Solar Basics: Solar Parking Canopy

A solar parking canopy, sometimes called a solar carport, not only can protect your employees’ and customers’ vehicles from the elements but also generate emissions-free energy that increases your sustainability and saves you money on your energy bills. Read on to learn all about how solar parking canopies benefit your business.

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What Is a Solar Parking Canopy?

In addition to acting as a roof over a car, a solar parking canopy also produces energy thanks to photovoltaic solar panels that are integrated directly into its structure. Canopies come in various dimensions and configurations. Different types include single-column (one support column every other parking spot), two-column (two support columns every other parking spot), and Louvered (a shuttered panel style). Resembling garages with open sides, commercial canopy projects can accommodate many rows of vehicles within a solar parking lot.

Advantages of a Solar Parking Canopy

Energy Savings

Solar parking canopies are dual purpose; they safeguard cars from bad weather and also provide power and renewable energy savings for your business. The electricity generated during the day can be used to run your facility’s machinery, technology, and environmental systems. In states with net metering programs, any excess energy produced but not used on site can also be sent to the grid for credit on the customer’s electricity bill . Similar to ground-mounted or rooftop solar, the panels on a solar canopy can be positioned to achieve an ideal angle with the sun to ensure maximum energy production.

Space Efficiency

Where a solar carport differs from ground-mounted solar panels and rooftop solar arrays, however, is that it works with the parking space you already have as opposed to needing more property (or roof space) to be installed. This is especially advantageous to businesses in urban areas where real estate is at a premium, but large-scale parking areas are already present, as it eliminates the time and cost spent on trying to accommodate equipment. While solar parking canopies are capable of functioning on their own, they can also make a substantial addition to an existing solar energy system or can even be combined with electric vehicle chargers too.

Employee Benefits

A solar parking canopy also offers a unique employee perk of keeping the temperature down in their vehicles through covered parking, leading them to use less air conditioning during the summer months. This helps maintain fuel efficiency and saves them money on gas. Solar carport systems can also protect cars from damage caused by sunlight and other types of weather that can cause wear and tear.

(Related: EV Charging Solutions for Parking Facilities.)

Environment and PR Benefits

By installing a solar parking canopy, your business actively promotes clean energy, reducing your carbon footprint and helping you meet emission reduction goals. What’s more, a solar parking canopy is a highly visible way for a company to show its commitment to sustainability, which can improve its reputation in the eyes of employees and customers.

Partner With Powerflex on Your Solar Parking Canopy Project

PowerFlex specializes in turnkey cleantech solutions, and can manage all aspects of your solar parking project from system design and development to installation and asset management. Contact us today for a free solar assessment, and to learn how carports can chop down your organization’s energy costs.