With more than 50% of the nation's total pavement occupied by unsightly parking lots, there is a significant opportunity to reduce strain on the power grid by installing solar canopies with electric vehicle (EV) chargers in these areas. The grid is facing increased energy demand during nighttime when most EVs are charging, with power generated by dirty fossil fuels rather than clean renewables. Establishing a robust solar charging infrastructure through the deployment of solar canopies can address this issue, but widespread adoption is hindered by substantial upfront capital costs, permitting requirements, inspections, zoning codes, and the complexities associated with designing the solar array. One approach that can simplify installation and reduce costs is DC-to-DC charging. This approach not only alleviates grid strain by enabling daytime charging directly from solar power, without the need for a grid connection, but also improves charging times. In this presentation, we will explore the driving factors behind the development of solar canopies with EV charger installations and showcase their benefits through real-world use cases. We will also discuss the challenges that hinder implementation and propose solutions such as DC-to-DC EV charging technology and policy changes that can help the industry overcome these obstacles.
