Solar roofing for architecture and urban planning: Daylighting concepts with solar carports

Daylighting concepts are daylight systems used in building constructions when the lighting is insufficient and a daylight-like atmosphere is to be created.

Especially in large parks located in areas with large crowds, such as in cities, and the high customer traffic in shopping centers, for example.

Energy efficiency is one thing, but the other is that quality of life, well-being, and optimal living and shopping conditions must not suffer as a result.

Related to this:

• Solar carport systems: Which is the better and/or more cost-effective option?

The open parking spaces, which are to be converted into covered solar power generation facilities using solar carport systems, offer a unique opportunity to combine both aesthetics and functionality in two ways: protection from the elements, such as rain and snow, and simultaneous electricity generation.

Existing solar carport systems are solely focused on energy efficiency and electricity generation. Similarly, they utilize materials designed for a long lifespan, neglecting aesthetics and comfort.

Again, the so-called designer solar carports on the market are aimed purely at private households and mostly at a maximum of 2 parking spaces as a double carport.

There is no flexibility in the solar carport system itself. The culmination of this disastrous development is the statement of a solar carport supplier who doesn't offer a rain gutter: "The customer should just go to the hardware store and buy a rain gutter there."

Furthermore, many solar carports and solar carport systems cannot be used as daylight systems because they are not designed for semi-transparent solar modules.

However, there is one exception to all these points: a solar carport system where you can determine the options yourself:

• Whether it's a double carport or a solar carport system for 100 parking spaces and beyond.
• Completely made of wood or in a combination of wood and steel, where the solar modules lie on a wooden structure equipped with steel columns.
• Pure aluminum solar carport substructure.
• Pure steel solar carport substructure with round or square columns.

Related to this:

• Smart Cities – The solution to mega-urbanization?
• Green Urban Solar City: Solar carport greening obligation & solar obligation for the roofing of parking spaces

All variants are equipped with semi-transparent double-glazed modules that fully support daylighting concepts.

But there's a smarter way: combining timber construction with the four-column solar carport system, where the supports are made of steel. In the upper section, directly beneath the solar panels, the wooden substructure for the solar modules is protected from the weather, while the supporting columns remain made of steel, as with all other large solar carport systems. With this method, the wood used requires virtually no further treatment against the elements, even for decades.

Related to this:

• Architects love them: Aesthetic diversity with semi-transparent double-glazed solar modules for solar carports and terraces

This combination also saves significantly more steel, which is reflected in the price.

Another important aspect concerns aesthetics and appearance.

The combination of wood and steel with a translucent roof made of semi-transparent double-glass modules not only enhances the parking area itself, but also has a great positive impact on people and the environment.

We know this from the construction industry. There are various methods for discouraging people from entering certain areas, encouraging them to come only when absolutely necessary. On the other hand, many sectors thrive on high customer traffic, such as shopping centers. Competition is fierce. Therefore, it's particularly important in these areas to create spaces that attract people and make them feel comfortable.

Everything from a single source, specifically designed for solar solutions for large parking areas. Refinance or offset your future costs with your own electricity generation.

Find advice and solutions here 👈🏻

Consultation and planning including a non-binding cost estimate. We connect you with strong partners in photovoltaics.

Find advice and solutions here 👈🏻

We have a regional presence throughout the German-speaking world. We have reliable partners who will advise you and implement your wishes.

Get in touch with us 👈🏻