Solar Powered Parking Solutions - Clean Energy For Clean Future

Solar power is an essential component of a sustainable future. As the global population grows, so does the demand for energy. Finding clean, sustainable solutions that do not deplete our natural resources is critical if we are to preserve the earth for future generations. Solar energy is quickly becoming one of the most promising emerging sustainable energy solutions. In this blog, we'll talk about the advantages of solar-powered parking solutions, go over some of their key benefits, and look at why solar power is such an important component of a sustainable future. Hopefully, by the end, you'll be convinced that solar energy is something worth considering when planning your next parking lot upgrade!

How Solar Energy Works

The basic principle behind solar energy is that sunlight contains a large amount of energy. If we can capture this energy, we can use it to power our homes, office buildings, and parking lots.

By definition, solar energy is a renewable and inexhaustible energy source. Photovoltaics is the process of turning sunlight into energy, and it is quite simple: just let the sun shine on your solar panels!

Solar panels contain special layers that absorb sunlight before converting it into electricity. The energy produced by these cells is then stored in batteries or other forms of storage before being utilized to power electrical equipment. The quantity of energy generated will be determined by the amount of sunshine received by each panel over a 24-hour period.

Solar power systems are classified into three types:

• Off-grid solar systems are intended to provide electricity to isolated regions when grid access is unavailable. A battery bank is required to store the energy generated by your panels. They are often used in conjunction with a generator to provide backup power during extended periods of darkness.
• Grid-tie solar systems feed the energy they produce into the grid, where it is stored for later use. The system owner gets credit for any energy generated and may utilize it whenever he wants.
• Backup solar power systems connect to the grid, and operate on a daily basis like any other grid-tied system. They do, however, have a backup battery bank that takes over in the event of a power loss.

Types Of Solar Powered Parking Solutions

When it comes to parking solutions, solar power is gaining traction. There are several different types of solar-powered parking solutions, so let's take a look at some of the most popular ones.

Remote Control Solar-Powered Parking Barriers

The solar-powered remote-control parking bay barrier is a great way to control individual or multiple parking bays. They are an excellent choice for areas without or with limited access to the electrical grid because they allow the barrier to function without the need for any additional power source. 

Even if your lot has constant grid access, solar energy gives assurance that the barrier will continue to work during power outages when other electronic devices are inoperable. The barriers are made from a highly resistant material to endure different external conditions. They're efficient, reliable, and easy to install since there are no holes to dig for foundations or electric wires. The unit is simply bolted to the road surface.

The best part about these barriers is their ability to be controlled remotely through a smartphone app! You can control them from range up to 50 m  by installing the Connect App on your phone, tablet, or computer, which allows you to raise or lower the parking barrier from inside your vehicle. 

Another great advantage of this barrier is digital key sharing, which allows multiple users to access a single parking spot at their allotted time without having to share physical keys. This also reduces the product's environmental impact because there is no need for a remote control device with a limited lifespan or batteries that have to be replaced frequently.

Solar Powered Automatic Gate Barrier

Solar-powered automatic gate barriers can operate independently off the grid and allow you to control who enters and exits your property. These gate barriers are ideal for commercial properties or residences that are located in remote areas with no grid connection. Solar power provides an alternative source of energy for these gate barriers, which is more environmentally friendly than traditional battery-powered barriers. 

In addition to being eco-friendly, they require no digging for cabling or a power supply, so installation is quick and easy. Furthermore, they enable you to control who enters and exits your property without worrying about power outages or fluctuating electricity costs. 

With a solar-powered gate barrier, you can guarantee that your property is safe and accessible at all times, even during power outages. This can be particularly beneficial for commercial properties that need to operate 24/7, as it provides a reliable and efficient access control solution.

Also read: 6 Reasons Why Parklio Is Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Solar Car Park Shade Structures

Covering the parking lot with solar panels has a multipurpose function. Solar-powered car park shade structures are a terrific way to harness the power of the sun, help your company save money, and exhibit your dedication to sustainability. The end result is a win-win situation for business owners looking to reduce energy costs while improving employee or customer comfort.

