Why PV parking systems still have a niche existence - supposed disadvantages are often overrated

Ecological benefits of solar carports

Although the potential of solar-covered parking spaces, so-called solar carports, for sustainably generating energy and improving the environmental balance is enormous, they are still comparatively rare in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The reasons for this are varied and range from high investment costs and bureaucratic hurdles to the supposedly better economic efficiency of roof systems. But a closer look reveals that this assessment often falls short and underestimates the advantages of solar carports.

First of all, solar carports offer tangible ecological benefits. They help improve the ecological balance by generating clean electricity and reducing CO2 emissions. At the same time, they offer parked vehicles protection from weather influences such as rain, snow and hail, as well as shade and cooling in summer, which protects the battery, especially in electric cars, and can have a positive effect on their range. The surface sealing, which is often cited as an argument against solar carports, can be minimized through water-permeable floor coverings and the integration of greenery elements. Solar carports can even help promote biodiversity and have a positive effect on the microclimate.

Economic advantages of PV parking systems

The economic advantages cannot be ignored either. The self-generated electricity can be used directly on site, for example to charge electric cars or to supply neighboring buildings. Excess electricity can be fed into the public grid, which generates additional income. In addition, solar carports increase the attractiveness of companies and facilities for customers and employees. A covered parking space is an attractive service that increases employee satisfaction and has a positive impact on the company's image. This can be an important competitive advantage, especially in times of skilled labor shortages.

Cost challenges

A frequently cited obstacle to the spread of solar carports is the supposedly high costs, especially for the substructures and foundations. Standardized systems from some providers can actually be expensive. However, it is important to take a differentiated view here. Innovative system solutions with optimized designs and multifunctional properties, such as integrated rainwater harvesting or LED lighting, can significantly reduce costs while increasing benefits. By combining different functions, synergy effects can be achieved and the overall investment can be made more profitable. In the long term, the savings from generating electricity and avoiding fossil fuel costs can significantly outweigh the initial investment costs.

Bureaucratic hurdles and approval procedures

Another obstacle to the expansion of solar carports is the often lengthy approval process. The responsible authorities are sometimes not yet sufficiently familiar with the new technology and the processing of applications can be delayed as a result. A simplification and acceleration of the approval process is therefore urgently needed in order to promote the expansion of solar carports. Politicians are required to create clear guidelines and simplified processes.

Funding programs and support

Although there are funding programs at the federal and state level, these are often not enough to completely compensate for the cost differences compared to roof systems. The funding landscape is also complex and confusing, which makes it difficult for companies and private individuals to apply. Stronger and more targeted support for solar carports would be an important impetus for the expansion of this technology. Not only the pure investment costs, but also the positive ecological and social effects should be taken into account.

Make optimal use of suitable areas

Despite the availability of suitable space, companies and institutions have so far primarily relied on roof systems because their planning and installation are considered easier. However, this assessment is often superficial. There are also challenges with roof systems, for example static load capacity or integration into the existing roof structure. Modern solar carport systems, on the other hand, have a modular structure and can be flexibly adapted to the respective circumstances. Installation is usually quick and straightforward. By using parking spaces, no additional space is required, which is a big advantage, especially in densely populated areas.

The potential of solar carports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland is far from exhausted. The supposed disadvantages are often overrated, while the numerous advantages – ecological, economic and social – are underestimated. Through a combination of innovative technologies, simplified approval procedures and targeted funding, the expansion of solar carports can be significantly accelerated. Solar carports are not only a useful addition to roof systems, but also offer an independent and future-proof solution for sustainable energy generation and the design of our urban spaces. They make an important contribution to the energy transition and at the same time create attractive and environmentally friendly parking options.

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In recent years, the importance of renewable energy has increased significantly, particularly in view of climate change and the need to reduce CO₂ emissions. Photovoltaic systems (PV systems) play a central role here, as they make it possible to generate electricity from solar energy. While PV systems are becoming increasingly common on the roofs of buildings, the potential of parking spaces as areas for solar systems in Germany, Austria and Switzerland remains largely unused. Although parking lots offer large unused areas that would be ideal for installing solar systems, there are currently only a few covered parking lots with PV systems in these countries. This is due to a variety of factors, including high costs, bureaucratic hurdles and the fact that rooftop systems are often more economically attractive.

Ecological and economic benefits of PV covered parking spaces

Parking spaces with solar systems offer numerous advantages from both an ecological and economic perspective. A covered parking lot with photovoltaic systems has the potential to significantly improve the environmental performance of a company or public institution. On the one hand, generating solar power reduces the need for fossil fuels, which helps reduce CO₂ emissions. On the other hand, PV-covered parking spaces offer additional benefits for users: the roof protects vehicles from direct sunlight and thus reduces the heating of cars in summer. This leads to greater comfort for users and can even reduce vehicle energy consumption because less air conditioning is required.

