Did you know the world is rushing to find greener energy sources? Enter solar canopies on parking lots, the cool new thing on the block in cutting our reliance on fossil fuels.
These structures show up in everyday spots like parking lots, transforming non functioning space into power stations with a bit of sunlight.
Solar canopies are catching on fast. Businesses and community areas are coming forward to use these setups to fill up their rides with solar power. As the word grows, people are keen to see how these setups will revolutionize our good parking spots.
What Is a Parking Lot Solar Canopy
Solar canopies in parking lots are advanced structures decked out with solar panels right above where you park. Each setup includes photovoltaic panels to catch sunlight and an inverter that flips this solar catch into usable AC power.
You will even find meters on some, letting you track the energy you are churning out and consuming independently from the grid.
Strategically placed to allow cars to park underneath, these panels are the best choice for businesses getting big amounts of power, especially when a rooftop setup is not possible or just doesn’t cut it.
What is Solar Panel Canopy
Solar-powered parking lots solar canopies are not just a cool feature at shopping centers where space is ample—they are a smart solution.
These structures not only provide cars with shade and shelter from weather conditions but also double as power stations. Think of them as protective umbrellas that keep your car cool and charged up.
Often called carports, these solar canopies are ideal spots to juice up your electric vehicle while protecting it from the sun or rain.
Whether you are a business owner improving your commercial space with an energy-smart addition or opting for a solar parking canopy over traditional rooftop or ground installations, it is a smart move.
Benefits of Adding Parking Lot Solar Panel Canopies
The following are the benefits of solar canopies for parking lots:
1. Greater Energy Independence
Integrating solar panels into parking lots is the best move for businesses aiming to ramp up on-site energy generation and cut huge energy bills. Take IKEA, for instance.
They launched their inaugural solar endeavor in Baltimore back in 2021, and the benefits were evident even before the builders had packed up. By December 2020, the store’s energy purchases had plunged by 84%, translating to a 57% reduction in energy costs at that site alone.
This initiative is just one among eight solar projects IKEA has on the drawing board across various locations, with five incorporating energy storage solutions to stash away any excess solar energy for future use.
2. Research Opportunities
The gear powering our solar panels must be tough enough to handle anything—be it rain or a blast of radiation. And if you are wondering about the best angle for your panels, well, it really depends on how much snow you are expecting. But generally, angling them between 30 and 45 degrees does the trick.
Now, considering solar energy relies heavily on weather, it is a no-brainer to examine your site before installing the panels. You should check how many sunny days you get compared to rainy ones and how much sunlight hits your intended spot, like a parking lot, for instance.
Those in charge of decking out parking lots with solar power are pretty clever. They gather all sorts of info that not only benefits their current project but can also be a goldmine for others getting into similar ventures.
Take the example from Clemson University in 2021—17 solar canopies, installed between 138 and 204 modules each, tailored to fit the odd shapes of parking spaces.
3. Shadier Spaces While Prioritizing Sustainability
Updating parking lots with solar panels is not just stylish; it’s like giving your car a cool pair of sunglasses. Have you ever noticed how cars exhibit those windshield screens? That is because the severe sun can fry your car’s electronics faster than a summer barbecue, not to mention turning leather seats into mini saunas.
When the energy data experts at TGS decided to throw some shade—literally—over their employee parking lot, they were not just thinking about giving their cars a break from the southern sun.
For years, employees had been dreaming of shaded parking, and this project finally made it happen, along with some pretty sweet benefits.
Those solar panels now have about 60% of the power needed at their Houston office. That’s a lot of energy! Also, they cut the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30%.
The TGS setup will knock out 1.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide each year. That’s like turning the parking lot into a forest of nearly 11,000 trees. How’s that for green parking?
4. Improved Aesthetics
Blending in is boring. Why not upgrade your parking space with solar car parking structures? If your rivals have not caught on yet, you will definitely steal the spotlight by setting up this technology.
Not only do these structures serve a practical purpose, but they also improve the look of your parking area. Imagine turning a dull space into a visually appealing landscape with solar canopies.
These structures not only provide shade but connect different areas of a parking lot or link buildings within a campus, making them not just smart but pretty smart!
5. Demand for Solar-Powered EV Charging
We definitely need more EV charging stations in our neighborhoods to keep up with the surge of EV drivers. It is a common sight: people who drive electric vehicles often choose to dine, shop, or work at places where they can plug in their rides.
