Why PV parking systems still lead a niche existence – Alleged disadvantages are often overrated – Image: Xpert.Digital
Solar carports: Overcoming innovation barriers and utilizing environmental benefits
Ecological advantages of solar carports
Although the potential of solar-covered parking spaces, so-called solar carports, for sustainable energy generation and improving the environmental footprint is enormous, they are still relatively rare in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The reasons for this are manifold, ranging from high investment costs and bureaucratic hurdles to the supposedly better economic viability of rooftop systems. However, a closer look reveals that this assessment is often too simplistic and underestimates the advantages of solar carports.
First and foremost, solar carports offer tangible ecological benefits. They contribute to a better environmental footprint by generating clean electricity and reducing CO2 emissions. At the same time, they protect parked vehicles from the elements, such as rain, snow, and hail, and provide shade and cooling in the summer, which is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles, conserving battery power and potentially extending their range. The surface sealing often cited as an argument against solar carports can be minimized through the use of permeable paving and the integration of greenery. In this way, solar carports can even contribute to promoting biodiversity and positively influence the microclimate.
Economic advantages of PV parking lot systems
The economic advantages are also undeniable. The self-generated electricity can be used directly on-site, for example, to charge electric vehicles or to power adjacent buildings. Surplus electricity can be fed into the public grid, generating additional revenue. Furthermore, solar carports enhance the appeal of businesses and institutions to customers and employees. A covered parking space is an attractive service that increases employee satisfaction and positively impacts the company's image. Especially in times of skilled labor shortages, this can be a significant competitive advantage.
Cost challenges
A frequently cited obstacle to the widespread adoption of solar carports is the perceived high cost, particularly for the substructures and foundations. Standardized systems from some suppliers can indeed be expensive. However, it's important to consider the options carefully. Innovative system solutions with optimized designs and multifunctional features, such as integrated rainwater harvesting or LED lighting, can significantly reduce costs while simultaneously increasing benefits. Combining different functions allows for synergistic effects and makes the overall investment more profitable. In the long term, the savings from electricity generation and the avoidance of fossil fuel costs can far outweigh the initial investment.
Bureaucratic hurdles and approval procedures
Another obstacle to the expansion of solar carports is the often lengthy permitting process. The responsible authorities are sometimes not yet sufficiently familiar with the new technology, and this can delay the processing of applications. Simplifying and accelerating the permitting process is therefore urgently needed to promote the expansion of solar carports. Here, policymakers are called upon to create clear guidelines and streamlined processes.
Funding programs and support
While funding programs exist at the federal and state levels, they are often insufficient to fully offset the cost differences compared to rooftop installations. Furthermore, the funding landscape is complex and opaque, making the application process difficult for businesses and individuals. Stronger and more targeted support for solar carports would provide a significant boost to the expansion of this technology. This support should consider not only the pure investment costs but also the positive environmental and social impacts.
Make optimal use of suitable areas
Despite the availability of suitable surfaces, companies and institutions have primarily opted for rooftop solar installations, as their planning and installation are considered simpler. However, this assessment is often superficial. Rooftop systems also present challenges, such as structural load-bearing capacity and integration into the existing roof structure. Modern solar carport systems, on the other hand, are modular and can be flexibly adapted to specific conditions. Installation is generally quick and straightforward. Furthermore, by utilizing existing parking spaces, no additional land is required, which is a significant advantage, especially in densely populated areas.
The potential of solar carports in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is far from exhausted. The perceived disadvantages are often overestimated, while the numerous advantages – ecological, economic, and social – are underestimated. A combination of innovative technologies, simplified permitting processes, and targeted subsidies can significantly accelerate the expansion of solar carports. Solar carports are not only a sensible addition to rooftop installations but also offer an independent and future-proof solution for sustainable energy generation and the design of our urban spaces. They make a significant contribution to the energy transition while simultaneously creating attractive and environmentally friendly parking options.
Related to this:
Solar power on asphalt: The untapped potential of parking lots
In recent years, the importance of renewable energies has increased significantly, particularly in light of climate change and the need to reduce CO₂ emissions. Photovoltaic systems (PV systems) play a central role in this, as they enable the generation of electricity from solar energy. While PV systems on building roofs are becoming increasingly common, the potential of parking lots as sites for solar installations remains largely untapped in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Although parking lots offer large, unused areas that would be ideal for solar installations, 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 advantages of PV-covered parking lots
Parking lots with solar panels 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 footprint of a company or public institution. Firstly, generating solar power reduces the need for fossil fuels, thus contributing to lower CO₂ emissions. Secondly, PV-covered parking lots offer additional benefits for users: The roof protects vehicles from direct sunlight, reducing the heating of cars in summer. This leads to greater comfort for users and can even lower vehicle energy consumption, as less air conditioning is required.
