Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Parking Structures and Their Benefits

Introduction to Solar Parking Structures

In collaboration with Chevron Energy Solutions, a Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Parking Structure was recently completed. This construction provides ample covered parking, featuring a solar PV roof across 5.5 acres in Parking Lot V, covering 722 parking spaces. It’s projected to supply 20% of the core campus energy needs.

For more detailed information, visit pv solar parking.

Click here to view the solar parking structure via webcam.

Effective Utilization of Parking Lots Through Solar Carports

By Contributing Author

Single-pole-mounted solar structures exemplify design flexibility, site compatibility, and optimal energy production.

This article was provided by Stracker Solar.

With parking lots occupying about one-third of urban land areas in the U.S., and increasing concerns about the expansion of industrial-scale solar farms encroaching on arable land, developers are keenly exploring how parking lots can contribute to energy generation. These lots are naturally advantageous for large-scale solar installations due to their open space and abundant sun exposure, representing significant business opportunities for EPCs and developers.

Clean Power and Profit with Solar Parking Lots

When considering solar installations, the key factors include the potential energy yield, site limitations, and the proximity of the generated power to its point of use.

Roof-mounted solar solutions provide proximity but often face limitations from roof penetration, ballast requirements, and structural constraints, affecting the energy output.

Ground-mounted solar installations, on the other hand, require open land with adequate sun exposure, which can be scarce and expensive in urban areas, thus pushing these projects to outlying areas. This relocation results in higher transmission costs and energy losses while creating public resistance due to the consumption of valuable land.

In light of these challenges, shifting focus to urban areas with innovative distributed generation technologies presents substantial opportunities.

Solar carports emerge as an ideal solution: They're located near electricity-consuming buildings and communities, minimizing transmission issues. Adding solar systems to parking lots can enhance their aesthetics and value. These sites, already developed, gain public support due to the benefits of additional shading and amenities such as EV charging stations.

Comparing Solar Carports and Elevated Dual-Axis Solar Trackers

Space Utilization and Energy Production: For existing carport facilities, integrating solar panels is cost-effective. For open lots, energy production and space utilization analyses determine the best approach.

Conventional solar carports may occupy several parking spaces, while pole-elevated solar trackers, with minimal ground footprint, do not. Stracker Solar’s trackers, for instance, only require less than 5 square feet each, snugly fitting between parking spaces.

Dual-axis trackers, which follow the sun, generate significantly more energy—50-70% more—compared to fixed carports of the same size, thus offering a higher energy yield.

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Energy Production Comparison

Comparing a 200 kW Stracker dual-axis installation with a 200 kW carport system at a 40-degree latitude, both having the same panels and inverters:

• The Stracker installation, featuring 16 Model S1B trackers, yields 480 MWh annually, compared to 280 MWh from the carport, demonstrating a 70% higher energy production with the Strackers.
• Strackers additionally show a 65% lower greenhouse gas footprint per kWh due to higher PV module efficiency.

Maintenance Considerations

Fixed solar carports require regular cleaning and snow removal to maintain efficiency. Elevated dual-axis solar trackers, however, are positioned high above typical dust and debris, reducing the need for cleaning. They also naturally shed snow and leaves due to their movement.

Both solar carport structures and pole-mounted trackers require minimal maintenance—annual inspections and occasional touch-ups for carports, and annual lubrication for the trackers.

Aesthetic Factors

Aesthetics vary with client preferences. Carports create a sheltered look, whereas elevated solar trackers offer a more open appearance, which might benefit locations like auto dealerships or retail stores that want to maintain visibility.

More About Stracker Solar Trackers

Stracker Solar’s dual-axis trackers, constructed from American steel and able to withstand high winds and heavy snow, come with a 30-year structural warranty and UL 3703 listing. They're a premium, versatile solution for various sites, from urban parking lots to agricultural and industrial fields.

Explore how Stracker Solar can aid EPCs and developers in securing more projects with its advanced solar power solutions on their website or featured episodes of The Pitch.

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