While any charger gets the job done, solar-powered stations are the real MVPs of eco-friendliness.
Think about it—solar parking canopies combined with EV chargers not only fuel cars but also cut down on carbon emissions, air pollution, and the waste traditional grid power leaves behind.
Can Every Parking Lot be Shaded with Solar Canopies
Converting parking lots into mini power stations is not always achievable. Sometimes, they are just too shady—thanks to towering buildings nearby.
In northern countries, where the sun plays a low-lying game across the horizon, longer shadows during winter can be a real problem. In some spots, Installing solar panels might mean reflecting sunlight into neighboring buildings or, even trickier, onto roads.
Dylan Ryan, a lecturer in mechanical and energy engineering at Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland, raises a good point: “What if we end up blinding the people working across the street?
Parking Lot Solar Canopy Application
Installing a solar parking cover means harnessing solar energy to fuel everything from your computers and lights to cash registers and HVAC systems. Depending on your typical energy usage, a sizable chunk—if not most—of your electrical needs could be covered by this green power source.
Likewise, your team and customers will appreciate their vehicles being protected from the sun by the solar canopy. This is not just about comfort—parked under a solar cover, cars stay much cooler.
Typically, a car parked in direct sunlight can see interior temperatures skyrocket to between 100 to 130 degrees on an 80-degree day, warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
1. Factories
In industrial settings like manufacturing plants, the huge monthly energy expenses from running machines like air compressors and conveyor belts trickle down the supply chain, increasing the costs. But imagine cutting these expenses the way sports arenas have with solar canopies—like the impressive setup at FedEx Field.
Imagine a factory’s parking lot with a solar canopy, getting sunlight directly above. This sustainable energy source converts into electricity, powering everything from machinery to office lights and computers. It’s not just about being green—it’s smart economics, too.
2. Warehouses
Solar canopies over parking lots are the best choice for warehouse operations. Think about it: warehouses are power-hungry giants, consuming an average of 24.9 kWh of electricity and eating 9,200 Btu of natural gas per square foot each year, says E-Source, who knows a thing or two since they advise most of the top 300 utility giants in North America.
Now, imagine cutting a big slice of that energy bill with solar action. Yes, those solar parking covers are not just parking shades; they are mini power plants that could save a bundle in cash and reduce the carbon footprint.
3. Office Buildings
Installing commercial solar carports at your office is not just parking—it is parking with bonuses! Imagine turning daily commutes into a power move. Not only do these setups upgrade the parking lot, but they also dial down our energy bills and keep our gadgets and air conditioning running smoother and cheaper.
At the University of Colorado’s Mountain Research Center, the solar setup saves them about $21,750 every year. That’s a lot of extra coffee runs!
How to Install Your Own Solar Parking Lot
Investing in solar parking canopies is not just building shade; it is paving the way for impressive savings. Which solar canopy tops the charts for your lot? Start by getting multiple quotes from top-notch solar installers right in your backyard. Contact Static Steel in Arizona—where you can fetch estimates.
Preparing for Solar Canopy Installation
Just mention you are eyeing a solar setup for your parking space and planning to raise a canopy from scratch. Move the pin to your chosen spot—be it a parking lot or another sunny locale where you dream of your solar canopy standing tall.
FAQs
Do solar parking lot lights work?
Yes! Solar lights are a fantastic choice for illuminating parking lots, providing reliable lighting without tapping into the grid.
Why is lighting important in a parking lot?
Lighting in a parking lot boosts safety by helping drivers and pedestrians navigate more easily and feel more secure after dark.
Are solar carports waterproof?
Yes, solar carports are designed to be waterproof. The latest carport solar mounting systems provide a robust, fully waterproof solution, ensuring your parking area stays dry and shaded.
Does rain damage solar panels?
No worries there! ain does not harm solar panels; in fact, it helps by washing away dust and debris, potentially boosting their efficiency.
Conclusion
There are a bunch of benefits to installing solar panels over your parking spots — and that is just scratching the surface. Planning this is not a walk in the park; it needs more planning than your standard solar setups. These solar displays are good for businesses, shoppers, and Mother Earth.
As they show up more often, more people might start thinking, ‘Hey, maybe I should try this solar thing, too.’
Now, do not get me wrong—solar carport canopies are not the end-all for every situation. They really shine in bigger parking lots where there is lots of space to cover.
