Solar/photovoltaic asphalt surfaces roofing: Guide and tips for solar carports from small to large systems - for municipalities, industry, installers and private households

Solar carports offer an attractive alternative to rooftop solar systems, particularly in urban areas where free roof space is limited and asphalt parking spaces are a common occurrence. Solar carports make effective use of these available areas while also providing protection from the elements for parked vehicles.

👉🏼 Many parking lots, shopping centers and other public buildings have asphalt surfaces that are perfect for installing solar carports.

In addition, solar carports offer the advantage of being easier to access than rooftop solar systems and do not require any additional structure. This makes them particularly attractive for companies and public institutions that want to reduce their energy costs while using a green and sustainable energy source.

Another advantage of solar carports is that they are less susceptible to damage from wind and weather than rooftop solar systems because they are usually lower and can be better adapted to the terrain.

Solar carports offer an attractive option for generating electricity on asphalt parking areas and can be a valuable addition to existing energy sources.

In addition, solar tarports (as well as solar terraces and winter gardens in private households) can be a cheap alternative to generate additional solar energy if the space on the roof is limited or the roof pitch is not optimal. Solar terraces and winter gardens are an extension of the living space and at the same time offer an opportunity to collect solar energy. They consist of solar panels that are integrated into a patio roof. Solar tarports are a similar structure that can be used as a car shelter while also supporting solar panels.

The use of transparent solar modules in solar carports and solar terraces is possible. Transparent solar panels are made of translucent solar cells and allow you to harness solar energy while also serving as a roof or facade.

The solar cells in transparent solar modules are not translucent, but the transparency effect is created by the translucent space between the individual solar cells. This is made possible by the double glazing of the solar cells in a solar module, which is particularly suitable for solar carports and commercial solar parking systems.

Transparent solar modules can also be seamlessly integrated into facades and roofs, thus enabling an aesthetic solution for the use of solar energy and in combination with the surface and building design. In addition to the elegant look, these partially transparent solar modules enable underlying greenery and shading at the same time, thus increasing the feel-good factor. In all efficiency and profit analyses, the comfort and well-being factor at work and leisure time should play an equally important role - if not more important!

Solar canopy: Solar covered parking space - Image: Wiederspan.Solar

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• Solar covered parking space for your solar carport park customer projects

Various carrier materials are used in solar carports, such as wood, steel, aluminum or concrete. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and the choice of carrier material depends on various factors, such as the size of the carport, the location and the planned use.

Here are some of the most common solar carport support materials and their advantages and disadvantages:

❌ Wood

Wood is a natural material that is often used for solar carports. It is relatively inexpensive, lightweight and easy to work with. However, it is not as durable as steel or aluminum and requires more maintenance and care.

🔺 Steel

Steel is strong and durable, making it a popular support material for solar carports. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. However, steel is susceptible to corrosion and rust if not regularly maintained.

✔️ Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight and durable and offers good corrosion resistance, making it a popular material for solar carports. However, it is more expensive than steel and requires specialized knowledge to assemble.

🚨 Concrete

Concrete is a very robust and durable material that is often used for large solar carports. It offers high stability and security, but can be expensive and difficult to work with.

📣 Quality

The choice of support material depends on many factors, such as the size of the carport, location, intended use and budget constraints. It is important to plan carefully and make an informed decision to ensure

👉🏼 that the solar carport is stable and, above all, low-maintenance, durable and safe.

Approval for a parking space cover in public places depends on many factors, such as the type of public place, the type of cover and local building regulations and laws.

In most cases, you will need permission from the relevant city or municipal administration before you can erect a parking space cover in a public space. This approval may depend on various factors, such as the purpose of the canopy, the size and height of the canopy, the material from which the canopy is constructed, and the type of foundations required for the canopy.

In some cases you may also be required to obtain a building permit or other approval from the local building authority. It is important to contact your local city or town government or local building authority to determine what permits are required and what regulations need to be followed.

It is also important to note that public spaces are generally intended for use by the public and that any restrictions or limitations on the use of the public spaces must be taken into account.

permit

Before installing a parking space cover in public spaces, approval must usually be obtained from the responsible authority. It is important to find out about the relevant approval regulations in advance and to obtain the necessary approvals.

