Solar carport systems: Which is the better and/or cheaper option?

Solar carports are a hot topic right now. More and more people are becoming aware of the advantages of a solar carport. The focus isn't always solely on generating electricity, but rather on the combination of weather protection, a charging station for electric cars, and, of course, electricity generation.

However, for companies and municipalities, other factors play a role that make such solar roofing or a company solar carport attractive:

• Improving the CO2 balance of the company or municipality
• Financial advantage, because other measures for achieving climate protection goals are expensive
• Compliance with legal requirements (e.g. solar panel mandate) in the relevant federal state or requirements at the municipal level as well as municipalities
• The growing number of electric vehicles in companies and municipalities requires a suitable infrastructure, which can best be combined in a solar carport system with charging stations and electricity storage.

• 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 on 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 per 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.

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

Suitable for:

• 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.

This section is currently being revised.

This section is currently being revised.

Solar carport demand is increasing – Image: Xpert.Digital – stockphotofan1|Shutterstock.com

In light of the EU's zero-emissions policy, rising diesel and gasoline prices, and the increasing number of electric vehicles with the associated shortage of charging stations and charging points, the next few years will not only see a completely different driving and vehicle landscape, but also a radical shift in refueling and charging behavior. Refueling and charging will no longer be concentrated on centralized solar charging stations ; instead, they will be distributed throughout the region. Charging points and charging stations will be installed wherever parking is available.

Suitable for:

• Solar carport demand is also increasing thanks to environmental bonuses to promote electric cars
• Solar carport installation for electromobility in Germany – advice and planning by Xpert.Solar

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