This page was written by
Nicolas Nihon
Co-founder of Vectura
Professionals
Photovoltaic panels
Design and installation of parking lots and photovoltaic shade systems in Belgium
In Belgium, the installation of photovoltaic parking lots is a sustainable solution for reducing your energy costs and participating in the ecological transition. In this article, explore the steps involved in a thorough study and successful installation, from feasibility assessment to commissioning.
Request a quotePhotovoltaic parking lots and shading systems: everything you need to know
Photovoltaic parking, also known as photovoltaic shading, is one of the most popular self-consumption solutions for businesses today. It enhances parking spaces while generating green electricity. But what exactly is a photovoltaic parking lot? What opportunities does it offer companies? And what’s the budget for installation? Find out all you need to know in this article.
Contact usWhy install a photovoltaic parking lot?
Request a free quote-
Self-consumption by the company (reducing the need for electricity from the grid).
Self-consumption enables a company to produce and consume the electricity it generates directly via its photovoltaic panels. This reduces dependence on the public grid, cuts energy bills and stabilizes costs over the long term. This approach also offers greater security in the face of fluctuating electricity prices, while optimizing energy efficiency.
-
Powering charging stations for electric vehicles.
Powering charging stations for electric vehicles with a photovoltaic system enables the company to generate its own energy to power its fleet of vehicles or offer a recharging service to its employees and customers. By using solar energy, the company reduces its operating costs, while promoting more sustainable mobility. This solution also contributes to reinforcing the company's eco-responsible image, in line with the challenges of energy transition, while optimizing the use of infrastructures already on site.
-
Sale of surplus electricity to the public grid
The sale of surplus electricity generated by a photovoltaic system enables a company to further increase the return on its investment. When energy production exceeds consumption, the surplus electricity can be fed into the public grid. This generates additional income and contributes to the supply of renewable energy. As well as reducing its own energy bills, the company actively contributes to the energy transition by sharing its surplus clean electricity with other users.
Our projects
We continually strive to satisfy our customers. We offer tailor-made solutions for your sector of activity.
Professionals
Photovoltaic panels
Individuals
Photovoltaic panels
Individuals
Photovoltaic panels
Individuals
Photovoltaic panels
Professionals
Photovoltaic panels
copropriétés
Photovoltaic panels
Professionals
Photovoltaic panels
What is a photovoltaic parking lot?
A photovoltaic parking lot is a parking space equipped with metal structures covered in solar panels. These structures, known as parking shade structures, have a dual function: they protect parked vehicles and generate electricity using solar energy.
In practice, the solar panels installed on these shades capture the sun’s energy and transform it into electricity, which can either be used directly by the company or fed into the power grid.
Why do companies opt for photovoltaic parking lots?
Photovoltaic parking offers a host of advantages that are winning over more and more businesses. Not only does it generate electricity, it also adds environmental, economic and practical value.
Lower electricity costs
Installing solar panels on parking lots enables companies to reduce their energy bills by using part of the electricity they produce themselves. A parking lot equipped with photovoltaic panels can cover between 10% and 40% of a building’s energy needs, depending on the size and capacity of the installation.
Improving brand image and meeting CSR commitments
Companies are increasingly seeking to improve their image by demonstrating their commitment to energy transition and environmental protection. A photovoltaic parking lot makes it possible to meet these objectives while displaying corporate social responsibility (CSR) values.
Comfort for employees and customers
Parking lot shade structures provide protection from the elements for parked vehicles: whether against sun, rain or even snow, they enhance the comfort of customers or employees. In hot weather, these structures prevent overheating inside vehicles, making for a more pleasant experience for all.
Contributing to green mobility
Charging stations for electric vehicles can be easily integrated into the photovoltaic systems of parking lots. This enables companies to encourage their employees or customers to switch to electric mobility, while offering them a practical solution for recharging their vehicles during their parking time.
They dared to transform their energy, how about you?
Take the first step towards a sustainable future.
