PV photovoltaic parking lot: “Smart Solar Park Concept” for parking, exit and entry – strategy part II

When it comes to parking lot roofs with solar, generally in covered parking spaces and closed spaces, such as underground car parks, in addition to the entry and exit options for people, it is important to take into account the entry and exit options for vehicles.

Solar carports sensitive entry zones – Image: Xpert.Digital

In the first part of our solar carport strategy, we described which areas of a solar roof substructure are suitable for people to get in and out of vehicles and which are not. This can also be transferred very well to underground car parks and closed rooms.

More about it here:

• The solar carport strategy for open parking spaces

Especially in underground car parks, we are often briefly reminded of a post-apocalyptic world in which we have to get in and out of our vehicles like zombies. With vehicle sizes over 2 meters wide in parking spaces that are 2.5 meters, things get tight. Very tight. If the driver and passengers also have physical disabilities or are overweight, the situation quickly becomes a real parking trap. And we pay for something like that too. It feels like every millimeter is used “as brutally as possible” for 15 minutes for every 50 cents. Yes, the issue generally affects all limited parking spaces, including those in the open air.

Another aspect is the agoraphobia and claustophobia when parking. This can be counteracted with large solar carport systems with partially transparent solar modules. More on this below under 'Agoraphobia and Claustophobia'.

Sustainable urban planning is necessary to compensate for the densification of cities, i.e. the increasing development and use of limited areas: effective urban planning can help to control densification and at the same time ensure a high quality of life. This includes the creation of green spaces, parks and public squares that provide recreational opportunities for residents. A well-thought-out mix of residential, commercial and leisure spaces can create a balanced urban environment. However, this also includes a sufficient number of affordable parking options. How you park is also part of the feel-good factor in Smart City concepts.

It is of great importance to find solutions that address these challenges in underground car parks and other covered parking areas. Improved parking lot design and markings, larger parking areas for wider vehicles, barrier-free access and safer entry and exit areas can help make the use of covered parking spaces more pleasant and comfortable for all users. It is important that architects, urban planners and parking operators take such considerations into account when designing and using parking infrastructure to improve safety, accessibility and usability. Comprehensive and holistic planning is key to avoiding parking pitfalls and ensuring a pleasant parking experience for everyone. Unfortunately, this is hardly taken into account at all in current Smart City concepts and considerations.

Solar carports – parking and exit situations that need to be taken into account – Image: Xpert.Digital

Especially for parking spaces with a width of 2.50 meters, the red-marked area for entry and exit situations is of fundamental importance so that no support substructures for the solar roof are installed here.

This also applies to the yellow area, where possible solar roof substructures make parking unnecessarily difficult.

With the so-called 4+2 parking systems, both scenarios are ideally taken into account. The columns are even further offset in the interior and therefore lower than adjacent vehicles. Parking is therefore generally easy or difficult, depending on your perspective on how to park with vehicles standing next to you.

➡️ It should be noted, however, that a 4-pillar parking space no worse or more complicated to park in and out of than all other solar carport substructure variants.

In addition, the 4+2 solar carport systems such as the city solar carport module we favor are enormously cheaper due to their point foundation than other systems, which each require a corresponding counter-foundation on the ground, which requires heavy construction machinery, creates a lot of dirt and takes up parking space for a long time must be closed for parking operations.

A sufficient parking space width is important in order to be able to park a vehicle safely and smoothly. Here are some reasons why this matters:

Security

Adequate parking space width allows the driver to maneuver the vehicle safely without touching other vehicles or obstacles. Tight parking due to insufficient width can lead to collisions or damage to vehicles.

visibility

With enough space in the parking lot, the driver has a better view of their surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles. This makes it easier for the driver to recognize potential dangers and react safely.

Convenience

A wider parking space allows the driver to get in and out more easily without having to perform tight maneuvers. This increases comfort and reduces the risk of errors or inconveniences when parking.

Protection against damage

Having enough space in the parking lot reduces the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles or solid objects such as pillars or walls. This minimizes the risk of damage to your vehicle and surrounding structures.

Accessibility

Sufficient parking space width also allows people with limited mobility to get in and out more easily. This is particularly important for drivers or passengers who rely on wheelchairs, walking aids or other assistive devices.

➡️ Adequate parking space width is of great importance to enable safe and convenient parking while minimizing the risk of accidents or damage. It is important that parking spaces are designed and maintained appropriately to meet these requirements.

