PV plants on public parking lots and public garages in cities in Serbia, possibilities and benefits

The Republic of Serbia has a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector and increase the participation of renewable energy sources in the gross final energy production. The total estimated technically usable solar energy potential of Serbia is 0.240 Mtoe per year. The energy potential of solar radiation is about 30% higher in Serbia than in Central Europe and the solar radiation intensity is among the highest in Europe (GPS coordinates.net, n.d.). The main objective of this paper is researching the potential, possibilities and advantages of installing solar power plants on public parking lots and on roof tops of public parking garages in combination with charging stations for electric vehicles in Serbian cities. Increasing dependence on cars has led to a large increase in parking spaces and today parking lots occupy large areas of valuable urban land. Implementing solar canopies provide an opportunity to use the land more efficiently and addresses multiple urban challenges like energy production, thermal mitigation but also aesthetics improvement. Asphalt and concrete in parking lots absorb and retain significant amount of heat, contributing to the Urban Heet Island (UHT) effect. Solar canopies reduce the heat absorption of these surfaces providing shade and reflecting sunlight. They also protect vehicles from the sun and time elements which results having cooler cars and reducing air conditioning use by drivers. Equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, solar canopies promote sustainable transport. Good architectural design of solar canopies can enhance the visual appeal of parking lots making them more attractive. They also visibly promote commitment to sustainability.