In addition to the ecological benefits, PV-covered parking spaces also offer economic incentives. Companies can either use the electricity generated themselves or feed it into the public grid and thus generate income. In addition, such a facility can help improve employee satisfaction as covered parking spaces are perceived as an additional convenience.

Despite these advantages, the expansion of PV systems in parking lots in Germany, Austria and Switzerland remains below expectations.

High costs are a key challenge

One of the main reasons why only a few parking spaces are covered with solar systems is the high cost of setting up such systems. Compared to roof systems, PV covered parking spaces are significantly more expensive. This is primarily due to the high investment costs for the substructures and foundations that are necessary to install the solar modules stably and safely. While with roof systems there is already a stable structure - namely the roof of the building - with a parking lot a stable roof must first be built before the installation of solar modules can even be thought of.

The costs for these substructures vary depending on the size of the parking lot and the specific static and safety requirements. Standard providers often charge high prices for these designs, which puts many companies off. Although there are now specialized providers who offer more cost-effective solutions – so-called system PV parking spaces – these are also generally more expensive than conventional roof systems.

Bureaucratic hurdles are slowing down expansion

Another major factor that inhibits the expansion of PV systems in parking lots are long approval procedures and bureaucratic hurdles. In many regions of Germany, as well as in Austria and Switzerland, it is necessary to obtain extensive permits before such a system can be built. This not only applies to building permits for the construction of the roof itself, but also special regulations in connection with monument protection or nature conservation.

These lengthy approval processes mean that many companies or public institutions shy away from investing in PV-covered parking spaces. Instead, they prefer roof systems because they are often easier to plan and quicker to implement.

Funding is not enough

Although there are various funding programs at the federal and state level to support the expansion of renewable energies, these subsidies are often not enough to fully compensate for the high cost differences between PV roof systems and PV parking lot systems. In Germany, for example, there is the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which offers feed-in tariffs for solar power. Similar funding programs also exist in Austria and Switzerland.

However, these subsidies are primarily designed to support the construction of PV systems on roofs or open spaces. There are also subsidies or tax incentives for PV covered parking spaces, but these often only cover part of the additional costs. Many companies therefore decide against investing in PV parking systems and instead rely on roof systems.

Why do companies primarily rely on roof systems?

Another reason why companies have so far primarily relied on roof systems is that such systems are easier to plan and install than parking lot roofs. Roofs already provide a stable surface for installing solar modules. In addition, planning a PV roof system is often less complicated than a parking lot system: no additional structural measures such as foundations or supporting pillars need to be built.

In addition, many companies have already gained experience with PV roof systems and therefore see fewer risks when implementing such projects. However, installing a new technology such as a PV parking lot roof is often perceived as more complex - especially if the company has no experience with such projects.

What needs to change?

Despite these challenges, there are signs that more companies may choose PV covered parking spaces in the future. On the one hand, awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable solutions is constantly increasing – among both companies and consumers. Many companies are increasingly recognizing the value of a “green” corporate policy and want to reduce their carbon footprint.

On the other hand, more and more manufacturers are developing more cost-effective solutions for PV-covered parking spaces. These systems are specifically designed to reduce high investment costs while ensuring high efficiency in power generation.

A lot could also change on a political level in the future: There is a possibility that governments will create more incentives to make the construction of PV systems in parking lots more attractive. This could happen through higher subsidies or tax relief.

Better exploit the potential of parking spaces as areas for photovoltaic systems

Although PV-covered parking spaces could offer many ecological and economic benefits - such as an improved environmental balance through solar power generation and additional comfort for users - they remain rare exceptions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The main reasons for this are the high costs of substructures and long approval procedures. In addition, many companies continue to rely primarily on roof systems due to the easier planning.

In order to better exploit the potential of parking spaces as areas for photovoltaic systems, political measures must be taken in addition to the existing cost-effective technological innovations. These measures could speed up and facilitate the installation of solar systems in parking lots, representing an important step towards a more sustainable energy supply in Central Europe.

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• Eco-PV solar carport: planning security for €6,000 per parking space (with installation), turnkey photovoltaic systems for parking spaces and parks

Technological innovations

The integration of photovoltaic systems in parking lots has made significant progress in recent years. These systems enable efficient use of already sealed areas that would otherwise remain unused. The PV roofing not only offers protection for vehicles from the weather, but also generates clean electricity that can be used on site or fed into the grid. Such systems can also be combined with charging stations for electric vehicles, which creates synergy effects and promotes electromobility.

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