BIPV & Urban City Solar Carport System: Expand residential and transport areas and protect important agricultural resources with solar carport systems

Solar carports are generally not considered building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). In BIPV, solar modules are integrated into the building envelope, for example, as facade elements, roof tiles, or windows. The goal is to seamlessly integrate the solar modules into the building design to achieve both aesthetic and energy-related benefits.

Solar carports, on the other hand, are shelters specifically designed for parking vehicles and equipped with solar panels to generate solar energy. Their primary purpose is to protect vehicles from the elements while simultaneously generating electricity from sunlight.

Although solar carports do not belong to building-integrated photovoltaics, they can still be a useful addition to a building by providing additional space for electricity generation and supporting the environmental aspect through the use of renewable energy sources.

The City solar carport module is characterized by its partial transparency, which allows the solar panels, roof, and power generation to be integrated into a single system. This expansion of functions and increased functionality are key features of a solar carport as a building-integrated photovoltaic solution.

Urban City Solar Carport Park – the solar carport system – Image: Xpert.Digital

Integrating solar panels into the carport roof not only generates renewable energy but also creates an aesthetically pleasing solution that blends harmoniously into the urban living environment. The transparent elements of the City Solar Carport module allow natural light to pass through, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Even planting greenery beneath the solar carport is therefore possible!

The aesthetic integration of solar carports into urban areas has a positive impact on the quality of life and public acceptance. They contribute to the integration of renewable energy technologies into the cityscape and thus to sustainable and future-proof urban development.

The combination of functionality, aesthetic design, and renewable energy generation makes the City Solar Carport module an attractive solution for residential and commercial properties. It allows for the use of paved surfaces while simultaneously creating a clean energy source for personal use or charging electric vehicles.

The advanced technology and modern design of the City-Solarcarport module thus offer a win-win situation: It contributes to sustainability and environmental protection while simultaneously improving the urban environment and the quality of life of the residents.

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Building-integrated photovoltaics can help add further functionality to residential and transport areas while simultaneously protecting important agricultural resources. By integrating solar modules into the building envelope, existing surfaces can be used efficiently without taking up additional space.

Integrating solar panels into building structures such as facades, roof tiles, or windows allows for the multifunctional use of urban areas. This enables on-site electricity generation, contributing to a decentralized energy supply. At the same time, agricultural land can be protected and preserved for its original use, instead of being used for solar installations.

Building-integrated photovoltaics also offers aesthetic advantages, as the solar modules can be seamlessly integrated into the building design. This promotes the acceptance of solar energy in urban areas and improves the city's aesthetic appearance.

Combining solar energy with building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offers several advantages, such as utilizing existing land, decentralized energy generation, and conserving agricultural resources. It is an innovative way to promote sustainability and renewable energy in urban environments.

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The proportion of sealed settlement and transport areas in urbanized areas can vary considerably depending on the country, city, and region. However, there are some general estimates and data that can provide an overview of the extent of sealing in urban areas.

In 2018, the Federal Statistical Office of Germany estimated that approximately 13.3% of the area in urbanized Germany was used for settlement and transport purposes. This includes residential areas, commercial areas, industrial areas, transport areas such as roads and parking lots, as well as leisure and recreational areas.

Internationally, there are differences between various countries and cities. For example, some highly urbanized countries like Singapore have a very high rate of soil sealing, with more than 90% of their surface area sealed, due to limited land resources. Other cities, such as Amsterdam in the Netherlands, have set themselves the goal of reducing the proportion of sealed surfaces and creating more green spaces and natural habitats.

It is important to note that high levels of soil sealing can have negative impacts on the urban microclimate, biodiversity, and quality of life. Therefore, urban planning and sustainable urban development are crucial to limiting soil sealing and increasing the amount of green space.

Urbanization – a global development

Urbanization refers to the process of population concentration and the increasing growth of cities. It describes the transition from a predominantly rural society to one in which the majority of people live in cities. Urbanization is accompanied by various social, economic, and spatial changes.

During urbanization, people migrate from rural areas to urban regions in search of better employment, education, and living conditions. This process is often driven by the industrialization and economic development of a country or region. Cities offer access to a wide range of services, infrastructure, cultural institutions, and opportunities for social interaction.

However, urbanization can also bring challenges. These include high population density, a lack of housing, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, social inequality, and problems related to infrastructure and services.

Urbanization is a global trend that can be observed in many parts of the world. Particularly in emerging and developing countries, urbanization is often linked to rapid population growth, which means that cities face challenges in providing infrastructure and services.

Sustainable urbanization involves the planning and development of cities to improve the quality of life of residents, use resources efficiently, minimize environmental impacts, and promote social justice.

Another consequence of urbanization: Urban heat islands (UHI)

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To supply Germany with 100% solar power, a certain installed capacity in gigawatt peak (GWp) is required. The exact amount depends on several factors, such as electricity consumption, the efficiency of the photovoltaic systems, and the average solar irradiance in different regions of Germany.

