The Renaissance of the parking lot: solar parking spaces as the key component of the energy transition in Germany, France and the EU

Solar parking spaces: Is the investment worth it? A comparison for Germany, France & EU

Parking spaces are omnipresent. They line our cities, find themselves in front of shopping centers, train stations and airports, and yet they often live an unnoticed existence as pure functional areas. But these areas contain enormous potential that goes far beyond the mere parking of vehicles. Solar parking spaces are an innovative approach to use these areas multifunctional and at the same time make an important contribution to the energy transition.

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• Numbers, data, facts: solar carport, carport with solar roof, roofing variants in comparison and model parking space with electricity yield

What is a solar parking lot? More than just one roof over the car

A solar parking lot, often also referred to as a solar carport, is essentially a roofing of parking spaces, which is equipped with photovoltaic modules (PV modules). These modules convert sunlight into electrical energy. Double use of areas is a central advantage: Instead of using valuable open spaces for solar systems, sealed areas are used efficiently.

A typical solar parking lot consists of the following elements:

Supporting structure

The scaffolding that the PV modules carries usually consists of aluminum, steel or wood. Aluminum is enjoying growing popularity due to its corrosion resistance, low weight and long lifespan. Wood offers more appealing aesthetics, but requires more maintenance. Steel is robust, but can be more susceptible to corrosion.

Photovoltaic modules

The modules are the heart of the solar parking lot. They can either be installed on the roof (on-roof system) or integrated directly into the roof (in-roof system). In-roof systems often offer a more aesthetically appealing solution because the modules are seamlessly integrated into the roof structure. A special variant are translucent, bifacial glass glass modules that let light through and at the same time generate energy from both sides.

Optional additional equipment

Modern solar parking spaces can be equipped with a variety of additional functions, including charging stations for electric vehicles, lighting, sensors for parking space monitoring and even rainwater use systems.

The integration of charging stations for electric vehicles is a particularly important aspect. It transforms the solar parking lot into a potentially self -sufficient energy stroke that can both generate electricity and use them directly for charging electric cars. This is an important step towards promoting electromobility and reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.

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• PV Photovoltaik Parkplatz: “Smart Solar Park Concept” for parking, exit and entry- Strategy Part II

Areas of application: Where solar parking spaces create added value

Solar parking spaces are versatile and offer added value in different areas:

Commercial sector

Retail areas, office buildings, educational institutions and other companies with parking spaces can reduce their energy costs through solar parking spaces, improve their sustainability and to offer charging options for electric vehicles. In addition, solar parking spaces improve parking comfort for employees and customers and signal environmental awareness.

Living area

Homeowners can generate their own clean electricity with solar parking spaces, protect their vehicles from weather influences and conveniently charge electric cars at home. This makes them more independent of increasing energy prices and makes a contribution to climate protection.

Public sector

Government buildings, hospitals, airports and park-and-ride systems can achieve sustainability goals with solar parking spaces, reduce operating costs and generate income through the feed-in of excess electricity into the network.

Industrial sector

Production facilities and logistics centers with large parking spaces can make a contribution to covering your energy requirement with solar parking spaces and reduce your dependence on external energy suppliers.

The diverse possible uses illustrate the broad market potential of solar parking spaces, which is driven by different motivations in the different sectors.

Solar parking spaces are a promising way to generate renewable energy while optimizing limited space requirements in cities and urban areas. However, there are actually some challenges that can complicate the introduction of such parking spaces.

One of the biggest hurdles is the high cost and planning effort associated with installing solar panels in parking lots. Not only must the cost of the solar panels themselves be taken into account, but also the cost of the infrastructure required to connect the panels to the grid. In addition, the space required for installing the solar modules must be precisely planned and coordinated to ensure effective use of the available space.

Another obstacle are bureaucratic hurdles and approval processes that can make it difficult to install solar panels in parking lots. Depending on the region or country, different rules and regulations may apply, which can complicate the approval and implementation process.

Despite these challenges, there is high demand for solar parking spaces as they represent an effective way to promote renewable energy while optimizing space requirements in urban areas. With careful planning and collaboration between the parties involved, the hurdles can be overcome to facilitate the introduction of such parking spaces.

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• Solar carport planner

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• Solar covered parking space for your solar carport park customer projects

We can also offer alternative large solar parking systems!

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The advantages at a glance

• Support & Made in Germany
• Modular & scalable (for 2, 100, 1,000 and more parking spaces)
• Really waterproof
• Integrated water drain / invisible rain gutter
• Vandalism protection, optionally with integrated impact protection
• Variable with all common solar modules
• City design available in aluminum and 3 different colors
• Depending on the amount of self-consumption (degree of self-sufficiency), amortization is possible within 6 years
• Long service life (aluminum substructure)
• 30-year (!) performance guarantee on bifacial and partially transparent double-glass solar modules (25-year product guarantee)
• Reducing urban heat islands
• Building-integrated photovoltaics
• Ideal for transparent and translucent double-glass solar modules with overhead mounting approval!

Market overview: Germany, France and the European Union in comparison

The market for solar parking spaces is located in a dynamic development phase, powered by ambitious goals in the area of ​​renewable energies, state support programs and the increasing distribution of electromobility.

Germany

Germany is a leading market for solar energy in the European Union. The installed PV performance was over 100 gigawatts at the end of 2024. Although there is no specific data for the installed performance of solar parking spaces, the potential of unused parking areas is estimated to be up to 59 gigawatts, which indicates an important market. The European market for commercial solar parking spaces, in which Germany holds a significant share, was estimated in 2023 at over half a billion US dollars. This indicates a substantial market, whereby the commercial segment is currently particularly pronounced.

Market growth in Germany is driven by the following factors:

State funding programs

Subventions and other programs support the increasing interest in photovoltaic systems, including carports.

