Numbers, data, facts: solar carport, carport with solar roof, roofing variants in comparison and model parking space with electricity yield

Solar carports have become established in recent years as a power-generating roofing solution for both private and commercial use. In particular, more and more companies are increasingly relying on this climate-friendly, environmentally sound, and simultaneously economical solution to increase their self-sufficiency in energy.

Solar power is the future – and not just since climate change. Solar energy is environmentally friendly and sustainable. A solar carport kills two birds with one stone: it protects your vehicles from the elements like rain, snow, and hail, while simultaneously generating electricity that can be used for your own consumption or fed back into the public grid.

Solar roofs enhance the functionality of parking areas and translate their potential into economic advantages. Installing a photovoltaic system on a carport is an excellent way to increase electricity production. Carports with solar roofs also offer optimal protection from the elements and are therefore particularly well-suited for photovoltaic installations. For businesses, they provide temporary and flexible weatherproof storage options should problems arise during the loading and unloading of deliveries.

Carport with solar roof: electricity yield – different seasons and weather conditions – Image: Xpert.Digital

This table shows the approximate electricity generation of a solar roof for available charging energy in different seasons and weather conditions. This corresponds to an average daily driving distance of 30 km for a commuter vehicle or an associated energy consumption of 6 kWh.

On sunny spring days, a parking space with solar panels can generate 10 kWh of solar power, enough to charge an electric vehicle for 50 km. This represents 167% of the average daily driving range. Conversely, on cloudy winter days, only 7% of the required 6 kWh of charging energy can be generated, resulting in a range of just 2 km using solar power. Theoretically, on average, 91.5% of the vehicles can be charged via the solar roof over the course of a year. The distribution of solar power generation throughout the day perfectly aligns with the parking times of employees during their working hours.

Solar yield of the model parking lot depending on season and weather and possible number of electric vehicles that can be charged with 6 kWh or 44 kWh.

A covered single parking space with 12.5 m² of PV surface area and 2.5 kWp output; target daily charge of the connected electric vehicle: 6 kWh (30 km). Charging losses are not taken into account.

Model parking lot, 100 parking spaces with solar roof – Image: Xpert.Digital

On a cloudy spring day, you can fully charge 6 electric cars or drive 42 electric cars 30 km using solar energy.

Based on the average daily driving distance of a car, the required charging energy is predominantly supplied by the solar roof.

In a few years, the solar power generated on cloudy days will no longer be sufficient to charge a connected electric car if the proportion of electric vehicles continues to grow steadily as it has been.

Solar roofing options specifically for vehicles – Image: Xpert.Digital

With a carport system featuring a fixed substructure, you can expect high solar power production and increased comfort thanks to permanent shading. Electric vehicle owners also benefit from the charging station, as the necessary cables and the charging station itself can be easily attached to the substructure.

The modular design of the carport system is advantageous, as it allows the roof to be adapted to almost any parking space, thus ensuring consistently good utilization and scalability of the parking space.

Increased light transmission in solar carports can be achieved through bifacial and semi-transparent solar modules. This is visually appealing, and the corresponding PV modules can also utilize light from below, potentially leading to 10-20% higher electricity generation. Currently, this double-sided technology is rarely used due to the perceived high module price, as it has not always been economically viable. "However, the technology is expected to become more widespread in the coming years," according to the DeLorean Power feasibility study.

In fact, this is already possible with the modular and scalable 4+2+ solar carport system, which uses translucent, semi-transparent and bifacial solar modules!

More about it here:

• The solar carport 4-column technology – The 4+2+ column system

Carport with solar roof: Studies confirm the cost-effectiveness and great potential of solar parking spaces - our solar carport with transparent solar modules is included!

“Projects on large parking areas are particularly suitable,” according to the ‘InfraSolaire’ study from Switzerland: “Solar power on infrastructure facilities and conversion areas”.

More about it here:

• Studies confirm the cost-effectiveness of solar carports

Industrial plants or commercial parking lots can be ideally used to generate renewable energy. This not only saves CO₂, but also allows companies to directly participate in the success of the energy transition and thus strengthen their reputation.

• DeLorean Power Feasibility Study – Study of industrial and commercial park sites for the generation of renewable energy