If we look at a typical urban landscape, it is almost certain that we will find wide open spaces that could be used for the installation of solar. In addition to providing clean energy, this would help mitigate the high energy consumption of cities. There are various proposals to integrate renewable energies in the urban environment, and an interesting example is the 'wind tree', which combines wind energy and an aesthetic design that blends into the urban landscape.
Another area where solar panels can be perfectly used is parking lots. A relevant fact is that a large part of cities are covered by pavement: in the United States, a study showed that 35 to 50% of urban space is made up of streets, and in addition, 40% of this area is used for parking. This represents a huge opportunity for the energy use.
The contribution of solar canopies in parking lots
Asphalt and concrete not only serve as pavement, they also have the ability to absorb heat from the sun, contributing to an increase in temperature in places where these materials are widely used. Solar panels can help, because while these materials retain heat, solar brands capture solar energy to convert it into electricity, making heat productive rather than counterproductive.
A common problem in these car parks is the heat accumulated by parked cars, which could be mitigated by covering these areas with solar panels installed on canopies. This technology is known as 'solar canopies' or 'solar carports' in English, and represent an ideal solution to take advantage of spaces that would otherwise be unused, in addition to generating clean energy.
Benefits of solar canopies
Solar carports can do much more than just protect the vehicles parked under them. Here are some of the many benefits:
- Renewable energy generation: Solar canopies use solar radiation to convert it into electricity, which reduces dependence on conventional energy sources and reduces CO2 emissions. This type of energy can be used not only to supply lighting in the car park, but also to recharge Power Plants.
- Economic savings in the medium and long term: Although the initial installation can be expensive, the prices of photovoltaic technology have dropped considerably in recent years. This, combined with subsidies and tax incentives, can make the investment pay for itself in 3 to 5 years.
- Use of space: Rather than keeping the parking lot as an idle space, solar canopies allow for dual functionality by using the area for renewable energy production.
- Protection against inclement weather: Solar canopies not only generate energy, but also provide shade for vehicles and protect them from weather phenomena such as rain or hail, improving the comfort and protection of car park users.
How solar canopies work
The operating principle of solar canopies is simple but effective. These structures are designed to withstand photovoltaic panels that capture solar radiation. This energy is then transformed into direct current, which in turn passes through an inverter to become alternating current, which can be used for multiple applications, including electrical self-sufficiency parking or charging of electric vehicles.
In addition, many facilities have storage batteries, which allows the collected energy to be used even at times when sunlight is not available, such as at night or on cloudy days. This storage capacity further expands the advantages of these installations by ensuring a constant supply of energy over time.
Available grants and subsidies
El initial cost The cost of installing solar canopies can be high, but there are various grants and subsidies that make this type of project viable for companies and public bodies. In Spain, programs such as the PREE5000 plan They offer subsidies for self-consumption installations, including solar canopies.
There are also bonuses on the IBI (Property Tax) and ICIO (Tax on Construction, Installations and Works) that cover between 50% and 95% of the costs depending on the location and characteristics of the project. These bonuses, together with tax incentives, make solar canopies an increasingly accessible option.
Types of solar canopies
There are different types of solar canopies that adapt to the needs and characteristics of the car parks where they are installed. Most photovoltaic canopies are modular, which allows their generation capacity to be increased according to demand. Below, we explain the main types:
- Simple canopies: These are where the panels are placed in a single row, covering a single line of cars. They are perfect for small parking lots or areas where space is limited.
- Double canopies: These cover two rows of vehicles and can house solar panels on both sides of the roof. Because they are larger, they can generate a greater amount of energy, making them suitable for large car parks.
- Solar canopies for motorcycles: This type of smaller shelter is specially designed for bicycles and electric motorcycles, allowing charging points in smaller car parks.
Success stories in the installation of solar canopies
All over the world, companies and public bodies are opting to install this type of structure, benefiting from savings in energy costs and improving their institutional image.
A clear example is the Villamar camping in Spain, where solar canopies protect tourists' vehicles while generating energy for the park's facilities. Another example is the company Hispamovil-BMW, which has integrated solar canopies in its dealerships, offering charging points for electric cars and reducing their energy consumption.
Solar canopies are an ideal solution to optimize space in parking lots, generate clean energy and protect vehicles at the same time. With the drop in component prices and available aid, more and more companies and public sectors are opting for this type of installation. Whether for long-term economic savings, the sustainability or the improvement in corporate image, solar canopies are becoming established as a fundamental part of the future of energy.