Regulatory framework conditions

Some federal states provide solar systems in new public parking spaces with a minimum number of parking spaces.

Economic incentives

Increasing electricity prices cause companies to switch to renewable energies. Minocales and VAT exemptions for self -consumption offer additional economic advantages.

Growing spread of electric vehicles

The increasing demand for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles creates a strong synergy with solar parking spaces.

However, there are also challenges:

Administrative and building law hurdles

The implementation of a solar parking lot can be a complex construction project that brings with many administrative and legal hurdles.

Higher investment costs

The investment costs for parking space PV can be higher than for roof systems, which depends on the cost-effectiveness of self-consumption and integration of e-mobility.

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• France is getting serious: mandatory solar parking for parking spaces – Now there are tough penalties for those who refuse to park a solar parking space!

France

At the end of September 2024, France had an installed solar capacity of over 23.7 gigawatts and aimed at up to 44 gigawatts by 2028. The country is now aiming to reach between 35 GW and 44 GW installed solar capacity by 2028. An essential factor for the development of the solar parking lot market in France is the legislation, which prescribes the installation of solar systems on large parking spaces. The currently largest known solar parking lot in France has an output of almost 30 megawatts.

Market growth in France is primarily driven by the following factors:

Regulatory framework conditions

The legislation, which prescribes solar systems on parking spaces with an area of ​​over 1,500 square meters, creates a guaranteed demand for solar parking spaces on a large scale.

State funding programs

Incentives such as tax credits, subsidies and discounts make PV carport installations financially attractive.

However, there are also challenges:

technical requirements

Parking bays must be specifically oriented in order to optimally use the sun's radiation, which could affect the design and feasibility of installations.

European Union

The European Union has set itself the goal of reaching its newly installed PV capacity at almost 600 gigawatts by 2030. This ambitious goal also includes a contribution from solar parking spaces. The European market for solar parking spaces is expected to grow to almost half a billion US dollars by 2032.

Market growth in the EU is driven by the following factors:

EU-wide destinations for renewable energies

The revised renewable energy directive increases the binding EU target for renewable energies to at least 42.5 %by 2030.

Repoweru initiative

This policy aims to reduce the dependence on Russian fossil fuels by investing in renewable energies.

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• REPowerEU / EU REPower plan – mandatory solar for buildings: Additional boost for high-performance PV systems – also with solar carport solar roofs

Promoting electromobility

The strong EU-wide advance towards electric vehicles creates a significant demand for charging infrastructure that can provide solar parking spaces.

Increasing awareness of sustainability

The growing environmental awareness among companies and private individuals is driving the introduction of renewable energy solutions such as solar parking spaces.

However, there are also challenges:

High installation costs

The initial costs for installing a solar parking lot can be quite high.

Limited accessibility of suitable locations

Restrictions on space and the availability of parking spaces that are suitable for the construction of solar parking spaces can be a limited factor, especially in densely populated urban areas.

Structural considerations

Existing carports may not have any roofs that can bear the weight of solar systems, which requires a new building or significant modifications.

Comparison of growth prospects

All three regions (Germany, France and the entire EU) are expected to have a significant growth in the solar parking lot market. The growth in France will be particularly strong due to the recent mandates in the commercial sector. The German market benefits from a well-established PV market. The EU market as a whole is expected to have a healthy growth rate, driven by the increasing introduction of renewable energies and the spread of electric vehicles.

Technological innovations and trends

The technology in the area of ​​solar parking spaces is developing rapidly. The most important innovations and trends include:

Progress in solar module technology

Bifacial solar modules, highly efficient solar modules and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) improve the efficiency and aesthetics of solar parking spaces.

Integration of charging stations for electric vehicles

Solar parking spaces are increasingly being equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles, which enables comfortable and sustainable charging with the solar power generated.

Intelligent technologies for energy management and network connection

Intelligent systems can monitor and control the energy consumption of carport, integration with energy storage systems enables continuous use of solar energy.

Material and structural innovations

Aluminum, wood and steel are used for the supporting structures, with modular and scalable designs enable simple adaptation to different parking variables.

Lighting and other additional functions

The integration of energy-efficient LED lighting and other functions such as integrated water drain systems increase the value and the practicality of solar parking installations.

Competitive landscape

The market for solar parking spaces is increasingly competitive. The most important actors in Germany include Xpert.solar and Partner, Greenbuddies and Schletter. Engie Green and GreenyElow are active in France. At European level there are a large number of companies, including Xpert.solar and Partner, Sunpower Corporation and Flexisolar.

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Solar parking spaces as the key to the green infrastructure

Solar parking spaces are an important component of the energy transition. They offer a variety of advantages, including the production of renewable energy, the protection of vehicles from weather influences and the possibility of charging electric vehicles. The market for solar parking spaces develops rapidly, driven by ambitious goals in the field of renewable energies, state support programs and the increasing spread of electromobility.

In order to fully exploit the potential of solar parking spaces, the following measures are required:

Further state support

Governments should continue to implement supportive measures, including mandates, subsidies and optimized approval procedures.

Reduction of installation costs

Technological innovations and standardized designs can help reduce installation costs and make solar parking spaces accessible to a wider audience.

Promotion of integration with electric vehicles

The integration of charging stations for electric vehicles into solar parking spaces should continue to be funded in order to maximize the synergy between renewable energy generation and electromobility.

Sensitization of the public

Companies and private individuals should be informed about the advantages of solar parking spaces to increase acceptance and demand.

Solar parking spaces have the potential to transform our parking spaces into green energy centers and make an important contribution to a sustainable future. It is up to us to recognize this potential and create the necessary framework conditions to promote the spread of solar parking spaces.

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