Why are only a few parking spaces in Germany, Austria and Switzerland covered with solar systems?

☀️🌿 Enormous potential: PV systems in parking lots

Although the potential for generating solar energy is enormous, the use of parking spaces as locations for photovoltaic (PV) systems remains largely untapped in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Covered parking spaces with PV systems could offer significant ecological and economic advantages: In addition to electricity production, they contribute to improving the environmental balance and climate protection. But so far, parking spaces are generally unused and therefore untapped for the potential to generate renewable energy. An analysis of the obstacles and perspectives shows that not only economic and bureaucratic, but also structural and planning factors make implementation more difficult.

🌞 Advantages of PV covered parking spaces

Parking spaces with PV roofs could make a decisive contribution to the energy transition by generating solar power. On the one hand, large areas that already exist and do not need to be additionally sealed can be used efficiently. On the other hand, the roofs protect cars from direct sunlight, which lowers the vehicle temperature, especially in the summer months, and thus increases comfort for users. In hot summers, this could reduce the use of air conditioning and therefore fuel consumption. PV-covered parking spaces also reduce the need to clear snow and ice from cars in winter, increasing their attractiveness for users and operational efficiency. PV parking lot roofing has both ecological and economic advantages, which can be summarized by the following points:

1. Renewable power generation

The electricity generated by the PV systems can be used for your own needs or fed into the grid. The additional electricity contributes to security of supply and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

2. Improved environmental performance

The roofs reduce the ecological footprint of the areas as no additional sealing is necessary. These measures contribute to sustainability and support companies and municipalities in their climate protection strategies.

3. Employee and customer satisfaction

Employees and customers who park in these parking spaces benefit from protecting their vehicles from sun, rain and snow. Companies can thus increase their attractiveness as employers and service providers.

4. Cost savings and efficiency

The self-generated electricity can be used directly on site for charging stations for electric vehicles, which is particularly attractive for companies with large fleets. This efficient use helps to reduce energy costs in the long term.

💰 Supposedly high costs for substructures and foundations

A key inhibiting factor for the expansion of PV-covered parking spaces is the high investment costs. Installing PV systems in parking lots is more expensive than conventional rooftop systems. This is primarily due to the cost-intensive substructures and foundations that are necessary to stabilize the PV systems on free-standing areas. Such designs are often costly and require special materials that must be weather-resistant and strong enough to ensure long-term safety and performance.

Standard providers usually offer prefabricated modules, but these are often not optimally adapted to the requirements of PV-covered parking spaces. Alternatively, specially developed systems, so-called system PV parking spaces, can help reduce these costs. These systems are often lighter in construction and easier to install. However, these innovative solutions are not yet widely available, meaning many companies are dependent on more expensive alternatives.

Suitable for:

• Eco-PV solar carport: planning security for turnkey photovoltaic systems – for parking spaces and parks

📋 Bureaucratic hurdles and long approval processes

Another factor that makes the expansion of PV-covered parking spaces difficult is bureaucracy. The approval procedures for ground-mounted PV systems are generally significantly more complex and time-consuming than for rooftop systems. While installing a PV system on a flat roof often only requires a simple building permit, the requirements for PV systems on parking lots are more strictly regulated in many regions.

There are several reasons for these bureaucratic hurdles. On the one hand, many municipalities see parking spaces as potential building land reserves that they would like to use differently in the long term. On the other hand, residents in some areas fear that large PV systems could affect the aesthetic appearance. In some federal states it is also required that such systems may only be installed on unsealed areas in order to ensure the sustainable use of soil resources. These regulations often lead to delays and higher planning costs.

🚀 Funding and financial support: Not (yet) sufficient

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland there are various funding programs at federal and state level that support the expansion of renewable energies. However, many of these programs are primarily aimed at conventional rooftop systems and ground-mounted systems in rural regions. For PV parking lot roofing, however, the funding options are often insufficient to compensate for the higher installation costs and effort.

The funding situation is particularly complex in Germany: companies and municipalities have to work through a variety of application procedures and often have to expect long waiting times. Even if some federal states offer specific programs for PV covered parking spaces, these are usually limited to certain funding quotas, so not all potential projects can benefit from them. In addition, financial support often only exists for a limited time or is tied to certain conditions. There is currently no uniform funding concept for PV parking lot roofing.

🏢 The role of companies and their preference for rooftop systems

Many companies have so far relied primarily on roof systems to generate solar power. This decision is based on several factors: Roof systems are not only easier to plan and install, but also benefit from higher acceptance and usually simpler approval procedures. In addition, the investment costs for roof systems are often lower because there are no additional costs for expensive substructures and foundations. Companies that have suitable roof space usually prioritize this option before dealing with the planning and financing of PV-covered parking spaces.

Another reason for the preference for roof systems is the possibility of use. Since rooftop systems are already well established and technologically sophisticated, companies can integrate these systems into their existing infrastructure. Especially for companies that do not have specific requirements for the use of parking spaces, the decision to use roof systems is often more obvious from an economic and practical perspective.

🔮 Future perspectives and solutions

In order for PV-covered parking spaces to become more important in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the existing challenges must be addressed. One way to overcome the financial barriers would be to introduce special funding programs tailored to the needs of PV parking lot roofing. Such programs could not only cover installation costs, but also offer financial incentives to motivate companies and communities to implement them.

Reducing bureaucratic hurdles could also make an important contribution. Simplified approval procedures, such as those that already exist in some regions for rooftop systems, could reduce the planning effort and increase acceptance of PV-covered parking spaces. Municipalities could act as a role model by promoting the installation of such systems in public parking areas and thus encouraging imitation in the private sector.

Another approach to promoting PV-covered parking spaces would be to integrate these systems into the mobility transition. As electric mobility will become increasingly important in the coming years, PV covered parking spaces could play a crucial role in providing charging stations. The solar power generated on site could be fed directly into charging stations and thus contribute to the supply of electric vehicles. This would not only reduce CO₂ emissions in the transport sector, but also accelerate the expansion of the charging infrastructure.

📣 Similar topics

• ☀️ Discover solar energy potential in parking lots in DACH
• 🚗 Green parking areas: photovoltaics in parking lots
• 🌿 Sustainable use of energy: parking spaces with PV systems
• 💡 Solar future: parking spaces as energy sources
• 🔋 Energy transition on asphalt: opportunities for PV parking spaces
• 🌍 Climate protection through solar parking spaces in Central Europe
• 🏗️ Challenges and innovations in PV roofing
• ⚡ Solar parking spaces: A sustainable way to supply energy
• 💶 Funding and financing: PV parking spaces in DACH
• 🏞️ Future vision: photovoltaics in the urban landscape

#️⃣ Hashtags: #SolarEnergy#Sustainability #Energy Transition #Photovoltaics #Innovation

Eco-PV solar carport: planning security for €6,000 per parking space, turnkey photovoltaic system - Image: Xpert.Digital

The prices for a solar carport are usually between €3,500 and €25,000 per parking space. Logically, the services and quality vary depending on the price. An objective comparison shows that the price-performance ratio is crucial.

More about it here:

• Expandable and plannable – Eco-PV parking space

☑️ From simple solar carports to large parking spaces

☑️ Your individual photovoltaic parking space advice with Xpert.Solar

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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