Solar carports are typically built with steel or aluminum frames and covered with solar panels before being connected to an existing pole or building for stability. The typical ROI is between 5-7 years, which means you can expect to see a return on investment within those time frames and enjoy free solar energy that lasts for decades after that.

These structures are perfect for shopping centers and large commercial areas, but they're also just as good in residential areas, where they can add value to your home and save you money on your utility bills over time.

Solar Powered EV Charging Stations

Electric vehicles are becoming more common, but even though they're a great option for reducing CO2 emissions, they need to be charged. That's where solar-powered charging stations come in! Solar-powered charging stations are an excellent way to promote your company's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability—not to mention their design will add some extra aesthetic appeal!  Apart from providing an environmentally friendly solution for charging vehicles, they also help attract EV drivers who want to be part of the movement toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our environment.

Thus, all you need to do is integrate solar carports with EV-charging solutions, and you've got yourself an ecologically friendly facility that's guaranteed to attract attention. 

Why Go Solar? - The Benefits of a Solar Car Park

Solar power is the cleanest, most sustainable form of energy on the planet. Each solar panel installation has a different energy and financial evaluation, but in general, the solar panels themselves can be expected to last 20–25 years before they need to be replaced.

As with all technology, solar panels are constantly improving. Newer versions are more efficient than older versions, so you'll get more power out of them even though they take up less space than their predecessors. With the cost of installation dropping every year, it's becoming easier than ever for parking lot managers to make the decision to install solar energy parking protection or completely transform their facilities into a self-sustaining system.

Here are some of the benefits of going solar:

• Generates Sustainable and Reliable Energy

Solar panels are a great way to go green. They're very reliable, they're easy to install, and they don't cost that much to maintain. As long as there is sunlight, solar panels will generate electricity. This means you'll never have to worry about paying more than you can afford because of fluctuating energy prices.

• Enables Greater Energy Independence

Solar power is a great way to make your parking lot more independent from the electric grid. This way, you can reduce energy costs and increase your building's resilience to power outages. The key to a successful solar panel installation is ensuring that the system you choose will be able to produce the amount of electricity you need.

• Cuts Costs

You can generate free, clean electricity through a solar car park incorporated into your structure. This will save you a lot of money on your energy costs. The more bays you have, the more money you'll save on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

• Provides Additional Revenue Streams 

Apart from the cost savings associated with lower power use, if your car park is large enough, you could also sell the electricity you produce back to the grid. In addition, if you provide paid parking, you may want to charge a premium for covered solar parking spots since the panels provide shade for parked vehicles, which is especially useful in hot climates.

• Enhances Safety and Security

By installing solar-powered parking protection on your parking lot, you can increase its safety and security. The solar-powered parking protection system is self-sufficient and does not need an external power source. This means that it will continue to function even if the power goes out, so you can rest certain that your vehicles are safe and that you will be able to enter and exit the lot at all times.

• Increase asset value

Solar panels are a long-term investment that pays for itself over time. Solar-powered parking solutions can help you increase the value of your parking facility by making it more efficient, more attractive, and more sustainable. That means that your customers will have a better overall experience using the lot, and you will be able to easily attract potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your business in the future.

The Future Of Parking Is Looking Bright 

As the world becomes more aware of the risks of climate change, we can expect a general shift towards renewable energy. There are many reasons to increase the share of solar energy in the parking industry, as well as numerous benefits to implementing solar-powered parking solutions. Not only are they environmentally friendly and cost-efficient, but they also create a steady stream of clean energy for all types of parking facilities. 

The future may be brighter than you think, thanks to the fast advancement of solar technology. In November 2022, the French Senate passed legislation requiring the owners of almost all large parking lots to install solar panels. They would have to cover 50% of the surface area of the properties by 2028 or risk a high monthly penalty. The French government expects the law to add 11 gigatonnes (GW) of solar power to the national grid. If other countries follow their example, we could see a massive shift toward clean energy production across Europe and beyond. What a difference this could make to our environment!

Conclusion

With the French and other governments taking steps toward promoting solar energy use in parking lots and other spaces, parking is bound to go green. Once fully implemented, this new legislation could make a major impact in the fight against climate change. If you are the owner of  a parking facility, don't miss this chance to be a pioneer. Make the smart move and get ready for the future!