Solar carport systems – The 3rd wave of Smart City solar power supply with solar carports for sealed surfaces

Solar carport systems can be considered part of the third wave of smart city power generation. The concept of Smart Renewable Cities (SRCs) describes cities that already use renewable energies such as wind and solar power, and whose further use is seen as an integral part of their smart city plans.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to predict the potential of energy flows, storage charging and discharging activities, and to regulate the smart grid. A smart grid allows energy providers to manage consumption based on supply by using smart meters to switch electrical devices on and off accordingly.

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Solar carport systems represent another promising way to ensure a sustainable and decentralized power supply in smart cities.

A smart city is a city that uses technology and data to improve quality of life and efficiency in areas such as transportation, energy supply, building management, public services, and security. The goal is to create a sustainable and livable city that meets the needs of its residents.

A smart city relies on the integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing to collect, analyze and use data in order to make decisions and take action.

Examples of smart city applications include intelligent transportation systems that improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, smart lighting systems that save energy, and smart buildings that optimize energy efficiency and comfort. However, a smart city also encompasses social innovations, such as promoting sharing concepts and expanding digital infrastructure to make the city more accessible to people with limited mobility or low incomes.

Intelligent transportation systems, in conjunction with solar carports, can be an effective solution for improving traffic flow and reducing energy consumption in cities. Solar carports are canopies with integrated solar panels that can be installed in parking lots and along roads.

By using solar carports as roofs for parking lots, cities can improve the energy supply of their trams, buses, and other vehicles by using clean, renewable energy to charge them. At the same time, solar carports can also help reduce the energy consumption of buildings by feeding energy back into the grid.

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Intelligent transportation systems can also help improve urban traffic by collecting real-time data from sensors and cameras and using this information to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion. For example, traffic management systems can reroute traffic to different roads to better utilize capacity and relieve road congestion.

Intelligent transport systems, in conjunction with solar carport systems, can help reduce energy consumption in cities and make traffic more efficient, contributing to an improved quality of life and environment.

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At the end of 2020, 1.3 million photovoltaic systems were installed on single-family and two-family homes in Germany, representing an average market saturation of eleven percent. Baden-Württemberg leads the list of federal states with 21 percent. However, there is still very high untapped solar potential, particularly in eastern Germany.

In 2020, the average system size in the small-scale segment already reached 7.5 kWp. Nevertheless, enormous untapped potential remains, as 89 percent of the solar potential on roofs in Germany is still unused. It is not possible to determine exactly how many sealed surfaces with potential for covered solar installations (solar carports) exist. However, it can be assumed that this figure is far higher than the aforementioned 89 percent.

There is therefore a great need for action to advance the energy transition and accelerate the expansion of renewable energies in Germany. In particular, the increased use of solar carport systems offers great potential to meet electricity demand in a climate-friendly and sustainable way.

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