Consulting & Planning: Limitless Parking & Solar – The modular solar carport system for all applications and situations

Three types of solar carports are currently the most popular:

• The practical and stable solar carport: durable, stable and largely protected against collisions.
• The solar carport with transparent glass/glass solar panels. Ideal when appearance is important.
• The modular solar carport system can be used for 1, 10, 20, 50, 100 and well over 1,000 parking spaces.

Four types of solar carports are currently available:

• The classic choice for private homes – available in white, natural, pine, or teak: Solar carport roofing made entirely of wood
• The lightweight option: Aluminum solar carport
• The stable feature: Carport substructure made entirely of steel
• The designer combination: steel beams and a wooden solar substructure

The tried and tested option among the 3 common solar carport substructures: The 4-column technique

Three different types of parking space canopies have now emerged for solar carports. The main focus is on the following:

• T-beam constructions
• V-frame constructions
• Classic 4-pillar designs

Each of these construction types has its own functional advantages and disadvantages, in addition to its individual aesthetic aspects.

T-beams have the disadvantage of requiring more steel to support the larger overhanging section, thus increasing costs. In terms of steel, V-beams are more cost-effective than T-beams. However, V-beams with raised side foundations negate this cost advantage, especially since they also necessitate extensive groundwork.

Classic four-column canopies offer advantages in terms of stability, safety, and expandability. Modular solar carports for large parking facilities using this four-column design are easily expandable. Compared to other systems, they require less foundation work.

Point foundations are only possible with the four-column technique. They are the preferred choice for secure installation compared to slab or strip foundations. Furthermore, they require very little building material.

Depending on the soil conditions of the already sealed areas, it is also possible to bolt the post supports to the ground. This eliminates the need for further groundwork and does not affect underground utilities.

Because the 4-post system also allows for bolting to the ground, it is ideally suited for parking facilities with open, uncovered and accessible upper deck or roof parking spaces!

In addition to the simple modular expandability of the 4-column construction with only 2 additional columns (4+2+ technology/system) for each additional parking unit, this technology can also be used for sloping open parking areas. Furthermore, 4-column solar carport substructures are lighter and more individually adaptable for curved parking sections, unlike other constructions.

Customized solar carport solutions – Image: Xpert.Digital / non c|Shutterstock.com

Related to this:

• Customized solar carport solutions in parallel with the standards for solar roofs

Finally, an important point for larger parking areas: Every roof darkens the area underneath, making greenery impossible and negatively impacting any beautification of the parking space.

Solutions exist for this using semi-transparent solar modules that are sufficiently light-permeable and also aesthetically pleasing.

Such translucent solutions require transparent glass modules that are approved for overhead use. This is not the case for most of them!

Similarly, almost all T-beams, V-frames, and 4-column parking lot substructures are not designed or suitable for such translucent solar modules. If they are to be used, costly and complex modifications are necessary.

Therefore, it is recommended to select the right solar carport system and suitable solar modules right away and to consult an expert for covered parking facilities.

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.

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