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

Solar carports are the current topic. More and more people are becoming aware of the advantages of a solar carport. The focus here is not always on electricity generation alone, but generally on the combination of weather protection, charging stations for electric cars and electricity generation.

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

• Improving the carbon footprint of the company or community
• Financial advantage because other measures for climate protection goals are expensive
• Fulfillment of legal requirements (e.g. solar obligation) in the relevant federal state or requirements at the local level and municipalities
• The growing number of electric vehicles in companies and municipalities require a suitable infrastructure, which can best be easily combined in a solar carport system with charging stations and electricity storage.

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

In addition to the individual aesthetic aspects, each of these types of construction has its functional advantages and disadvantages.

The disadvantage of T-beams is that they require more steel to support the larger overhanging area, resulting in higher costs. As far as steel is concerned, V-beams are more cost-effective compared to T-beams. V-beams with raised side foundations, on the other hand, negate this cost advantage, especially since they also require complex ground work.

Classic 4-pillar roofing shows its advantages in the areas of stability, security and expandability. Modular solar carports for large parks with 4-pillar technology are easy to expand. Compared to the other systems, these require less effort for the foundation.

Above all, point foundations are only possible with the 4-pillar technology. It is the first choice for secure installation compared to slab or strip foundations. In addition, only a small amount of building material is required here.

Depending on the nature of the ground in the already sealed areas, it is also possible to screw the post bases to the ground. This means that no further ground work is necessary and underground pipes are not affected.

Because the 4-column technology also allows screwing to the ground, they are ideal for parks with free, uncovered and drivable upper deck or roof parking spaces!

In addition to the simple modular expandability of the 4-column construction with only 2 columns per additional parking unit, this technology can also be used for diagonally offset open parking areas. Furthermore, 4-column solar carport substructures are lighter and individually adaptable, even for curved parking lot sections, in contrast to the other constructions.

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

Suitable for:

• Customized solar carport solutions parallel to solar roofing standards

Last but not least, an important point for larger parking areas. Any roofing causes a darkening of the area underneath, which, among other things, makes greening impossible and has a negative impact on any beautification of the parking space.

There are solutions for this with semi-transparent solar modules that are translucent enough and also aesthetically pleasing to look at.

For such translucent solutions, transparent glass modules that have overhead approval are required. That's not the case for most people!

Likewise, almost all T-beams, V-frames and 4-column parking lot substructures are not intended and cannot be used for such translucent solar modules. If so, costly and complex renovation work is necessary.

It is therefore recommended to choose the right solar carport system and the right solar modules straight away and to consult an expert for covered parking systems for advice.

This section is currently being revised.

This section is currently being revised.

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

With regard to the emission-free EU policy, the rising diesel and gasoline prices, the increase in electric vehicles with the associated charging stations and charging point bottlenecks, not only will a completely different driving and vehicle situation develop here in the next few years, but also the refueling or charging behavior will change completely. Refueling and charging will no longer only be possible on a large scale at central solar filling stations ; these will be distributed decentrally across the area. Wherever there are parking spaces, potential for charging points and charging stations will arise.

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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