Austrian Solar Prize for PV Parking Canopy in Waidhofen/Thaya

EUROSOLAR Austria recognizes joint project by the City of Waidhofen/Thaya and W.E.B for its multiple benefits.

The PV parking canopy at the Waidhofen/Thaya recreational center has received the Austrian Solar Prize 2026. Martin Litschauer accepted the award on behalf of the City of Waidhofen/Thaya, while Sebastian Gerstorfer and Daniel Gahleitner represented project partner WEB Windenergie AG.

With an installed capacity of 367 kWp, the system demonstrates how already sealed surfaces can serve multiple purposes. The parking canopy generates solar power while also providing shade for the vehicles parked underneath. As part of the project, charging stations for electric vehicles were also installed. The electricity generated is used, among other things, directly by the municipality and through the local energy community.

Flood protection was also taken into account during implementation. As part of the redesign, the parking lot was raised, improving its protection against flooding.

From Planning to Financing

W.E.B planned, built, and pre-financed the system. This made it possible to implement the project without placing the full investment cost directly on the municipal budget. After 22 years, ownership of the system will be transferred to the City of Waidhofen/Thaya.

“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when a municipality and an energy company work together on a smart solution. We are using an already sealed surface to generate electricity while creating additional benefits for the local community at the same time. These are exactly the kinds of projects we want to advance together with our partners at W.E.B,” says Florian Müller, member of the Executive Board of WEB Windenergie AG.

Several factors were key to making the project possible. The parking lot renovation, which had already been planned, could be combined with the construction of the PV system. Following the 2024 flooding, the plans were also adapted and the parking lot was raised. In addition, the project was able to benefit from funding provided by the Province of Lower Austria for PV parking canopies.

“I am very pleased that we found such a reliable project partner in WEB Windenergie AG to get this pilot project off the ground. The Solar Prize highlights the project’s exemplary character, and I believe it can serve as a model for many similar projects, enabling already sealed surfaces to provide multiple benefits,” says Martin Litschauer, who was responsible for implementing the project in his role as city councilor.

Another important factor is that the electricity generated is used directly within the region. The recreational center, the municipality, and the local energy community all provide local demand for the electricity produced.

The project is still evolving: W.E.B is currently assessing whether a battery storage system could be added to further increase on-site consumption of the electricity generated.

The Austrian Solar Prize 2026 highlights the potential of using already sealed surfaces in smart, multifunctional ways.