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 spaces in order to convert sealed areas into solar power plants. The program offers a grant of up to 250,000 euros, depending on the size of the parking space and the photovoltaic system. The first round of funding runs until May 22, 2023, and a total of 2.5 million euros is available for this program. Since May 1, 2022, the installation of a photovoltaic system has been mandatory on new non-residential buildings and open parking lots with more than 35 spaces . And from May 1, 2022, this will also apply to all new residential buildings. The state has also launched a pilot project to promote photovoltaic systems in covered parking spaces, for which up to four projects are to be funded with 750,000 euros.

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

Covering parking spaces with photovoltaic systems - this is one of the 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 spaces with a size of 35 or more spaces.

“We are roofing existing parking spaces in the country with photovoltaic systems, thereby transforming sealed areas into true solar power plants. The space in our country is limited - in this way we use the space twice and further advance the expansion of solar energy in the country," emphasized Environment and Energy Minister Thekla Walker in Stuttgart.

Funding program creates incentive for existing parking spaces

Against this background, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy Sector is creating an incentive with its funding program to expand photovoltaics (PV) in existing parking spaces. On the one hand, investments in PV roofing for existing parking spaces with a size of 35 parking spaces or more are supported, in conjunction with a new system to be built that is connected to the distribution network. On the other hand, the creation of regional and networking concepts is supported.

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

In a first step, 2.5 million euros are available for the funding program. The funding program will be further developed over the course of the year and expanded to include additional funding areas.

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

• Project sponsor Karlsruhe (PTKA): application and information documents

In order to comply with the Paris Climate Protection Agreement and the associated obligation of the state government within the framework of 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 required.

The aim of this funding program is to encourage efficient use of already sealed parking spaces in favor of climate protection and the energy transition.

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

A combination of funding modules A and B is excluded.

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

The upper limit of funding depends on the installed capacity – Image: ptka.kit.edu

The minimum power to be installed depends on the size of the parking space - Image: ptka.kit.edu

More about it here:

• Project sponsor Karlsruhe (PTKA): application and information documents