Are Solar Panel Parking Lots Worth It?
Updated
December 1, 2024
5
min read
About Author
Alex has spent his entire career, in solar energy. In his current role at SunGreen, Alex oversees the design and optimization of systems to ensure they fit customer needs and maximize return on investment. Alex loves the technical aspects of solar energy production and is also well-versed in Federal, state, and utility-level policies regarding renewable energy. Alex is also a regular panel member in various industry webinars.
Find out how Sungreen can help your company avoid high demand charges.
Turn Your Parking Lots into Energy Powerhouses
Imagine transforming your parking lot from a dull, energy-barren stretch of asphalt into a vibrant, electricity-generating hub. With solar panel parking lot canopies, you can harness the power of the sun in spaces that were once idle, creating clean energy while offering shade and comfort. It’s a game-changing opportunity to make every square foot of your property work more profitably, smarter and greener.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS ARTICLE:
Dual Benefits: Energy Production and Shade
Solar panel parking lots provide shade, enhancing the comfort of parked vehicles while generating renewable energy. This dual functionality makes them a valuable addition to properties, especially in sunny regions like California.
Support for EV Infrastructure
Solar parking lots are ideal for integrating EV chargers, aligning with California’s mandates for EV-ready parking spaces and supporting the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.
Enhanced Property Value and Branding
Solar parking lots improve property value and offer unique branding opportunities. Custom-designed solar canopies can create a visually appealing and eco-friendly image, boosting a business’s marketability and reputation.
Design and Construction Challenges
While solar carports offer significant benefits, installation can be complex due to permitting, seismic regulations, ADA compliance, and underground obstacles. Partnering with an experienced provider like SunGreen Systems helps navigate these challenges effectively.
Top Benefits of Solar Panel Parking Lot Canopies
In the push for renewable energy, solar panel parking lots are becoming a critical part of California’s clean energy landscape. With solar parking lot canopies, businesses can transform unused parking spaces into productive, energy-generating assets.
Here are the key benefits of installing solar parking lots:
1. Decreased Energy Costs
Many commercial buildings lack adequate roof space to meet their energy needs through rooftop solar panels alone. Solar-powered parking lots offer additional space to generate electricity, allowing businesses to offset a greater portion of their energy usage.
2. Shade and Comfort
In sunny California, the shade provided by solar canopies is a valuable amenity. Shaded parking improves the customer and employee experience by reducing heat buildup in vehicles, especially during summer. For industries like car dealerships, where cars sit exposed, this benefit is even more significant.
3. Support for EV Infrastructure
With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), solar parking lots can integrate EV chargers, providing a sustainable energy source for charging stations. California’s mandates for EV-ready parking spaces align perfectly with the addition of solar canopies.
4. Environmental Impact
By investing in clean energy solutions like solar parking canopies, businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and lowering their carbon footprint.
5. Property Value and Branding
A solar-powered parking lot can enhance the aesthetic appeal and marketability of a property. Businesses can even use solar canopies as branding opportunities, adding unique designs or colors to create a standout feature.
How to Calculate Costs and Annual Savings of Solar-Powered Parking Lots
The financial viability of a solar-powered parking lot depends on factors such as system size, energy consumption, and local incentives. Here’s how businesses can estimate costs and savings:
Installation Costs
The upfront cost of a solar parking canopy includes materials, labor, and site preparation. On average, solar parking lots cost 30–50% more than rooftop installations due to structural requirements, such as foundation work and seismic considerations.
For instance, a project in Pasadena required extensive geotechnical studies to assess underground conditions, which revealed unexpected obstacles like buried steel structures. Addressing these challenges can add to costs but ensures long-term stability.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Most solar parking lots achieve a payback period of 6–7 years. Economies of scale, such as using centralized inverters for larger systems, can reduce this timeline. Additionally, systems with EV chargers may offer even greater returns as EV adoption grows.
Long-Term Savings
Over its 25- to 30-year lifespan, a solar panel parking lot can generate significant energy savings. These savings are amplified by California’s high energy rates and the state’s push for electrification in industries like logistics and transportation.
Ongoing Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial to maximizing the efficiency of a solar-powered parking lot. Steel structures, for example, require regular rust mitigation, while panels should be cleaned and inspected periodically.
Challenges and Solutions in Solar Parking Lot Installations
While the benefits of solar parking lots are clear, the installation process comes with unique challenges:
- Permitting and Design
Local regulations, such as seismic and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, can complicate the design process. For example, ADA mandates may require carports to accommodate accessible parking spaces with proper paths of travel, adding to construction complexity.
- Underground Obstacles
During construction, unexpected underground features, such as old utilities or unstable soil, can delay projects. A thorough geotechnical study is essential to identify potential issues early.
- Cost Considerations
The additional costs of solar parking canopies, including structural reinforcements and site preparation, can deter some businesses. However, these costs are often offset by energy savings and incentives.
Pro tip:
SunGreen Systems excels in navigating these complexities, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and cost-effectively.
Why SunGreen Systems is the Right Partner for Your Solar Parking Lot
At SunGreen Systems, we bring a wealth of experience to solar parking lot installations. From planning to execution, our team handles every detail, allowing businesses to focus on their operations while we deliver a seamless, high-quality project.
Our Services Include:
Site Analysis and Design:
We evaluate your property to determine the best locations for solar canopies and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Permitting and Construction:
Our team manages the entire permitting process and works with skilled contractors to build durable, efficient systems.
Integration with EV Chargers:
We help businesses future-proof their parking lots by adding EV-ready infrastructure.
Ongoing Support:
Beyond installation, we offer maintenance services to keep your system performing at its peak.
Real-World Success Stories
One of our standout projects involved designing a solar-powered parking lot for a logistics company in Fontana. The client required custom solutions to accommodate wide-load trucks while maximizing energy production. By raising the clearance height and adjusting the structure’s footprint, we met all their needs without compromising on energy output.
Solar is always a great addition to your energy mix.
As California continues its transition to clean energy, solar parking lots are proving to be an invaluable resource for businesses. From providing shade and EV charging to generating renewable energy, these systems offer many benefits that make them a smart investment. With incentives and expert guidance from SunGreen Systems, there’s never been a better time to go solar.
Request a Quote from SunGreen Systems
Interested in transforming your parking lot into an energy-generating asset? Contact SunGreen Systems today for a customized quote and learn how we can help you harness the power of solar parking lot canopies.
