In Vienna, car parks are getting the ‘solar treatment’

The city has created a funding mechanism for flying roofs, but applicants will have to compete for limited resources

Last week, local authorities in Vienna announced a new funding scheme for installing so-called solar flying roofs. The funding pot for the programme would be separate from any other photovoltaic funding scheme by the city and wants to focus on barren areas that have a lot of energy potential.

These include parking lots, petrol stations and warehouses, and spaces with flat areas that get unobstructed sunlight. Moreover, according to the city, the funding would cover around 30% of a project’s cost while submissions would be limited to two per applicant.

Importantly, the submissions process started on 15 April and will be open until 15 October, however, the funding scheme is limited and cannot service all potentially viable candidates, which could trigger a photovoltaic rush for local authorities.

Finding new space for solar in urban areas

The Austrian capital has steadily grown its share of energy production through solar over recent years. In 2020, the city’s electricity company Wien Energie explained that it operated 260 photovoltaic plants, which provide up to 60 megawatts at peak production, powering around 25,000 homes.

Currently, according to the city, around 5,000 photovoltaic systems are installed on roofs, facades and open spaces throughout the city, both public and private. But it is not enough and especially with the goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2040, local officials have to constantly find new ways to expand the viable territory for installing even more solar panels.

This is where parking lots, warehouses and petrol stations come in, territories that are largely unexploited up to now. The city has provided 1.5 million euros for the scheme, which will be handed out to project recipients in the form of one lump sum.

However, the exact amount is determined by the size of the solar plant. Solar systems that can produce up to 100 kilowatts at peak production (kWp) will receive 750 euros per kWp. For capacities higher than 101 kWp, the city will provide 600 euros per kWp. Additionally, each project can be funded by a maximum of 200,000 euros and up to 30% of the costs.