Providing a precise figure for the required GWp number to cover Germany's total electricity demand with solar power is difficult, as electricity consumption can change over time and other factors must also be taken into account.

According to a 2018 study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, an area-based photovoltaic electricity generation capacity of approximately 400-500 GWp would be required to cover the total electricity demand in Germany.

However, it is important to note that this is a rough estimate and that the exact GWp requirement may change over time as technology, energy efficiency, and electricity consumption evolve. It is also possible that other renewable energy sources, such as wind or hydropower, could contribute to meeting the overall demand in combination with solar power.

To make a rough estimate of the required area, one can assume an average power output of 5 watts peak per square meter. This would mean that up to 80,000 square kilometers (80,000,000,000 square meters) of land could be needed for 400 GWp.

However, it is important to note that this is a simplified calculation and other factors such as technological advancements in photovoltaic systems, the expansion of storage technologies, and the optimization of energy efficiency must be taken into account. The exact area may therefore change depending on how the technology and the general conditions develop.

This statistic illustrates the development of settlement and transport areas in Germany from 1992 to 2021. It reveals the increasing expansion of these areas during this period. In 2021, the area used for settlement and transport in Germany amounted to approximately 51,813 km². Settlement areas comprised about 9.4 percent of the total land area in 2020.

Area for settlement and transport in Germany until 2021 – Image: Xpert.Digital

Progressive urbanization and population growth have led to an increased demand for residential areas. Housing areas, commercial zones, industrial areas, and transport infrastructure such as roads and parking lots occupy a significant portion of Germany's total land area.

However, this development also has an impact on natural habitats, agricultural land, and ecologically valuable areas. Protecting these resources is crucial for preserving biodiversity and minimizing the ecological footprint of settlement and transport areas.

Sustainable urban planning and the efficient use of existing space are crucial to mitigating the negative consequences of increasing land sealing. Concepts such as inner-city development, the promotion of green infrastructure, and the revitalization of brownfield sites can help limit land consumption while simultaneously creating a livable environment for the population.

It is important to keep an eye on the development of settlement and transport areas and to take measures to find a balance between urban growth and the protection of natural resources.

Settlement and transport area (in km²) in Germany from 1992 to 2021 (reference date: 31.12.)

• 1992 – 40,305 km²
• 1996 – 42,052 km²
• 2000 – 43,939 km²
• 2001 – 44,381 km²
• 2002 – 44,780 km²
• 2003 – 45,141 km²
• 2004 – 45,621 km²
• 2005 – 46,050 km²
• 2006 – 46,436 km²
• 2007 – 46,789 km²
• 2008 – 47,137 km²
• 2009 – 47,422 km²
• 2010 – 47,702 km²
• 2011 – 48,133 km²
• 2012 – 48,368 km²
• 2013 – 48,597 km²
• 2014 – 48,910 km²
• 2015 – 49,066 km²
• 2016 – 50,799 km²
• 2017 – 51,032 km²
• 2018 – 51,315 km²
• 2019 – 51,489 km²
• 2020 – 51,693 km²
• 2021 – 51,813 km²

In 2018, no other German state had as high a proportion of sealed surfaces as Berlin. A full 34.64 percent of the capital's total area consisted of sealed settlement and transport surfaces. The other two city-states, Hamburg and Bremen, had shares of 29.13 percent and 28.1 percent, respectively, of sealed settlement and transport surfaces. The thirteen other states followed at a considerable distance, but showed significant differences. In North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, 10.8 percent of the total area consisted of sealed settlement and transport surfaces, while in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania it was only 3.51 percent.

Share of sealed and unsealed settlement and transport areas (SuV) in the total area of ​​the federal states in Germany in 2018 – Image: Xpert.Digital

The sealing of surfaces has far-reaching consequences, both ecologically and hydrologically. Firstly, sealing leads to the loss of fertile soils, which negatively impacts agricultural use and soil quality. This poses a challenge to food production and the preservation of biodiversity.

On the other hand, increasing surface sealing is a significant factor in the development of flooding and increases the risk of such events. Because precipitation cannot seep into sealed surfaces, the water accumulates elsewhere, leading to an increase in the volume of water in sewers and waterways. This has negative consequences for the infrastructure, the environment, and the safety of the affected areas.

It is therefore of great importance to take measures to reduce land sealing, in addition to addressing urban heat islands . Sustainable urban planning, the promotion of green spaces, the conversion of sealed surfaces into green and open spaces, and the implementation of effective stormwater management systems are crucial to counteracting the negative consequences of sealing and creating a resilient and livable environment.