Location

The location of the parking space enclosure should be carefully selected to ensure that it complies with local regulations and that the safety of users is guaranteed. In particular, potential hazards from traffic, trees or other obstacles should be taken into account.

materials

The materials from which the parking space cover is made should be robust and durable to meet the requirements of a public space. They should also be as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible.

Accessibility

The parking space roof should be designed so that it is also accessible to people with disabilities or limited mobility.

lighting

Good lighting is important to ensure the safety of those using the parking space cover. It is important to ensure adequate lighting, especially in the evening and night hours.

maintenance

A largely maintenance-free parking space roof is ideal. However, every parking space requires regular maintenance to ensure that it remains safe and functional. It is important to develop a maintenance and inspection program to ensure that the roofing remains in good condition and that any problems are addressed quickly.

Environment

When installing a parking space cover in public spaces, it is important to consider the impact on the environment. In particular, measures should be taken to minimize impacts on flora and fauna and reduce the ecological footprint of the canopy.

Solar roofing in public spaces can play an important role in promoting renewable energy. Here are some important points to consider when installing such a system:

Location

The location of the solar canopy should be chosen so that it receives maximum sunlight. The orientation and tilt angle of the solar modules should be optimized accordingly to ensure maximum energy production.

Load capacity

The solar roofing must be designed to withstand local wind and snow loads. The construction should be sufficiently stable to support the solar modules and the users of the system.

permit

As with any public construction, solar roofing in public spaces must be approved. It is important to find out about the relevant approval regulations in advance and to obtain the necessary approvals.

Accessibility

The solar roofing should be designed so that it is also accessible to people with disabilities or limited mobility.

lighting

Good lighting is important to ensure the safety of solar canopy users. It is important to ensure adequate lighting, especially in the evening and night hours.

maintenance

A largely maintenance-free solar roof is ideal. However, any solar roofing needs regular maintenance to ensure that it remains safe and functional. It is important to develop a maintenance and inspection program to ensure that the roofing remains in good condition and that any problems are addressed quickly.

Environment

When installing a solar canopy in public places, it is important to consider the impact on the environment. In particular, measures should be taken to minimize impacts on flora and fauna and reduce the ecological footprint of the canopy.

Vandalism protection and collision protection are important points to ensure the safety and longevity of solar carports. Here are some other important points to consider when planning and installing solar carports:

Load capacity

Solar carports should be designed to withstand local wind and snow loads. It is important to make the construction sufficiently stable to safely support the solar modules and the users of the system.

Cable laying

Cables and wires should be laid safely and securely to avoid short circuits, damage or safety risks. It is important that all cables are placed in protective covering or conduit to minimize damage from weather, vandalism or accidents.

maintenance and inspection

Solar carports require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure they are functioning properly and safe. It is important to create and carry out a maintenance and inspection program to detect and correct any damage or defects at an early stage.

Fire protection

Solar carports can pose a higher risk of fires due to their proximity to power sources and solar panels. It is important to take appropriate fire safety measures, such as using fire alarm systems and fire extinguishers.

Environmental sustainability

It is important to consider the environmental impact of solar carports, especially when selecting construction materials and waste disposal. Materials should be chosen that are environmentally friendly and have a long lifespan to minimize waste.

permit

As with any public structure, solar carports must be approved. It is important to research local permitting requirements in advance and obtain all necessary permits before construction begins.

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It is important that solar carports are designed to be vandal-proof and that appropriate measures are taken to ensure they remain safe and functional.

Vandalism is generally a serious problem in public places as they are often the target of damage or theft. To prevent this, it is important to take appropriate vandalism protection measures. Here are some ways solar carports can be protected from vandalism:

Robust materials

Solar carports should be built from strong and durable materials that are difficult to damage. This can be achieved, for example, by using steel or aluminum structures.

Safety glass

Solar panels should be equipped with safety glass that is difficult to break. This makes it difficult for vandals or thieves to break in.

Surveillance cameras

Installing surveillance cameras can help prevent vandalism as they can deter potential vandals and, if necessary, help identify and punish perpetrators.

lighting

Installing lighting around the solar carport can help prevent vandalism, as lit areas tend to be less attractive to vandals.