Why choose Vectura?
We are experts in installing charging stations, photovoltaic panels and storage batteries. Thanks to our recognised expertise, we offer customised, reliable solutions that comply with the most stringent standards. By choosing us, you are opting for a sustainable, economical energy transition supported by a team committed to your satisfaction.
-
Free quotation
-
Experienced staff
-
Fast intervention
-
Quality products
Frequently asked questions about photovoltaic parking projects
Our team of experts in photovoltaic solutions answers your questions
-
What is a photovoltaic shade?
A solar shade is a structure installed on a parking lot to provide shade for cars. When fitted with solar panels, it is known as a photovoltaic shade. These installations protect vehicles from the sun while generating green electricity, thus contributing to the production of renewable energy.
-
How does a photovoltaic shade work?
The solar shade is a parking shelter equipped with integrated solar panels. When the sun strikes the photovoltaic cells, they produce a direct current. This current is then converted into alternating current by a photovoltaic inverter. The energy thus produced can be fed into the grid to supply company buildings or neighboring homes.
-
What's the difference between a photovoltaic shade and a photovoltaic carport?
A photovoltaic shade is a structure generally installed in open parking lots, designed to cover several parking spaces while generating electricity via photovoltaic panels. It provides shade for vehicles while generating energy.
The photovoltaic carport, on the other hand, is an individual shelter or a shelter for a few vehicles, often used in residences or businesses. It combines the function of a carport with the production of solar-generated electricity, but on a smaller scale than a sunshade, which covers a larger, collective space.
-
Where are the best places to install a photovoltaic parking lot?
Photovoltaic parking lots can be placed in many strategic locations. They are ideal for large parking lots at companies, shopping centers, hospitals, airports and supermarkets, where the available surface area is large and large numbers of vehicles park regularly. They can also be installed in parking lots at sports complexes, universities or administrative buildings.
-
Who carries out a study for a photovoltaic parking lot with shade?
Companies specializing in solar energy, such as Vectura, offer engineering and consulting services to assess project feasibility. They carry out technical and financial studies, taking into account factors such as available surface area, exposure to the sun, the company’s energy requirements, and regulatory constraints.
Regulations and obligations for companies in Belgium
There is no obligation in Belgium or Wallonia to install photovoltaic parking lots. However, companies are becoming more and more interested because :
- The roofs of some industrial buildings are too small. In such cases, the installation of photovoltaic panels on the parking lot can boost production capacity.
- Installation rates are sometimes lower, because the shade structure is easier to install and less costly than an industrial roof renovation.
What are the steps involved in installing photovoltaic shading systems?
Building a photovoltaic shade system involves several stages, from the initial study to commissioning. Here are the main phases of a successful project:
Feasibility study
This first step involves analyzing the site and defining the company’s energy requirements. It also includes calculating the surface area available for panel installation and estimating electricity production.
Obtaining administrative authorizations
To install a photovoltaic parking lot, you’ll need planning permission and other administrative authorizations. You’ll also need to prepare the file for connecting the installation to the electricity grid.
Installation of structures and panels
Once the necessary permits have been obtained, the installation phase can begin. This includes preparing the site, installing the shades and photovoltaic panels, and setting up the equipment required for their proper operation (such as inverters).
Commissioning and production monitoring
After installation, your solar parking lot will be connected to the electricity grid and ready for use. An energy production monitoring system will be set up to ensure that the panels are working properly and to optimize self-consumption.
What is the budget for a photovoltaic parking lot?
The cost of installing a photovoltaic parking lot varies according to several criteria:
Installation size: the greater the number of parking spaces, the greater the number of signs to be installed.
Panel type: The choice of photovoltaic panels (monocrystalline or polycrystalline) influences the final price.
Charging stations: If you add charging stations for electric vehicles, the budget may increase.
Installation costs: Including installation of the shades, connection to the grid and site development.
The overall budget will therefore depend on the size of your parking lot and the equipment you choose.
