Solar Investors Guide: Solarised parking and charging

10/01/2025 | Print view

© Heiko Schwarzburger

Parking garages are attractive assets that enhance their worth through solar facades.

The era of petrol and diesel dominance is drawing to a close. Mobility is transitioning to electric, with millions of private electric cars, company fleets, and commercial vehicles creating new demands on the energy supply. Filling stations, parking garages, and parking lots now represent opportunities to provide EVs with solar power.

The key factor in this picture is charging power, ranging by application from eleven kilowatts up to the megawatt scale. To keep electricity supply and grid connection costs under control, the trend is moving toward large solar arrays combined with high-capacity storage systems.

In several countries, including France, solar carports are mandatory for commercial and municipal parking areas. The solarisation of parking lots and garages is increasingly becoming standard practice, adding measurable value and functionality through solar technology and charging stations.

New business models take shape

Across the sector, new business models are taking shape as bidirectional charging arrives for vehicles and properties. Vehicles can supply power to buildings when grid electricity is expensive, and charging infrastructure can capitalise on low electricity prices during periods of grid oversupply. Meanwhile, power storage acts as a buffer for energy and performance, helping operators avoid costly upgrades as demand grows.

This edition of the Solar Investors Guide explores opportunities arising from the electrification of vehicles and mobility. Examples from across Europe complement trend reports, showcasing practical approaches and proven commercial benefits.