South Korea is aiming to turn a simple idea into a significant environmental and social policy: starting this month, public parking lots with more than 80 spaces will be required to install solar panel covers. The initiative, announced in August and subjected to a public consultation period until September 23rd, applies not only to new constructions but also to existing parking facilities.
The proposal, put forth by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, seeks to rapidly expand the generation of renewable energy, create jobs in the solar and construction sectors, and provide direct benefits to those who use these spaces daily.
Benefits and Impact of Solar-Powered Parking Lots
- Expands clean energy production in a practical manner without the need for new land occupation.
- Generates employment opportunities in the solar energy and construction industries.
- Protects vehicles from sun, rain, and snow, thus extending the lifespan of parts and upholstery.
- May reduce the use of air conditioning and even preserve the range of electric vehicles.
Why Convert Parking Lots into Solar Power Plants?
The rationale behind this law is straightforward: it utilizes already built areas, often underused, to produce clean energy without the necessity of deforestation, displacement, or land occupation. These structures will function as covered parking spaces (carports) equipped with photovoltaic panels. Besides generating energy, they provide shade and comfort to drivers.
The regulation applies to parking lots measuring at least 1,000 square meters, roughly equivalent to 80 standard parking spaces. Owners are not required to install the panels themselves; they can lease the space to external operators who will manage the infrastructure.
“Through this mandatory installation, we expect to expand the distribution of eco-friendly renewable energy generation facilities while providing tangible benefits to the public. By utilizing idle land such as parking lots, we can maximize land use efficiency. In addition, installing canopy-type solar panels can provide shade underneath, offering noticeable comfort to people using parking lots during hot weather.”
– An official from the ministry, heard by the Asian Business Daily
However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. Compliance is not mandatory for underground parking lots, mechanical garages (which use platforms or elevators), and areas exclusively for trucks.
Beyond environmental impact, the measure is intended to assist in stabilizing the country’s electrical grid, lowering energy costs, and reducing reliance on polluting energy sources. The solar carports can also be integrated with charging stations for electric vehicles, aligning the proposal with the future of mobility.
This idea is not unique to South Korea and has already been gaining traction in other parts of the world. According to the website Electrek, in Arizona, USA, a fire district has installed solar carports in 12 parking lots, generating over 1.23 million kWh annually and offsetting emissions from approximately 185,000 vehicles.
In New York, a recent initiative has doubled the area where parking lots can be fitted with photovoltaic solar panels and charging points, freeing up about 37 million square meters for such projects. South Korea’s bold step in mandating solar parking lots reflects a global trend towards utilizing urban infrastructure for sustainable energy solutions.
Source: Olhar Digital
