this post was submitted on 28 Jul 2024
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Covering large parking lots with solar panels is an idea that goes back decades but in America at least it's an idea that has never really taken off.

What is the reason for that? Is it due to the overall cost or is there something else that keeps Walmart, Target, Costco, Sams Club, Malls, etc. from covering their parking lots with these panels and selling the power?

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago (4 children)

There are some parking lots like that around here, though not many. Obviously expense is a large part of it. Photovoltaics get cheaper all the time, but there is all the other gear (inverters, transmission lines), plus the construction costs. Web search for solar parking lot or solar canopy finds a fair amount of data.

I do think solar off-grid is now economically feasible for a modest home. It's easier for a DIY homeowner than for a commercial operator to control costs by scrounging.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (3 children)

Wouldn't all of those costs be offset by the power generated? At least, the solar power would reduce the stores' draw from the grid. At most (depending on the size of the parking lot) the store would feed the grid on sunny days.

It seems to me that investing in the panel canopies, controllers, and modified grid connection would soon pay for itself and then fund the installation of the same for the next store.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

If there was truly money to be made, people would be making it. Never underestimate the dedication of opportunists.

So if it's not happening, it's because the dollars aren't there.

Second question should be, why aren't the dollars there? Is it artificial limitations, like laws about power generation? Is it the cost of the supplies only? We understand that, we can fix the problem.

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