Electric car sales in 2024 pushed the number of electric vehicles sold to over 17 million globally. These cars all need electric charging stations, especially for long-distance travel and commercial businesses. Many EV owners charge at home, but they appreciate access to charging stations if they have a long commute.
Companies that have already invested in EV charging stations should consider adding solar parking canopies to their parking lot. These canopies keep cars shaded and protect them from hail. Solar parking canopies can benefit a business by offering customers premium parking and generating additional energy. Learn more about the benefits of a solar carport for EV charging.
Why Combine Solar Parking Canopies With EV Charging Stations?
Solar canopies are an ideal counterpart to EV charging stations. EVs can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 20 hours to fully charge, depending on the battery size and charging voltage. Having hail protection and shade over EVs keeps them safe during this charging time, so owners don’t have to watch the weather.
Other notable benefits of solar carports for EV charging include:
Meeting Sustainability Goals
Most companies have sustainability goals they’re working toward. When businesses install commercial solar carports, they can reach company goals for eco-friendly practices while improving their customers’ experience. Installing solar parking canopies is a good strategy for reducing urban heat effects by shading large asphalt areas.
Solar-covered parking structures can help to reduce a company’s carbon footprint in a visible, measurable way. Customers and stakeholders who favor electric vehicles will be pleased to see solar technology in the parking lot. Seeing parking canopies that support solar panels will demonstrate their durability and longevity to customers.
Reducing Energy Costs
The energy produced from solar panels may help to reduce a company’s energy costs. The amount of energy solar panels generate depends on where a business is located, local weather, and how many solar panels are installed. Businesses can work with a professional solar panel parking canopy company to determine the best number of panels.
Businesses may be able to cover specific energy needs with solar energy, or export excess generation back to the power grid for credits. By incorporating solar and EV technology into the same system, companies can share costs and experience a higher ROI for the technology. Tax credits and rebates may also be available to offset the cost of installing solar panels over a company’s parking lot.
Optimize Existing Infrastructure
If businesses own a parking garage, they may be thinking about adding another deck to cover the top floor. However, covered parking solutions can cost anywhere from 15% to 25% of the cost of installing another garage deck. They make use of existing space, save costs, and look professional.
Businesses can optimize the panel orientation for the highest solar energy yield, and covered panels are much easier to access and maintain than a rooftop system. Whether EV charging stations are on the ground or in a parking garage, solar canopies are the most cost-effective option for keeping them covered without investing in expensive infrastructure.
Improve Property Value
Incorporating solar panel canopies over EV charging stations may also add value to a company’s property. It emphasizes that the business is eco-friendly and willing to invest in cutting-edge technology. Solar panels are highly visible and a sign that corporations are interested in environmental protection for the long term.
EV owners want businesses that align with their values. Solar parking canopies, whether installed over EV charging stations or other parking spots, are a significant signal that these customers are in the right place. Solar canopies may also increase property value as environmental technology continues to gain traction and cultural approval.
Upgrade Customer Experience
Solar-covered parking also positively impacts customers by keeping their EVs shaded from the hot sun. The canopies will also protect vehicles from rain, snow, and hail. They are an optimal solution for auto dealerships that have a lot to lose during a bad storm.
Because weather-protected charging improves customers’ experience, businesses may also be able to charge for premium parking. This can help to cover the cost of installing solar panels and portray a company as a high-value brand. Customers will appreciate not having to fight over the few parking spots shaded by landscaping.
How Much Do Solar-Covered Parking Canopies Cost?
Because every project is unique, the cost of solar parking canopies can vary. To determine an estimate for a solar canopy project, companies should consider several questions:
- How many parking canopies are needed?
- What kind of solar technology will be used?
- What type of canopy is preferred?
Most parking canopy companies offer several canopy models at various price ranges. Different types of support, canopy tilt, and the materials used may all impact cost. In some cases, covering a large parking lot may be more cost-effective than only covering a few stations.
To learn their options, companies should speak with leading car canopy companies for a unique quote. While many companies have several options, not every company offers custom solutions. Finding a custom parking canopy company can help businesses save on their investment.
How VPS Solar-Covered Parking Solutions Can Help
At VPS, we have experience designing and installing solar carports to fit custom requirements. We offer several options to suit different sites, aesthetics, and performance goals. Whether our clients are well-versed in solar technology or just getting started on their eco-friendly journey, VPS can help companies achieve their goals and provide support throughout the process.
Our comprehensive services include development, engineering, permitting, utility interconnection, and financing guidance. We provide installation services and ongoing maintenance support, so clients aren’t on their own after installation. VPS has been the industry standard for parking canopies for over 30 years, so we have the experience customers need to succeed.
Our proven track record spans multiple industries, from apartments and auto dealerships to corporate parking and airports. Customers with expansive parking lots and EV charging stations can benefit from our turnkey solutions, which improve their customers’ experience and can help them reach sustainability goals.
Contact VPS for a Quote
Looking to install a solar canopy over EV charging stations? VPS has been serving airports, apartments, architects, corporate parking, and other clients with quality parking canopies for over three decades. We’re the industry leader for automotive heat, hail, and UV protection. We’re a full-service design-build firm, offering turnkey solutions from the initial consultation to engineering, fabrication, and construction.
VPS has the manufacturing capability to cover thousands of parking spots — no project is too large for us. We can provide custom products for clients, allowing them to find the ideal solution for their unique needs. Our parking canopy solutions are built to last, benefiting businesses far into the future.
Contact VPS today for a project quote!
