Most likely, you’ve seen solar panels on roofs and walls. Could you install solar panels in your parking lot?
The popularity of parking lots with solar panels covering them has grown in recent years due to their efficient use of space and the many benefits of solar power. Look at the benefits of parking lot solar panels for your business.
First, what is a SOLAR PARKING LOT?
These solar panel parking lots sound exactly like they are: solar panel-covered parking lots. Solar panels can be installed on existing structures or built to cover them with solar panels.
Parking lot covers with solar panels can be a multi-purpose installation.
You’re creating solar energy, which can power everything, from lighting to equipment and appliances. The structures that hold the solar panels provide shade and protection from the elements.
It is a win-win situation for business owners who want to reduce energy costs and increase comfort for their employees or customers. Let’s explore the advantages of solar panels installed over parking lots.
BENEFITS OF SOLAR PANEL PARKING LOTS
REDUCED ELECTRICITY USAGE
Solar panel parking lots offer the primary benefit of reduced energy consumption, as with any other solar installation.
Your building can rely solely on solar power during peak hours in a sunny area. You can store excess energy you generate in a battery that you can use later, such as after sunset.
COST SAVINGS
Unsurprisingly, energy consumption has been reduced, but there are potential savings.
If your business generates excess energy, you can sell it directly to the local electric grid rather than storing it. This is net metering.
You can also use federal and local incentives and rebates to offset installation costs.
ECO-FRIENDLINESS
It is evident that reducing electricity consumption reduces costs and makes it more sustainable. Sustainable business practices are not only good for the environment, but they can also help your company take essential steps.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a certification that can provide tax benefits
- Respect any mandates or policies of the local government regarding renewable energy.
- Make use of local or federal incentives
- You can improve your public image by covering your parking lot with solar panels. Consumers are increasingly shifting towards sustainable purchasing habits.
SHADED PARKING and PROTECTION FROM ELEMENTS
Covered parking is an excellent option for anyone who has had to park outdoors in the heat or in stormy weather.
Solar panels installed above parking lots create a more pleasant environment for all who use your space, employees, or customers. Visitors over other businesses may choose your company.
Visitors may see more benefits from solar panel parking lots shade. Air conditioning can increase fuel usage by up to 20%, causing drivers to fill up more often during the hot season.
Parking in the shade is one of the best ways you can reduce AC usage and fuel consumption. This is exactly what solar panels on parking lots do.
SPACE PRODUCTIVE USE
Businesses often look for undeveloped land when searching for a place to install many solar panels. Undeveloped land can cause damage to the environment.
However, parking lot solar panels pose no risk to local ecosystems as they make use of land that is already developed.
You can also park in lots with plenty of space. All you need to do is install covered parking structures.
SOLAR PARKING LOT APPLICATIONS
Solar panel parking lots are versatile and can be used for many different purposes.
- Office buildings. Offering covered, secure parking makes your business more appealing to clients and employees. The solar energy generated by parking lots can be used to power your building’s lighting, HVAC, and other equipment. This reduces the cost.
- Warehouses. Warehouses require more electricity than you might think. For example, they need to run equipment to process inventory and HVAC systems for products that have temperature requirements. These requirements add up to 6 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year for non-refrigerated warehouses, and 24.9 kWh each for refrigerated uses. This makes solar panels covering parking lots a great way to reduce energy bills.
- Manufacturing. Manufacturers can also use solar-generated energy to power their facilities. They can also use parking structures to protect equipment and fleets from the elements and heat. Shaded solar panel parking lots can create a more pleasant working environment for truck drivers loading and unloading.
- Transportation. Solar panels installed in parking lots can protect vehicles at transport facilities such as airports, bus stations and rental cars. Both the elements as well as security are covered by covered parking. This gives travelers peace of mind when they leave their cars at the airport, for example, for long periods. This is especially true if solar-powered parking lot lights are installed and security cameras are also installed.
- Car Dealerships Covered parking can be a benefit for car dealerships to protect their fleets from the harsh elements. A dealership’s biggest investment is its vehicles. Dealers that offer EVs or hybrid vehicles can also use solar panels to recharge them. This will show their commitment to sustainability.
- EV Charging Stations. Solar-panel-covered parking lots make the ideal solution for EV charging stations. The weather protection and the sustainable charging option make it easy for drivers to charge their vehicles while they are away from home.
SOLAR PANEL PARKING LOT COST
Here are some factors that influence the cost of solar panel parking lots:
- The solar panels cost $42,000 for an 8-kilowatt system (kW).
- Solar carports can add between 50% and 60% to the residential rooftop solar cost.
- Prices for commercial carports vary depending on their size. They can cost anywhere from $200,000 to $2.5 million.
- Materials (if preexisting) for the parking structures
- Both the installation and labor
The final cost of installing solar panels on parking lots is therefore variable. It would be best if you considered how many solar panels you need and whether or not you will need to build new parking structures. These factors will impact your final cost.