There solar canopy O photovoltaic shelter is becoming an increasingly widespread solution among motorists who want to produce clean energy directly at home. This intelligent structure allows you to protect the vehicle and generate electricity through the sunwith the aim of recharging the electric car without additional costs. But how realistic is it to think of covering the entire energy needs only with photovoltaics? The answer is yes … as long as I respect some fundamental technical requirements.
A concrete example comes from Curitiba (Brazil), where a 4.89 kWp photovoltaic canopy produced on average 465kWh/year In two years of operation – corresponding to approximately 95kWh for kwp per year. Considering that an efficient electric car consumes about 15–20 kWh per 100 km, this means that a structure of this dimensions can provide almost 3,000 km of autonomy every year – an excellent practical response for theoretical projections.
Two functions in a single structure
Solar canopy is the evolution of the classic photovoltaic panels mounted on domestic roofs. Unlike traditional systems, this structure is installed soilusually in wood or aluminumand acts both from Cover for the carboth from Source of renewable energy.
On the roof of the roof are installed solar panels connected to a inverterand often even to one charging column (wallbox). The generated energy can be introduced into the domestic network, accumulated in batteries or used directly for power the recharging of an electric or hybrid Plug-in vehicle.
Contrary to what one might think, it is not an experimental idea: a sunborn can produce Between 3 and 8 kWcdepending on the occupied surface and configuration. A power that can be enough for Cover entirely or largely daily recharges of a car.
The cost for a complete solar canopy – with photovoltaic panels and column included – varies Between 8,000 and 12,000 euros. The good news? The intervention is admissible to state incentivesprovided that made by an installer RGE certificate (recognized guaranteed for the environment).
Evaluate whether the solar canopy is suitable
Before investing, it is important to evaluate whether your housing situation allows the installation of a solar canopy. Here are the questions to understand if you can proceed:
These elements are crucial for correctly size the system. For example, a canopy from 3 kWc can generate Between 2,500 and 3,000 kWh per yearequivalent to about 15,000 km of annual travel With an efficient electric car like a Renault Zoe or a Nissan Leaf. But if you travel 60,000 km per year Or guide a very energetic car, solar production alone will not be enough.
Recharge the electric car only with a solar canopy? Yes, but not always
In optimal conditions, You can completely recharge an electric car using a photovoltaic system on canopies. However, Some fundamental requirements are needed To achieve energy self -sufficiency:
With good exposure and a size from 3 kWcan annual production of approximately can be obtained 3,000 kWhenough to cover the daily movements of an average motorist (around 30 km per day). In these cases, solar canopy can provide sufficient energy for complete recharges.
However, if you use the car in an intensive way, travel long distances regularly, or live in a not very sunny area, The canopy will guarantee only a partial charging. In these scenarios, it will be necessary integrate the recharge with network energy. Despite this, even a partial contribution allows Significant savings on the electric bill and contributes to the reduction of environmental impact.
In practice, it is a bit like if the roof above your car would give you a “full” of clean energy every day, without noise and without a bill.
