Among the innovative technologies within EnviroTech’s sphere of expertise, solar canopies are probably one of the most underrated products. This practical idea allows companies to use available space to help the environment and their employees. Solar canopies are typically mounted over large parking lots, but could conceivably be placed in any other open-air part of corporate premises, as long as direct exposure to sunlight is available throughout most of the day.

To shed some light on this interesting method for generating renewable energy, we will explain the fundamental properties of solar canopies and their most obvious advantages from the perspective of medium to large businesses: 

A perfect mix of utility and aesthetics

Large private or public organisations typically have a lot of open-air parking spaces that can readily be transformed into futuristic-looking eco-friendly structures. The panels play a dual role – they collect solar energy and transform it into electricity that can be put to practical use, but they also create a shade that protects cars from heat and sunlight.

A simple and efficient way to collect clean energy

With energy prices rising and strong government incentives to reduce their carbon footprint, companies are looking into various possibilities to reduce their reliance on traditional ‘dirty’ energy. Solar energy is one of the most readily available renewables, and it can be harnessed efficiently with relatively modest investments, even in countries with moderate climates like the UK. While there are many ways to collect solar energy, parking lot canopies are increasingly viewed as a step towards full integration of sustainable technologies into day-to-day business environments. Solar canopies can also work alongside other green energy sources such as wind turbines and roof-mounted solar panels.

The perfect way to recharge electrical vehicles

The development of solar canopies over corporate parking lots goes hand in hand with broader adoption of electric cars. These two technologies perfectly complement each other, as energy collected on site throughout the day can be used for EV charging. In addition, a construction of this nature sends a clear message about the value a company assigns to sustainable energy use, and may perhaps motivate more people on site to think about getting an electric vehicle. If more people across the UK purchased EV’s, the cumulative impact on air pollution and CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere would be significant, especially for companies in suburban areas where members of staff typically drive to work daily. Meanwhile, employees will certainly appreciate the convenience of having a charging station and a parking spot folded into one.

Successful examples of solar canopies

While solar canopies are still relatively new, they are being constructed at a steady pace. A famous example can be found at Bentley’s headquarters at Crewe, where a staggering 10,000 panels were used to create a magnificent solar carport housing the vehicles belonging to employees and visitors. Another notable project is currently underway for the Evansville Regional Airport in the US state of Indiana, with the capacity for around 400 vehicles and 1.3 megawatts.

Projects of this size may still be rare, but their success is sure to motivate the next wave of solar canopy designs. By partnering with EnviroTech, you can stay a step ahead of the curve and explore the possibility of converting your parking space into a valuable energy-generating asset.