The potential for community solar in Connecticut: A geospatial analysis of solar canopy siting on parking lots

Abstract

Local, state, and national governments across the world have set goals of transitioning their energy generation to 100% renewable sources. Connecticut is one example of a sub-national state that has set a target for a zero-carbon electric sector by 2040. Government reports released on how this statewide renewable energy transition will occur pay significant attention to utility-scale solar and rooftop solar, but do not mention solar canopies as a priority. Yet, solar canopies provide a promising approach to fostering decentralized community solar. This study develops a novel methodology for assessing the potential for solar canopies on a regional scale. The study uses geospatial approaches to assess all large parking lots in the state for the viability of solar canopies. By applying this methodology to the research setting of Connecticut, the study produces the first estimates of the potential electrical generation from solar canopies in any region and analyzes how solar canopies can contribute to energy justice. The analysis revealed that there are 8,416 sites across the state, capable of producing a total of 9,042 GWh of electricity, which is equivalent to 37.0% of current electricity use in Connecticut. The analysis compared findings to census tract-level demographic data across the state and investigated two case study cities to understand energy justice considerations related to solar canopy siting. This study demonstrates that solar canopies have significant potential as a component of Connecticut's energy portfolio and discusses policies that could foster their adoption. Finally, the study lays a foundation for future research on solar canopy potential by providing a methodology that is replicable across various geographical scales.