Still the same parking situation with a 4-pillar solar carport substructure as with open parking spaces - Image: Xpert.Digital

Security

In addition to the comfortable entry and exit, the ability to safely park and exit also contributes to the safety of the vehicle occupants. If the parking process goes smoothly, there is less risk of injury or falls. Easy entry and exit is essential, especially for older people or people with limited mobility, in order to avoid falls or accidents.

Efficiency

Quick and smooth entry and exit as well as parking in and out of the vehicle contributes to efficiency, especially in situations where time is of the essence. This can be important, for example, for business appointments, shopping trips or in parking garages where quick processing is required.

Accessibility

Barrier-free entry and exit ensures accessibility for all people, regardless of their age or physical abilities. This is an important aspect of inclusion and enables everyone to participate fully in social life.

Comfortable use of the vehicle

Easy entry and exit allows vehicle occupants to use the vehicle comfortably and stress-free. This promotes driver and passenger satisfaction and contributes to a positive driving experience.

Convenience

Easy and convenient entry and exit from the vehicle ensures a pleasant parking process. It allows vehicle occupants to enter or exit the vehicle without difficulty and inconvenience. This is particularly important when it comes to longer journeys or frequent getting in and out of the car.

In terms of construction, the “offset T-beam” is a very good alternative to the 4-column substructure system, but is more complex and expensive compared to point foundations due to the necessary counter-soil foundation.

More about it here:

• Advice on solar carport & foundation planning: Cost factor of ground foundation for solar carports

Agoraphobia and claustrophobia are two different anxiety disorders that relate to different situations.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia refers to the fear of situations or places where it may be difficult or frightening to escape or get help. People with agoraphobia often fear open or public spaces, such as crowds, shopping centers, public transportation, or large squares. The fear can be so strong that it leads to avoidance behavior, which means that those affected may not want to leave their home or only want to move around in the company of familiar people.

claustrophobia

Claustrophobia, on the other hand, refers to the fear of confined or enclosed spaces. People with claustrophobia may develop severe anxiety in situations such as elevators, confined spaces, tunnels, or crowds where they may feel confined. Anxiety can range from discomfort to panic attacks. People with claustrophobia often have a desire to avoid such situations or to escape immediately when they occur.

Although both agoraphobia and claustrophobia involve fear of certain situations, they differ in terms of the type of situation that triggers fear. Agoraphobia refers to the fear of open or public spaces, while claustrophobia describes the fear of confined or enclosed spaces. It is possible for a person to suffer from both agoraphobia and claustrophobia, or for one anxiety disorder to be more pronounced than the other. Treatment for agoraphobia and claustrophobia may include similar therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, which aim to manage the fear and enable normal functioning in certain situations.

How does agoraphobia affect parking lots?

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder often associated with situations where it may be difficult or frightening to escape or get help. Parking lots can be challenging for people with agoraphobia because they are often large, open spaces with no immediate means of escape. Here are some possible effects that agoraphobia can have on parking lots:

Avoiding parking spaces

People with agoraphobia may tend to avoid or avoid parking spaces, especially if they are spacious or crowded. Fear of exposure in open spaces without clear means of escape can lead to avoidance behavior.

Difficulty finding parking space

Finding a parking space can be stressful for people with agoraphobia. Worrying about finding a parking space in a crowded area and then potentially finding yourself far from your destination can increase anxiety.

Need for nearby parking spaces

People with agoraphobia often prefer parking spaces close to the destination to minimize time in open spaces. You may want to look for parking spaces that are closer to the entrance or in areas with more privacy to feel safer.

Accompaniment or alternative means of transport

Some people with agoraphobia may prefer to be accompanied by others when they need to use parking spaces. The presence of a familiar person can give them a feeling of security. Alternatively, they can also use alternative means of transport such as carpooling, taxis or public transport to avoid parking situations.

How does claustophobia affect parking lots?

Claustrophobia refers to the fear of confined or enclosed spaces. Since parking lots are typically open spaces, the direct impact of claustrophobia on parking lots is rather limited. However, people with claustrophobia may find certain aspects of parking lots uncomfortable or frightening, especially if they are in tight, enclosed parking structures. Here are some possible impacts:

Parking garages

Some people with claustrophobia may experience fear or discomfort in parking garages. The tight, enclosed spaces often found in parking garages could increase their anxiety. This could lead them to avoid parking garages or seek alternative parking options to feel more comfortable in more open environments.

