Covering large parking lots with solar panels is an idea that goes back decades but in America at least it’s an idea that has never really taken off.

What is the reason for that? Is it due to the overall cost or is there something else that keeps Walmart, Target, Costco, Sams Club, Malls, etc. from covering their parking lots with these panels and selling the power?

  • NorthWestWind@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    It’s better, but not good enough for people to consider it

    Emphasis on the 5x selling price too. Imagine they buy at market price

    • safesyrup
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      5 months ago

      Interesting. In switzerland if you sell your solar power to the power company you get between 0.03-0.10 francs per kw/h while electricity costs between 0.25-0.40 francs. The calculated ROI is still 10-15 years for most people though

      • ours@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        And many Cantons offer to subsidize part of the installation. With increasing energy prices I bet those ROI are going end up better than initially projected.