Putting solar on parking lots (and of course all kind of roofs) should be so obvious, that it shouln't need to be mentioned. Besides having the area already ready, they would even improve it (shade) and the grid is in place and the eletricticy can partially be used on-site (cooling, heating, and of course, charge electric cars[1] while they park). In more northern regions like here in Germany, panels are already efficient enough when mounted vertically, as on walls, especially fences.
But it is worth stressing, that solar is even more efficient if you put it on fields rather then farming for energy production.
Another interesting option is to mount solar panels higher up with some gaps and then do farming below them. For many crops, the yield is barely reduced due to the solar panels and with the global warming, the partial shade even might result in lower water consumption.
With solar (and of course wind in suitable regions) we have all the energy production potential available, not only to fight climate change but overall have more and cheaper energy in the long term. Not to mention no environmental pollution.
[1]: For the average German electric car the math works out that on average 10 solar panels would produce enough energy to operate the car - they would basically fit on a car port. The driving distances in the US are certainly longer, but then there is also more sun and the car ports might be larger, in consequence, the calculation wouldn't be far different.
> Another interesting option is to mount solar panels higher up with some gaps and then do farming below them.
Or put them on grazing fields[1] and get the extras of i) shade for the lambs, ii) free plant management around the panels, and iii) maybe reduced water consumption.
Reduced water loss is one of the chief selling points for "agrivoltaics".
The cheapest setup, in most fields, is to make fence-rows of bifacial panels, running north-south to pick up morning and afternoon sun, and particularly to block late afternoon sun that stresses plants most.
But some crops (and livestock) benefit from protection against hail and storm rain. Then, again put up fence rows, but with the panels sticking out from both sides. Running them east-west, it is easy to tilt them to pick up the southern light better. (Northern, for you kiwis.)
But it is worth stressing, that solar is even more efficient if you put it on fields rather then farming for energy production.
Another interesting option is to mount solar panels higher up with some gaps and then do farming below them. For many crops, the yield is barely reduced due to the solar panels and with the global warming, the partial shade even might result in lower water consumption.
With solar (and of course wind in suitable regions) we have all the energy production potential available, not only to fight climate change but overall have more and cheaper energy in the long term. Not to mention no environmental pollution.
[1]: For the average German electric car the math works out that on average 10 solar panels would produce enough energy to operate the car - they would basically fit on a car port. The driving distances in the US are certainly longer, but then there is also more sun and the car ports might be larger, in consequence, the calculation wouldn't be far different.