In the UK, a revolutionary concept is taking shape in the form of solar car parks. These innovative carports, adorned with sleek solar panels, not only provide shade for vehicles but also generate electricity and enhance the visual appeal of parking facilities.
The potential of solar car parks is gaining recognition, with the French Senate recently passing legislation that mandates solar panel coverage for car parks. While the UK doesn’t have a similar requirement, businesses are increasingly adopting solar car parks to reduce long-term energy costs and rely more on renewable energy sources.
The countryside charity CPRE and the UCL Energy Institute have published a report highlighting the significant opportunity to convert British car parks into solar farms.
Professor Mark Barrett of UCL suggests that car parks alone could contribute 11 gigawatts (GW) to the UK’s solar capacity, based on conservative assumptions. This estimate indicates the potential may be even higher.
Various sectors, including hotels, hospitals, and leisure centers, are now exploring the installation of solar canopies in their parking lots. This surge in interest has led to a sharp increase in demand for solar infrastructure from companies specializing in steel structure design and construction, such as SIG, Veolia, and Solarsense.
Solar car parks offer additional benefits beyond electricity generation. They can power electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, particularly in locations where vehicles are parked for extended periods. This symbiotic relationship between solar power and EV charging contributes to the overall sustainability of transportation.
However, the cost of steel supports for solar canopies remains a consideration. Installing solar panels on the roofs of large buildings, like supermarkets, is often more cost-effective. Rooftop installations currently provide electricity at a lower cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to car park panels. Despite this drawback, the advantages of solar canopies, such as aesthetics and weather protection, outweigh the cost factor.
One significant challenge for solar car parks and other renewable energy projects is the need for more grid connections. Efficiently integrating surplus energy generated by solar panels into the grid requires improved infrastructure. Regulatory bodies like Ofgem and National Grid are actively working on solutions to expedite grid connections and enhance the overall process.
Solar car parks represent more than just parking spaces. With the growing interest in solar car parks, coupled with advancements in technology and support from regulatory bodies, these spaces could become commonplace.
By embracing renewable energy and contributing to a net-zero future, businesses can actively participate in creating a more sustainable world.
