The Benefits of Installing Solar Panels in Parking lots
As businesses around the world strive to embrace sustainable practices, harnessing renewable energy sources has become a top priority. One promising solution gaining popularity is the installation of solar panels at parking spots. By utilizing underutilized space to generate clean, renewable energy, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and enjoy a multitude of benefits. In this article, we explore the advantages of adopting solar panels at parking spots for businesses.
One of the most significant benefits of installing solar panels at parking spots is the potential for substantial cost savings. By generating their own electricity, businesses can significantly reduce their reliance on the traditional power grid and lower their energy bills. Moreover, solar panels require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan, resulting in reduced operational costs over time. The excess energy produced during peak periods can even be sold back to the grid, creating an additional revenue stream for businesses.
Solar panels offer a remarkable solution for combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By harnessing the power of the sun, businesses can significantly reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint. By making sustainable choices, companies can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility, attracting eco-conscious customers, and enhancing their brand image. Parking lots are often vast expanses of underutilized space.
Check here on How to Ensure Your Solar Panels Last Longer: A Comprehensive Guide.
By installing solar panels over parking spots, businesses can make the most of this area and maximize their energy generation potential. The elevated structures above parking spots provide an optimal angle for solar panel orientation, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day. This innovative use of space helps businesses go beyond traditional rooftop installations, making solar energy more accessible and efficient.
Installing solar panels at parking spots not only benefits the environment but also enhances the overall experience for employees and customers. The covered parking areas provide shade, protecting vehicles from the sun’s harsh rays and reducing the need for air conditioning. This, in turn, creates a more comfortable and pleasant environment for everyone. Moreover, businesses can offer designated electric vehicle (EV) charging stations powered by solar energy, encouraging the adoption of clean transportation and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
For example, a solar carport covering an average Walmart parking lot would have a capacity of about 3.1 megawatts, said Joshua Pearce, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Western University in London, Ontario for Cnet. Pierce modeled the feasibility of solar carports at large retailers and chose Walmart. The chain is also publicly committed to sustainability, and he is one of the leaders in installing solar installations. Walmart said it has 600 renewable energy installations on site, but did not share information about a solar roof planned or installed in the parking lot. There are reportedly at least seven installed throughout California. Pierce’s research found that an average Walmart parking lot could hold about 100 electric car chargers if it had solar panels.
Another example comes from InterSolar Exhibition held in Germany. At the 38th Photovoltaic Symposium 2023 in Bad Staffelstein, Germany, Fritz Haider from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE presented the business of parking lot photovoltaics in Germany. He showed the potential for development. Based on OpenStreetMap data, he calculated that the parking spaces cover a total area of ​​47,060 hectares, with about 360,555 parking spaces. Based on these figures, with a technical area potential of 284 km², PV systems would be with an annual specific yield of 930 kWh (kilowatt hours). If this simulated potential is maximized, nearly a quarter of the federal government’s target of 215 GW of installed PV capacity by 2030 could come from parking lot PV.
In today’s fast-paced world, disruptions to the power supply can severely impact businesses. By utilizing solar panels at parking spots, companies can enhance their energy resilience. In the event of a power outage or grid failure, solar panels can continue to generate electricity, ensuring critical operations can continue. This energy independence provides businesses with peace of mind and safeguards against potential financial losses during unforeseen circumstances.
Conclusion
The installation of solar panels at parking spots offers a plethora of benefits for businesses seeking to embrace sustainable practices. From cost savings and environmental impact to efficient space utilization and enhanced experiences for employees and customers, the advantages are far-reaching. By harnessing solar energy, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to a greener future, while reaping the economic and environmental rewards. Embracing solar power at parking spots is a win-win proposition that paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous business landscape.
***********************************************************************
This article was written by Shqipe Asani who is a SolarEyes Contributor. More information about SolarEyes Contributors can be found on this link: https://solareyesinternational.com/solareyes-international-contributors/
**********************************************************************
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on LINKEDIN, FACEBOOK, TELEGRAM GROUP and WHATSAPP.
*** ALSO CHECK: HOW TO SIZE A SOLAR SYSTEM – 5 clear steps anyone can follow
HOW TO START A SOLAR COMPANY – do these 6 things and make money through solar
How to Identify Fake Solar Products
SOLAR PANEL LOSSES: All you Need to Know + Tips on how to avoid them
