Sizing of a Car Parking Photovoltaic System: An Economic Analysis

The world dependency on fossil fuels to meet growing demand for energy is a significant contributor to global warming. Additionally, with the depletion of such energy sources, it has brought to attention the importance of research, development, and utilization of other low to non-carbon emitting sources to meet the rising energy demand and reduce environmental impact. Solar energy is available in abundance and the decreasing cost of photovoltaic (PV) panels is promoting their use. A grid-tied power generation scheme, using PV panels deployed on unshaded car parking areas with the proper balance of system, were investigated. Solar shading of car parking lots is an efficient use of space and can be installed practically anywhere. The merit of this technique is twofold: 1) generate free electricity and 2) provide shade simultaneously. This study initiates a case study of solar shading on a campus, located in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The study focuses on five car parking lots situated on the South side of the engineering building. Cost analysis assessment revealed that: 1) the initial cost of the whole system is $25,000 USD and 2) the payback period is thirteen (13) years. The methodology developed can be globally implemented to cut-down greenhouse gas emissions.