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

Solar carport systems can be viewed as part of the third wave of smart city power supply. The concept of Smart Renewable Cities (SRCs) describes cities that already use renewable energies such as wind and solar energy 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 regulate the smart grid. An intelligent electricity network, also known as a smart grid, enables electricity suppliers to regulate consumption depending on supply by using intelligent electricity meters to switch electrical devices on and off accordingly.

Suitable for:

• Artificial intelligence in the field of renewable energies

Solar carport systems represent another and promising option for ensuring 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, building management, public services and security. The aim 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 to make decisions and take actions .

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

Intelligent transport systems, in conjunction with solar carport systems in cities, can be an effective solution to improve traffic and reduce energy requirements. Solar carport systems are roofs with integrated solar cells that can be installed in parking lots and along streets.

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

Suitable for:

• Impact of urbanization: Urban heat island (UHI) – avoided through solar roofing while generating electricity

Intelligent transportation systems can also help improve traffic in cities 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 redirect traffic to different streets in order to better utilize capacity and relieve congestion on the streets.

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

Suitable for:

• Transparent solar modules in the field of urbanization

At the end of 2020, 1.3 million photovoltaic systems were installed on single- and two-family homes in Germany, which means an average saturation of eleven percent. Baden-Württemberg leads the list of top performers at federal state level with 21 percent. However, there is still a very high solar potential, particularly in eastern Germany, which has not yet been exploited.

In 2020, the average system size in the small system segment already reached 7.5 kWp. However, there remains enormous untapped potential, as 89 percent of the solar potential on roofs in Germany is still unused. It is not possible to determine exactly how many sealed areas there are with potential for covered solar systems (solar carports). However, it can be assumed that these are far higher than the 89 percent already mentioned.

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 for meeting electricity needs in a climate-friendly and sustainable manner.

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