When you think about solar panels, you can picture them on rooftops. Most of us believe that roofs are the most common place for solar installations. Surprisingly, the most effective places to install solar panels aren’t always on rooftops.
Schools, churches, community centers, and businesses are starting to realize that parking lots and open land can serve more than just as a space to sit. These spaces can actually make power while serving their regular purpose.
Parking Lots That Pay You Back
Look at your parking lot. It stays under the hot sun all day, and people often avoid spots without shade. That sunlight could be used to generate energy instead of being wasted.
Solar carports change everything. These are structures that cover parking spaces and have solar panels on top. They generate electricity while providing shade for your cars. It’s like getting two things for the price of one.
How Solar Carports Work
It is a simple way of turning parking spaces into energy producers.
- Build covered parking with solar panels on top.
- The panels capture sunlight and turn it into electricity.
- The power runs your building or goes back to the grid if you make extra.
- People get shaded parking, keeping cars cool and protected.
- For schools, it’s even better, big lots sit empty during summer, but solar keeps working all year.
It’s a simple way to save money, create clean energy, and make everyday spaces more useful.
Ground-Mounted Systems for Open Spaces
If you don’t have a parking lot, you can still use open or unused land for solar panels. That works well.
Ground-mounted solar systems are panels installed on open land. They don’t need a building or a parking lot. They need space and sunshine. Schools often have fields or unused areas at the edge of their property. These spots are perfect for ground-mounted systems. You’re not taking anything away that’s helpful. You’re just putting empty land to work.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Here’s something that might surprise you. According to Time Magazine, about 10–15% of all community and commercial solar installations in the United States are built on carports.
A typical large parking lot can accommodate solar panels that generate substantial electricity. And you’re using space you already have. You don’t need to buy new land or tear down anything.
Schools have saved considerable money by installing solar carports. One school district installed carports over its parking lots and now generates two-thirds of the electricity needed to power five schools. That’s huge savings that go straight back to teachers, programs, and students, rather than to the utility company.
More Than Just Power
Solar carports and ground-mounted systems do more than save money. They teach lessons, too. When students see solar panels on their campus, they learn about clean energy in real time. They can watch the panels in action. They can see the power being generated.
For community spaces, solar installations demonstrate your organization’s commitment to the future. People notice when churches, community centers, and schools invest in renewable energy. It conveys your values and commitment.
Why Schools Love This Solution
Schools like Manatee School for the Arts in Florida have already made the switch, with Tampa Bay Solar installing more than 3,000 panels to lower energy costs and promote sustainability. Across the country, more schools are following this approach by choosing solar carports and ground-mounted systems. With tight budgets and rising energy costs, these solutions help schools save money while protecting valuable programs and staff.
If you’re considering solar for your campus or community, start by assessing your space. Do you have a large parking lot or unused land just sitting there? That space could be working for you.
Solar carports fit well in parking areas with 50 to 100 spots, while ground-mounted systems work best on open, sunny land.
Working with an experienced solar company makes the process simple. At Tampa Bay Solar, we’ve helped schools and businesses turn unused areas into powerful sources of energy savings. We can help you see how your property can benefit from solar, too.
Our Service Areas
Hillsborough County: Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, Plant City, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center
Pinellas County: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Seminole
Manatee County: Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Holmes Beach
Sarasota County: Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Osprey, Nokomis, Englewood
Pasco County: Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, Hudson