Tight parking spaces

Tightly parked vehicles or tight parking spaces could cause stress or discomfort in people with claustrophobia. The fear of driving into a tight parking space or maneuvering between closely spaced vehicles can cause discomfort and may also cause them to search for parking spaces that offer more space.

Overcrowded parking spaces

Crowded parking lots could cause discomfort for people with claustrophobia. The idea of ​​being trapped in a crowd of parked vehicles or having difficulty getting out of a tight parking space could increase anxiety. In some cases, people with claustrophobia may avoid crowded parking lots or seek alternative parking options in less busy areas.

How common is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is a comparatively common anxiety disorder. It is estimated that around 1.7% to 2% of the population worldwide suffers from agoraphobia. It is important to note that these numbers are estimates and the actual prevalence may vary depending on the study and population group.

Agoraphobia occurs more often in women than in men. The exact causes of agoraphobia are not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, neurochemical and environmental factors are thought to play a role. People with agoraphobia often have a history of panic disorder or other anxiety disorders.

How common is claustophobia?

Claustrophobia is a comparatively common anxiety disorder. However, there is no consistent data on the exact prevalence or spread of claustrophobia, as this may depend on various factors such as the population in which the study is conducted and the diagnostic criteria used.

It is estimated that around 2% to 5% of the population suffers from claustrophobia. It is important to note that these estimates can vary and may not capture all people who suffer from claustrophobia, as some may not seek professional diagnosis or treatment.

Claustrophobia occurs in people of different ages and genders. It can occur in childhood, adolescence or adulthood and can affect women and men equally.

The exact causes of claustrophobia are not fully known, but a combination of genetic, neurochemical and environmental factors are thought to play a role. People with claustrophobia often have a personal or family history of anxiety disorders or traumatic experiences.

The city solar carport - with increased collision and vandalism protection - Image: Xpert.Digital

The advantages at a glance

• Support & Made in Germany
• Modular & scalable (for 2, 100, 1,000 and more parking spaces)
• Really waterproof
• Integrated water drain / invisible rain gutter
• Vandalism protection, optionally with integrated impact protection
• Variable with all common solar modules
• City design available in aluminum and 3 different colors
• Depending on the amount of self-consumption (degree of self-sufficiency), amortization is possible within 6 years
• Long service life (aluminum substructure)
• 30-year (!) performance guarantee on bifacial and partially transparent double-glass solar modules (25-year product guarantee)
• Reducing urban heat islands
• Building-integrated photovoltaics
• Ideal for transparent and translucent double-glass solar modules with overhead mounting approval!

Everything from a single source, specially designed for solar solutions for large parking areas. You refinance or counterfinance into the future with your own electricity generation.

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Advice and planning including a non-binding cost estimate. We bring you together with strong photovoltaic partners.

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Various services can be offered for solar carports and solar roofs for open parking areas. Here are some common services:

Advice and planning

Service providers can help companies plan and design solar carports and solar canopies. This includes comprehensive advice on design options, site selection, energy requirements, cost-benefit analysis and permitting processes.

Project development

Service providers can handle the entire project development process, including preparing feasibility studies, obtaining financing and coordinating with authorities and other stakeholders.

Installation and construction

Professional teams can undertake the installation of the solar system and carport structures. This includes installing the solar panels, wiring, connecting to the power grid and erecting the canopy structure.

Maintenance and repair

Service providers can offer regular maintenance and upkeep services to ensure the solar system is functioning optimally. This includes inspections, cleaning the solar panels, checking the electrical components and replacing defective parts.

Monitoring and operational management

By installing monitoring systems, service providers can monitor the operation of the solar system, monitor energy production and detect potential problems early. They can also optimize plant operations and assist in managing power generation data and energy billing.

Service and support

Service providers can provide customer support and technical service to answer questions, resolve problems, and provide information about the use and maintenance of the solar carports.

Important to note

It is important to note that not all service providers offer all of these services. The range of services offered may vary from company to company.

Guide – concepts – strategies – useful information

Part I – The parking space requirement, the solar requirement, types of parking spaces and the solar carport strategy for open parking spaces

➡️ Focus on entry and exit zones

Part II – Photovoltaic parking lot: “Smart Solar Park Concept” for parking, exit and entry

➡️ Focus on parking and exiting situations

Part III - Guide and tips for solar carports from small to large systems - for municipalities, industry, installers and private households

➡️ Focus on ideal materials for substructures