Percentage of sealed SUV surface

• Berlin – 34.64%
• Hamburg – 29.13 in %
• Bremen – 28.10 in %
• North Rhine-Westphalia – 10.80 in %
• Saarland – 10.11 in %
• Hesse – 7.49%
• Baden-Württemberg – 6.81%
• Lower Saxony – 6.64%
• Rhineland-Palatinate – 6.50 in %
• Saxony – 6.43 in %
• Schleswig-Holstein – 6.02 in %
• Bavaria – 5.64%
• Thuringia – 4.96 in %
• Brandenburg – 4.65%
• Saxony-Anhalt – 4.62 in %
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – 3.52 in %

Percentage of unsealed SUV surface

• Berlin – 35.91%
• Hamburg – 29.83%
• Bremen – 28.32%
• North Rhine-Westphalia – 12.78%
• Saarland – 11.49%
• Hesse – 8.65%
• Baden-Württemberg – 7.99%
• Lower Saxony – 7.89%
• Rhineland-Palatinate – 8.08 in %
• Saxony – 8.16 in %
• Schleswig-Holstein – 7.36%
• Bavaria – 6.65%
• Thuringia – 7 in %
• Brandenburg – 5.85 in %
• Saxony-Anhalt – 6.90 in %
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – 5.04 in %

Vegetation covers the majority of Germany's land area, comprising over 83 percent of the total area at the end of 2020. This includes various types of land use, including agricultural land. In fact, slightly more than half of Germany's total land area is used for agricultural purposes.

Distribution of land area in Germany by land use in 2020 – Image: Xpert.Digital

In 2020, built-up areas comprised approximately 9.4 percent of the total land area. This includes urban areas, residential areas, commercial areas, and infrastructure such as roads and parking lots. The increasing built-up area is a result of urbanization and population growth.

The distribution of land use has an impact on various aspects, including agriculture, nature conservation, and the environment. Sustainable land use is crucial to protecting natural resources, preserving biodiversity, and minimizing the ecological impacts of settlement areas.

It is important to consider the balance between vegetation, agricultural use, and settlement areas to promote sustainable development. This requires the efficient use of agricultural land, the promotion of ecological compensation areas in settlements, and the implementation of measures that preserve the ecological integrity of the soil. Through responsible land use, we can ensure the long-term health of our environment and our community.

Land use types in Germany 2020

Vegetation – 83.30 in %

• including: agricultural land – 50.60%
• including: forest area – 29.80%
• including: woody vegetation – 1.20 in %
• including: Heide – 0.20 in %
• including: Moor – 0.20 in %
• including: swamp – 0.10 in %
• including: wasteland, devoid of vegetation – 1.10 in %

Settlement – ​​9.40 in %

• including: residential building area – 3.90%
• including: industrial and commercial space – 1.70%
• including: sports, leisure and recreation area – 0 in %
• including: Cemetery – 0 in %
• including: open-pit mining, pit, quarry – 0.40 in %
• including: mining operations – 1.20%
• including: stockpile – 0.50 in %
• including: area of ​​special functional character – 1.50 in %
• including: mixed-use area – 0.10 in %

Traffic – 5.10 in %

• including: road traffic – 2.60 in %
• including: distance – 1.90 in %
• including: Place – 0.10 in %
• including: rail transport – 0.30 in %
• including: air traffic – 0.10%
• including: shipping traffic – 0 in %

Water bodies – 2.30 in %

• including: flowing waters – 1 in %
• including: standing waters – 0 in %
• including: harbor basin – 1.20 in %
• including: Sea – 0.10 in %

Between 1992 and 2018, the proportion of sealed settlement and transport areas in Germany increased from 5.18 percent to 6.47 percent. This means that within this period there was an increase of 4,622 square kilometers, or approximately 178 square kilometers per year. At the same time, the unsealed settlement and transport area increased by the same amount, from 6.31 percent to 7.88 percent. In 2018, total settlement and transport areas thus accounted for 14.35 percent of Germany's total area.

Sealed and unsealed settlement and transport areas in Germany – Image: Xpert.Digital

Proportion of sealed and unsealed settlement and transport area (SuV) to the total area of ​​Germany in 1992 and 2018

Percentage of sealed SUV surface

• 1992 5.18 in %
• 2018 6.47 in %

Percentage of unsealed SUV surface

• 1992 6.31 in %
• 2018 7.88 in %

If you're planning a carport or a prefabricated garage, then choose Xpert.Solar for competent and complete implementation.

Xpert.Solar offers expert and comprehensive installation of photovoltaic systems in carports and prefabricated garages. The company specializes in the planning, installation, and maintenance of solar systems and works closely with clients to develop customized solutions. With Xpert.Solar, clients can be confident that their solar systems will be professionally planned and installed, ensuring they maximize the benefits of their investment.

Because solar experts lack the know-how for carport substructures, and carport substructure experts lack the know-how for photovoltaics, Xpert.Solar and its partners offer everything from simple DC installation to AC/DC implementation, depending on requirements.

For large solar carport systems, Xpert.Solar and its partners offer consulting and planning services based on many years of experience.

Free solar carport and solar terrace planner for construction companies, electrical contractors and solar installers – Image: Xpert.Digital

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