As schools around the world try to go green, solar carports have been a highly desirable solution. Solar carports not only save a school money on energy, but also offer numerous practical, educational and eco-friendly benefits. Their simplicity in design and adaptability make them particularly well suited for schools with large parking lots and limited roof space.
1. Energy-saving and environmentally friendly
One of the main reasons schools opt for solar carports is because of their environmental benefits. The systems can:
Drastically reduce the carbon footprint;
Promote healthy awareness among students for sustainable development;
Help governments with climate and carbon-neutrality targets.
For example, the University of Nottingham Ningbo's solar carport reduces more than 170 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, or planting more than 9,000 trees. Solar carports have become a very intuitive medium to impart environmental protection knowledge to students and to demonstrate the school's emphasis on ecology.
2. Multi-purpose, make the most of space usage
Solar carports are not just a mechanism for generating electricity. Their structure can do the following:
Provide shaded parking spaces for students and teachers;
Have electric vehicle (EV) charging stations integrated;
Have space for energy storage systems so schools can experience electricity even during power outages.
Take Tsinghua University's Graduate School in Shenzhen as a good illustration. Their 84-space solar carport is integrated with electric vehicle charging piles that take up the optimal space, which is easy to park and can produce electricity.
3. Economic Benefits and Long-Term Savings
Although solar systems are costly to install, the long-term benefits are enormous:
Installation costs are lower than in most traditional systems;
Maintenance is minimal once it's installed and running;
Excess electricity can be sold to the grid to generate revenue.
In general, a common solar carport is about 1,000 yuan per square meter, which is just slightly more than a regular film carport, but the investment can be easily recouped with power generation and electricity saving.
4. Increase education and research capabilities
Solar carports can be structured as an effective learning ground. Schools can employ it to:
Train students in the fundamentals of renewable energy;
Conduct real-time energy monitoring and data analysis;
Promote graduate research and innovation.
For example, Nanchang University's solar carport is linked with an entire microgrid system, not only for charging electric vehicles but also for storing hydrogen, a great on-campus research location for teachers and students.
5. Optimal integration with the campus environment
Solar carports today can be designed according to the overall style of the school. The merits are:
Appearing trendy and high-tech;
Having light steel as its framework, it is not heavy;
There are various solar technologies that exist, e.g., thin-film modules.
Solar carport of Shenzhen University uses amorphous silicon thin-film panels, along with a beautiful steel frame. Not only utilitarian, but also it enhances the beauty of the campus.
6. Why Choose Solar Carports Over Rooftop or Ground-Mounted Systems?
Solar carports have an advantage over solar panels mounted on rooftops or the ground:
No worry about aged roof frames falling with them;
Direct use of available parking space;
More convenient to maintain than solar panels on the rooftop.
Roofs cannot hold solar panels or need refurbishment for most scenarios. Ground-mounted solar panels take up precious open space. Solar carports can make use of those unused areas.
Investment that looks to the future
As the demands for environmental protection are increasing and the price of energy is rising, solar carports are becoming a great choice for schools. It is not only cost-effective and cost-saving but also educates students and renders schools eco-friendly. Either it is an elementary school, college or bus station, a solar carport is a good investment.
About Huijue Group
Huijue Group has been devoted to intelligent energy solutions for more than 20 years. We develop, manufacture and install solar carports, energy storage systems and smart energy management systems (EMS) for schools. Our enthusiasm for sustainability and innovation helps schools reduce emissions, save energy expenses, and inspire the next generation of green leaders.
