Solar Panels Over Parking Lots

Solar carport solutions can be offered to a customer with a pre existing carport structure as well as customized overhead solar carport canopies to cover the parking space.

Solar panels over parking lots.

Installing a solar canopy over an existing parking lot is simply a more efficient use of space than installing a standard ground mounted system when you build a solar canopy you add more uses to the same square footage and don t have to set aside additional space. It s no wonder that at least along the east and west coast businesses have been installing solar panel carports and canopies with enthusiasm. Solar carports are overhead canopies built to cover parking areas and are distinct from panels installed onto a preexisting carport structure. Solar canopies over parking lots have emerged as an innovative solution for many business enterprises hospitals retail stores etc.

Situating the solar arrays atop parking areas as an upper deck canopy allows green spaces to remain intact and provides tenants with the added benefit of covered parking during inclement weather. Parking lot shade canopies in asphalt rich urban areas are a natural location for situating solar power panels. Covered parking also reduces snow removal efforts and the use of salt and chemicals further protecting the surrounding ecosystem and keeps tenant vehicles protected from the elements. According to the lawrence berkeley national laboratory pavement makes up 35 to 50 percent of total surface area in cities and 40 percent of that pavement is parking lots.

They take up a lot of space they tend to be open to the sky and they are literally everywhere. Solar carports have many things in common with ground mount solar panels which are angled panel modules installed on the ground rather than on a rooftop. However when it comes to generating large amounts of power via commercial solar panels one of the biggest resources in the u s. The building received a solar incentive program refund check for installing one of.

The panels can easily be oriented to the sun optimizing power production when it s needed most. The panels will provide shade to cars parked underneath thus reducing the need for aircon in those cars when they drive off. Yes from a sustainability point of view it s better to place solar panels over parking lots because you save trees that can continue to absorb co2 and provide a home for insects and possibly other animals. It s just what it sounds like covering up a parking lot with solar panels which are elevated above the ground so that cars park in the shade beneath a canopy of photovoltaics.

Solar panels are seen in the parking lot of 1929 building walter j towers near downtown los angeles california.