also include installation costs, which can vary depending on the provider and the complexity of the project.

To use

• Protection from the elements: Solar carports protect vehicles from sun, rain, snow and hail.
• Power generation: Solar carports generate clean electricity that can be used for your own needs or fed into the public grid.
• Electromobility: Solar carports enable you to charge electric vehicles with self-generated solar power.
• Increase in property value: Solar carports can increase the value of a property.

Solar parking spaces

The cost of solar parking depends on the size of the system, the number of spaces and the technology used. Especially in larger projects, installation costs can make up a significant proportion of the total costs.

To use

• Space efficiency: Solar parking spaces use existing parking areas twice, without requiring additional space.
• Electricity generation: Solar parking spaces generate large amounts of clean electricity that can be used for your own needs or fed into the public grid.
• Image gain: Solar parking spaces demonstrate the commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.
• Reducing the urban heat island effect: Solar parking lots can help reduce the temperature in cities.

Market growth forecasts

The prospects for the market for solar carports and parking spaces in Germany are promising. The solar industry expects double-digit growth rates in the installed capacity of photovoltaic systems in the coming years. In the first four months of 2024, newly installed PV capacity on commercial roofs grew by 81 percent compared to the same period last year. The federal government has increased its funding programs for solar systems in order to further promote investments in renewable energies.

Although the forecasts are positive, there are also factors that can influence market growth. The high installation costs and the limited availability of suitable space could slow down further development of the market. On the other hand, technological advances, such as the development of more powerful and cheaper solar panels, could accelerate growth.

Important players and trends

Xpert.Solar: Pioneer for innovative solar concepts – pace setter and planner with strong partners

Xpert.Solar, with its industrial hub Xpert.Digital, recognized the potential of solar roofing for asphalt surfaces and parking spaces early on. Xpert.Digital was one of the first to publish comprehensive strategies and concepts for the use of renewable energies for planning security in industrial companies. In addition, Xpert.Solar expanded its view of urbanization and smart cities and developed innovative solutions with solar pergolas and green areas, equipped with partially transparent solar modules.

Multiple use of asphalted areas

A particular focus is on the multiple use of asphalted areas with greening potential. Xpert.Solar has developed innovative concepts for this that take not only energy production into account, but also ecological aspects. These solutions contribute to improving the urban climate and create multifunctional urban spaces.

Collaborative partnership

In order to implement these ambitious projects, Xpert.Solar has established strategic partnerships with various players. These collaborations make it possible to develop comprehensive and practice-oriented solutions that range from planning to implementation.

Future-oriented approaches

Through its innovative concepts and early focus on future-oriented technologies, Xpert.Solar has established itself as a pacesetter and planner in the solar industry. The combination of technological know-how, strategic partnerships and a holistic approach to sustainable urban development makes Xpert.Solar an important player in the energy transition and the design of intelligent urban spaces.

Suitable for:

• Commuter solar parking spaces: PV / solar roofing for park & ​​ride systems - combination of mobility and renewable energies
• Urban planning retrofit - the city of the future from gray to green - solar parking spaces and solar pergolas as a weapon against sealed areas and heat islands

Other manufacturers

The most important manufacturers of solar carports and parking spaces in Germany include:

• Gutta: Offers solar carports with various cover options and monitoring app.
• blueparc: Specializes in solar carport solutions for the B2B and B2C market, with a wide range of products for businesses, municipalities and private households. The company has already implemented over 80 solar park projects in 16 countries.
• AUTAQ: Offers double carports with solar roof and assembly videos for safe installation.
• PILLAR: Provides solutions for solar carports, ground screws and PV metal structures.
• Geiger Metallbau: Focuses on carports with green electricity and offers information on building solar carports.
• IBC SOLAR AG: Offers a wide range of photovoltaic products and solutions, including solar carports. The company also acts as a general contractor for the planning and installation of solar parks.

Installers

Installing solar carports and parking lots requires expertise and experience. Some of the installers working in Germany are:

• blueparc: Offers eParc solar carport systems with a focus on stability and quality.
• projekt w: Specialized in photovoltaic systems for carports and enclosure systems. The company offers standardized parking lot roofing that is specifically designed for the installation of solar modules.

operator

In addition to private households and companies, specialized companies also operate solar parking spaces in Germany:

• 7C Solarparken: Focuses on the acquisition, operation and optimization of solar systems, mainly in Germany. The company manages a portfolio of over 400 MWp.

Trends and developments

Technological advances

Developments in solar technology are leading to more efficient and longer-lasting solar modules that are also suitable for carports and parking lots. For example, new module technologies enable greater energy efficiency and better integration into the carport architecture.

Political framework conditions

The federal government is promoting the expansion of solar energy through subsidies and funding programs. The 2023 EEG amendment, for example, provides for an increase in the feed-in tariff for solar power. In some federal states there is even a solar requirement for parking spaces of a certain size. These policy measures help to increase the attractiveness of solar carports and parking spaces.

Customer preferences

Customers are increasingly placing value on sustainability and environmental awareness. Solar carports and parking spaces are seen as an attractive solution to secure your own energy supply and make a contribution to the energy transition. The increasing demand for electric vehicles further reinforces this trend.

aesthetics

Modern solar carports and parking spaces are characterized by sleek designs and the use of natural materials such as wood. The integration of solar modules into the carport architecture is playing an increasingly important role.

The market for solar carports and parking spaces in Germany is on a growth path. The increasing demand for renewable energies, political support and the growing environmental awareness of customers contribute to this positive development. Solar carports and parking spaces offer an attractive opportunity to secure your own energy supply, promote electromobility and make a contribution to the energy transition.

The future of parking in Germany will therefore increasingly be characterized by solar systems. Innovative technologies, slim designs and the integration of charging stations for electric vehicles make solar carports and parking spaces a future-oriented solution for private households, companies and public institutions.

It is important for potential users of solar carports and parking spaces to compare the different offers and take individual needs into account. Choosing the right manufacturer, installer and technology is crucial to the success of the project. It is advisable to find out about the applicable funding programs and legal regulations in advance.

Solar parking spaces are a promising way to generate renewable energy while optimizing limited space requirements in cities and urban areas. However, there are actually some challenges that can complicate the introduction of such parking spaces.

One of the biggest hurdles is the high cost and planning effort associated with installing solar panels in parking lots. Not only must the cost of the solar panels themselves be taken into account, but also the cost of the infrastructure required to connect the panels to the grid. In addition, the space required for installing the solar modules must be precisely planned and coordinated to ensure effective use of the available space.

Another obstacle are bureaucratic hurdles and approval processes that can make it difficult to install solar panels in parking lots. Depending on the region or country, different rules and regulations may apply, which can complicate the approval and implementation process.

Despite these challenges, there is high demand for solar parking spaces as they represent an effective way to promote renewable energy while optimizing space requirements in urban areas. With careful planning and collaboration between the parties involved, the hurdles can be overcome to facilitate the introduction of such parking spaces.

➡️ We specialize in providing advisory and planning support for such solar carport projects and advancing their implementation.

➡️ With our solar carport planner we simplify the process.

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Xpert.Solar solar carport planner

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Xpert.Solar is your ideal partner for the planning, consulting and construction implementation of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems and agricultural photovoltaic projects due to our many years of experience and expertise in the solar energy industry. Xpert.Solar has an experienced team of professionals that offers tailored solutions to farmers and investors. From location analysis to financial and legal advice to technical implementation and monitoring, Xpert.Solar supports its customers professionally and reliably to ensure successful and sustainable implementation.

Konrad Wolfenstein

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