Sustainable Car Park Solutions A Cost-Effective Approach to Environmental and Operational Efficiency.
Solar Car Park Canopy – Concept Animation
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The Challenge
Minimising energy and potable water usage, conserving resources and reducing operational costs makes both environmental and business sense. Altering or adding to the building fabric of your main assets, however, can be a complex and expensive option.
That is why we have identified public car parks as a real opportunity for energy generation and rainwater harvesting, particularly in the following sectors: §§ Shopping Centres §§ Hospital & Medical Facilities §§ Schools & Universities §§ Airports & Train Stations §§ Leisure Facilities & Sports Clubs
www.meinhardt.com.au
Sustainable Car Park Canopy Section
Boxed gutter to collect rainfall
Solar panels or roof below to form impermeable roof for stormwater collection
Solar equipment mounted to underside of structure
Structural layout subject to structural design dependent on carpark layout
Downpipe contained within column if possible for reduced visual impact
Underground modular rainwater storage tank
Inlet Outlet
Surface drainage pit and overflow to drainage outfall
Connection to other tanks
The Solution
Utilising our multi-disciplinary Planning & Engineering capabilities, we have developed a modular, cost-effective sustainable solution which can be scaled for any sized car park. The off-roof canopy system incorporates solar panels and rainwater harvesting for irrigation or other non-potable water demand, such as toilet flushing or cleaning.
The Benefits
You have the flexibility to specify a single solar or combined solar/water solution to suit your needs. We have teamed up with PPA Direct who provide Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) to cover the upfront capital cost of the system with a fixed term contract to supply the solar at a heavily discounted price when compared to grid power.
Using water balanced modelling, rainfall and demand is measured in your specific region to optimise tank sizes for cost-effective storage and reliable water supply.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can fund the project yourself.
§§ Modular solution minimises any potential operational disruption, as only a small number of parking bays need to be shut down at any one time §§ Provides shade and weather protection to vehicles which supports longer residence time §§ Architecturally aesthetic design
§§ Generates sustainable renewable energy §§ Offsets potable water usage §§ Allows owner to charge for premium under cover parking §§ It is quick and safe to build §§ We provide full-cycle support from inception to construction
Self-Funded
PPA
Payback in 5-7 years (dependent on electricity tariff & location)
No upfront cost
You own the asset forever
Maintenance costs all covered
100% offset solar power costs
Real-time monitoring all included
www.meinhardt.com.au
Solar Car Park Canopy Layout Plan
Drainage pit draining carpark surface and outfall for tank Overflow pipe to drainage outfall
Downpipes concealed in structure
Tank access manhole with outfall non return valve
Underground roof drainage pipe
Underground rainwater storage tanks connected to each canopy and into supply
Power Requirements
Total Energy Cost Savings
Solar Other
Cost & Energy Savings
35%
Cost & Water Savings
15%
Solar typically meets up to 35% of your power requirements and will typically save you up to 15% in energy costs. The addition of Voltage Optimisation under a PPA can lead to total energy savings of up to 25% on a refrigerated site.
16 bay carpark canopy module could provide up to 100,000L of harvested stormwater in Melbourne per year. When these modules and tanks are linked together the potable water offset is only limited by the car park area. Potable water usage that is reduced will offset upfront costs over time.
$ Implementation Process
Meinhardt Planning Obtain relevant planning approvals
75-85% demand reliability of the potable water needed for irrigation, toilet usage and other non-potable uses.
PPA Direct Complete water balance model and size rainwater tank
Meinhardt Civil Complete electrical supply model to determine effective size
Meinhardt Structural Structural design of canopy and footings
Meinhardt & PPA Direct Construction documentation and supervision
PPA Direct PPA Funding Agreement and ongoing maintenance of system
www.meinhardt.com.au
Howlong Golf Club Solar Canopy – PPA Direct Installation
Case Study Howlong Golf Club
100 kW
320 x 310W 155,000 kWh 4 Modules
solar system
solar panels installed
produced annually
each covering 48 carparks
“This solar system will not only provide great savings on our electricity bill, it also provides great shade for our golfers and their general enjoyment of the Club. The weekend Rotary Market loves the shade for their stalls.”
– Club Manager, Chris Rebbechi
Contact
Scott Carne Senior Civil Engineer – Meinhardt e: scott.carne@meinhardtgroup.com p: +61 3 8676 1286 m: +61 403 245 827
Glenn Melton Director – PPA Direct e: glenn@ecoforlife.com.au p: +61 2 6059 5375 | +61 423 800 858 w: www.ppadirect.com.au
www.meinhardt.com.au