Heinrich Meyer-Werke: Boost E-Mobility with Commercial PV Carports

With an initiative to develop and utilize PV carports, a construction company from Lower Saxony aims to advance electromobility in Germany. The solar expansion in Germany is making slow progress; the output of newly installed PV systems in Germany dropped from around 1,500 MW per month to around 800 MW per month in August, the company points out, referencing a report by the Federal Network Agency. Although 13.9% of the German energy mix already comes from solar energy, many opportunities to generate solar power remain unused, Meyer laments. A look at the operators of the PV systems shows where the issues lie: Around half of the newly installed solar power capacity comes from the residential sector, while merely 18 percent is achieved on company rooftops. The German Solar Industry Association speaks of vast areas on company rooftops suitable for PV panels, which remain 90 percent unused, outlines the company.

Moreover, the halls and rooftops of companies offer large and attractive areas for the installation of PV systems. There is no lack of interest from companies, according to the findings: A survey from the end of 2022 shows that about 37 percent of the companies surveyed plan to install solar power systems on their roofs within the next three years. The sticking point is often the implementation. For instance, companies often do not own their buildings but are tenants or leaseholders. For them, simple new PV installations on roofs are not possible because building permits and approvals from the property owners must be obtained.

Utilizing sealed surfaces sustainably

HM-Werke from Munster in Lower Saxony are now promoting an alternative to rooftop PV installations: In total, there are 160 million parking spaces for cars and light trucks in Germany — a significant portion of them on commercial properties. Modular carports with integrated PV panels could lead to the sustainable use of alternative surfaces. Besides contributing to the energy transition, these PV systems on sheltered parking areas provide a sustainable energy source to charge vehicles and protect them in all weather conditions.

“The energy transition requires innovative measures. At HM-Werke, we leverage our nearly 180 years of experience in construction and continually work on new solutions adapted to current circumstances. The PV carports are a perfect example of how existing sealed surfaces can nevertheless be used for environmental protection. Specifically, large company parking lots provide the space needed to help shape the energy transition with PV power," promotes Volker Meyer, Managing Director of Heinrich Meyer-Werke, and sees great potential.