Solar carports in Baden-Württemberg: The state promotes photovoltaic systems in parking lots and parking areas

Baden-Württemberg has launched a program to promote the installation of photovoltaic systems on existing parking lots with at least 35 parking spaces, aiming to transform paved surfaces into solar power plants. The program offers subsidies of up to €250,000, depending on the size of the parking lot and the photovoltaic system. The first funding round runs until May 22, 2023, and a total of €2.5 million is available for this program. Since May 1, 2022, the installation of a photovoltaic system on new non-residential buildings and open parking lots with more than 35 parking spaces has been mandatory. This requirement also applies to all new residential buildings as of May 1, 2022. The state has also launched a pilot project to promote photovoltaic systems on covered parking lots, for which up to four projects will receive €750,000 in funding.

With a new funding program, the state supports the installation of photovoltaic systems on existing parking areas with 35 or more parking spaces. This transforms sealed surfaces into solar power plants.

Covering parking lots with photovoltaic systems is one of many measures in Baden-Württemberg to advance the energy transition in the state and reduce climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions. With the funding program launched on March 30, 2023, the state supports the installation of photovoltaic systems on existing parking areas with 35 or more parking spaces.

“We are covering existing parking lots in the state with photovoltaic systems, thus transforming sealed surfaces into veritable solar power plants. Land in our state is limited – in this way we utilize the space twice and further advance the expansion of solar energy in the state,” emphasized Environment and Energy Minister Thekla Walker in Stuttgart.

Funding program creates incentive for existing parking areas

Against this backdrop, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy is creating an incentive to expand photovoltaic (PV) installations on existing parking lots through its funding program. Funding is provided for two purposes: firstly, investments in PV roofing for existing parking areas with 35 or more parking spaces, in conjunction with a newly constructed system connected to the distribution grid; and secondly, support for the development of regional and networked concepts.

The funding program is aimed at companies, legally capable partnerships and legal entities under private law, municipalities, municipal associations, special-purpose associations, other public corporations and institutions, universities and non-university research and development institutions.

Initially, €2.5 million has been allocated to the funding program. The program will be further developed and expanded to include additional funding areas throughout the year.

Applications can be submitted to the Karlsruhe Project Management Agency (PTKA) until May 22, 2023:

• Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA): Application and information documents

To comply with the Paris Climate Agreement and the associated obligation of the state government under the Baden-Württemberg Climate Protection and Climate Change Adaptation Act (KlimaG BW) to achieve net greenhouse gas neutrality by 2040, a significant expansion of renewable energies, especially photovoltaics, is necessary.

The present funding program is therefore intended to incentivize the efficient use of already sealed parking areas in favor of climate protection and the energy transition.

• May 22, 2023 Deadline for funding module A: Funding for investments in photovoltaic roofs for existing parking lots
• May 22, 2023 Deadline for funding module B: Funding of concepts in the field of parking lot roofing with photovoltaics

A combination of funding modules A and B is not possible.

The funded projects are to begin in 2023 and be completed by November 30, 2024.

The maximum funding amount depends on the installed capacity – Image: ptka.kit.edu

The minimum installed capacity depends on the size of the parking lot – Image: ptka.kit.edu

More information here:

• Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA): Application and information documents