What Is A Solar Car Park?
Solar power is growing in popularity and it’s easy to see why. With climate change and reduction emission targets, more businesses are investing in eco-friendly efforts like solar car parks.
Key takeaways:
- Solar car parks are spaces with rooftops covered in solar panels. They provide cover for cars while making use of unused roof space to create energy.
- Solar car parks are energy-efficient and cost-effective, and offer cars and users shade while navigating them.
- Although countries in Europe have some of the largest solar car parks, Australia is still leading the way in numbers.
Solar car parks make use of empty roof space and provide much-needed shade and protection for cars. They also provide energy for businesses from the solar panels integrated into their structure.
The Growing Trend of Solar Car Parks
With the amount of sunshine in Australia (WA especially), it’s no wonder solar car parks are becoming more popular. With many becoming more conscious of their environmental impact, electric vehicle sales are rising too. EV purchases (including hybrid models) in Australia doubled from 2022 to 2023, with over 180,000 now on Aussie roads.
But it isn’t just solar shade solutions in WA seeing a boom. France has recently brought in new regulations stating parking lots with a size of 1,500 square metres or more must be at least half covered with solar panels.
The Sunny Side of Solar Car Parks
There are many benefits to installing a solar car park in WA including:
- Energy savings and lower energy costs – offset your electricity costs through on-site solar generation.
- Renewable energy production: solar panels generate clean energy.
- Shade and vehicle protection: dual functionality of vehicle protection and contribution to energy production.
- Incentives: solar car park designs often allow the installation of EV chargers which visitors can use at no extra cost to the business.
- Space efficiency: solar panels on the roof use space that wouldn’t have been used otherwise.
- Employee or customer benefits: solar car parks can be fabricated with EV charging stations.
- Enhance property value: solar panelling increases the value and appeal of a property.
- Versatile applications: solar car parks can be installed for home garages, shopping centres, community spaces, and government buildings.
- Reduced environmental impact: solar reduces reliance on other forms of energy production.
Australia already has a growing rate of rooftop solar installations including carparks. Shopping centres like Elizabeth City Centre in SA, or Warnbro Shopping Centre in WA demonstrate how Australia is adopting car park shade solutions. Broome International Airport also plans to install 400kW of solar on car park structures.
Design and Structure of Solar Car Parks
A lack of imagination is the only drawback to installing a solar car park as there are limitless opportunities and design structures.
Most solar car parks are custom designed for the space, meaning they can include many different features like:
- EV chargers for visitors to use at no extra cost
- Additional shade solutions
- Custom sizing to fit your space
Cost Considerations
The cost of a solar car park installation depends on the size of the space, location, and specific requirements or custom add-ons.
Although the initial upfront cost can often be high, the investment often balances out through energy savings and government incentives like the EV Charging Rebate. Solar can reduce your business’s overall costs by offsetting operational costs like powering lighting, machines, or other systems.
FAQs
What is a solar car park?
A solar car park is a parking structure with solar panels installed on the roof to generate solar power while providing shade and shelter.
How do I know if my space is suitable for a solar car park?
As solar car park shade solutions are normally custom-designed, most spaces are suitable for one. It’s always best to seek a professional’s opinion.
Are there any negatives to a solar car park?
The only potential downside to having a solar car park fabricated is your initial investment will be higher than a traditional car park. That said, there are government incentives, opportunities to offset unused power, and savings from using solar.
Ready To Get Started?
Solar car parks provide excellent shade solutions and energy savings, as well as improving your carbon footprint. For businesses, they’re a brilliant investment, not only because of the benefits to you but also to your customers. No one likes getting into a hot car!
If you’d like to harness the power of the sun for your solar car park project in Western Australia, reach out to the team at Regional Group. With decades of experience, our expert crew will answer your questions and help create a custom solar shade structure that meets your requirements.