In addition to their environmental benefits, parking lots covered by photovoltaic systems also offer economic incentives. Companies can either use the generated electricity themselves or feed it into the public grid, thus generating revenue. Furthermore, such a system can contribute to improved employee satisfaction, as covered parking spaces are perceived as an added convenience.
Despite these advantages, the expansion of PV systems on parking lots in Germany, Austria and Switzerland remains below expectations.
High costs as a key challenge
One of the main reasons why so few parking lots are covered with solar panels is the high cost of installing such systems. Compared to rooftop installations, parking lots with PV-covered roofs are significantly more expensive. This is primarily due to the high investment costs for the substructures and foundations required to install the solar modules securely and safely. While rooftop installations already have a load-bearing structure in place—namely, the building's roof—a stable roof must first be erected for a parking lot before solar panels can even be installed.
The costs for these substructures vary depending on the size of the parking lot and the specific structural and safety requirements. Standard suppliers often charge high prices for these structures, which deters many companies. While there are now specialized providers offering more cost-effective solutions – so-called system PV parking lots – these are still generally more expensive than conventional rooftop systems.
Bureaucratic hurdles are slowing down expansion
Another significant factor hindering the expansion of photovoltaic (PV) systems in parking lots is the lengthy approval process and bureaucratic hurdles. In many regions of Germany, as well as in Austria and Switzerland, extensive permits are required before such a system can be erected. This includes not only building permits for the construction of the canopy itself, but also specific regulations related to historic preservation and nature conservation.
These lengthy approval processes deter many companies and public institutions from investing in rooftop solar panel parking lots. They prefer rooftop installations instead, as these are often easier to plan and quicker to implement.
Funding is insufficient
Although various funding programs exist at the federal and state levels to support the expansion of renewable energies, these subsidies are often insufficient to fully offset the significant cost differences between rooftop PV systems and those installed on parking lots. In Germany, for example, there is the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which provides feed-in tariffs for solar power. Similar funding programs also exist in Austria and Switzerland.
These subsidies, however, are primarily designed to support the construction of PV systems on roofs or open spaces. While there are also grants or tax incentives for PV-covered parking lots, these often only cover a portion of the additional costs. Many companies therefore decide against investing in PV parking lot systems and instead opt for rooftop installations.
Why do companies primarily rely on rooftop systems?
Another reason why companies have primarily relied on rooftop systems so far is the simpler planning and installation of such systems compared to parking lot canopies. Roofs already offer a stable surface for installing solar modules. Furthermore, planning a rooftop PV system is often less complicated than for a parking lot system: no additional structural measures such as foundations or support pillars are required.
Furthermore, many companies have already gained experience with rooftop PV systems and therefore perceive fewer risks in implementing such projects. In contrast, installing a new technology like a PV parking lot canopy is often perceived as more complex – especially if the company lacks experience with such projects.
What needs to change?
Despite these challenges, there are indications that more companies may opt for PV-covered parking lots in the future. Firstly, awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable solutions is steadily increasing – both among businesses 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 lots. These systems are specifically designed to reduce high investment costs while simultaneously ensuring high efficiency in electricity generation.
Significant changes could also occur at the political level: Governments may create more incentives to make the construction of PV systems on parking lots more attractive. This could be achieved through increased subsidies or tax breaks.
To better utilize the potential of parking lots as areas for photovoltaic systems
Although parking lots covered with photovoltaic panels could offer many ecological and economic advantages – such as an improved environmental footprint through solar power generation and added convenience for users – they remain rare exceptions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The main reasons for this are the high costs of substructures and lengthy permitting processes. Furthermore, many companies continue to primarily rely on rooftop installations due to their simpler planning.
To better utilize the potential of parking lots as sites for photovoltaic systems, political measures must be implemented in addition to existing cost-effective technological innovations. These measures could accelerate and facilitate the installation of solar systems in parking lots, representing an important step towards a more sustainable energy supply in Central Europe.
More information here:
Technological innovations
The integration of photovoltaic systems in parking lots has made significant progress in recent years. These systems enable the efficient use of already sealed surfaces that would otherwise remain unused. The PV canopies not only protect vehicles from the elements but also generate 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, creating synergies and promoting electromobility.
Related to this: