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] 13 points 4 months ago (2 children)

in places that have large open lot retail developments, it’s very likely you could just install the solar panels on undeveloped land a few miles away.

why would you complicate both efforts by trying to intertwine them?

[–] [email protected] 9 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Or if you do them on site, there's a roof on the store that you can use first, without needing to do construction work. Covering the parking spaces requires some measure of construction work, underground electrical work, etc that could end up being pretty expensive compared to alternatives.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago

That assumes the buildings can handle them. A company I used to work for was planning to put solar on pretty much all of their buildings. Until they found out most of their buildings couldn’t handle the weight without significant (expensive) reinforcing. Many of their installations ended up on the ground instead.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I've seen a few parking lots by where I live that have solar panels which make great shade. Also a mobile home park that has panels over the mobile homes to keep them cool

[–] Cryophilia 2 points 4 months ago

That's some really expensive shade to install.