Alarm and security systems

Alarm and security systems can be installed that are triggered in the event of damage or intruders to deter potential vandals or notify the police.

Greening

The area surrounding the solar carport can be beautified by installing greenery to increase the attractiveness of the space and minimize the risk of vandalism.

It is important that collision protection measures are considered when installing solar carports in public spaces to ensure they are safe and resistant to vehicles and other moving objects.

Collision protection is an important aspect that must be taken into account when installing solar carports in public spaces. The solar carports must be designed to be robust and resistant to vehicles and other moving objects.

Here are some ways to ensure collision protection with solar carports in public spaces:

Solid foundations

The foundations of the solar carport should be solid and stable to prevent the carport from slipping or tipping when hit by vehicles.

Robust supports

The supports of the solar carport should be robust and durable to prevent the carport from slipping or tipping.

distances

Adequate distances should be considered between the solar carport and other objects in the public place to avoid accidental collision by vehicles.

Warning signs

Warning signs can be put up to point out the solar carport and indicate that vehicles should keep their distance.

Impact protection strips

Collision protection strips can be installed on the ground to prevent accidental collisions with vehicles and thus prevent damage to the solar carport.

Barriers

Barriers such as bollards or benches can be set up to protect the solar carport from vehicles and other moving objects.

Solar parking spaces are a promising way to generate renewable energy while optimizing limited space requirements in cities and urban areas. However, there are actually some challenges that can complicate the introduction of such parking spaces.

One of the biggest hurdles is the high cost and planning effort associated with installing solar panels in parking lots. Not only must the cost of the solar panels themselves be taken into account, but also the cost of the infrastructure required to connect the panels to the grid. In addition, the space required for installing the solar modules must be precisely planned and coordinated to ensure effective use of the available space.

Another obstacle are bureaucratic hurdles and approval processes that can make it difficult to install solar panels in parking lots. Depending on the region or country, different rules and regulations may apply, which can complicate the approval and implementation process.

Despite these challenges, there is high demand for solar parking spaces as they represent an effective way to promote renewable energy while optimizing space requirements in urban areas. With careful planning and collaboration between the parties involved, the hurdles can be overcome to facilitate the introduction of such parking spaces.

➡️ We specialize in providing advisory and planning support for such solar carport projects and advancing their implementation.

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• Solar carport planner

When it comes to larger solar parking spaces, both the demand and the effort increase significantly. Such facilities can contain hundreds or even thousands of parking spaces and require careful planning to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability.

The effort required to install solar panels on a larger parking lot is considerable. Not only the solar modules themselves must be installed, but also the necessary infrastructure such as converters, cables and grid connections. In addition, the space required and the load on the floor must be taken into account to ensure a safe and stable installation.

In addition, bureaucratic hurdles and approval processes can become more complex for larger projects. Additional requirements and regulations may apply that may slow down or complicate the approval and implementation process.

On the other hand, demand for larger solar parking lots is high as they offer an effective way to generate renewable energy while optimizing space requirements in urban areas. Such systems can also play a significant role in reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving climate goals.

Overall, the installation of larger solar parking lots requires extensive planning and collaboration between various stakeholders such as planners, engineers, utilities and authorities to overcome the hurdles and ensure a successful implementation.

This means you can handle the high volume of orders without additional skilled workers and at the same time improve your customer service. In addition, you shorten the planning time and support customers in selecting the right components by specialists.

The goal: Use our planner for solar carports and solar terraces to compensate for the high order situation due to a lack of skilled workers!

Free solar carport and solar terrace planner for construction, electrical companies and solar engineers - Image: Xpert.Digital

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• White Label Solar Planner: Free solar carport and solar terrace planner for construction, electrical companies and solar engineers

Guide – concepts – strategies – useful information

Part I – The parking space requirement, the solar requirement, types of parking spaces and the solar carport strategy for open parking spaces

➡️ Focus on entry and exit zones

Part II – Photovoltaic parking lot: “Smart Solar Park Concept” for parking, exit and entry

➡️ Focus on parking and exiting situations

Part III - Guide and tips for solar carports from small to large systems - for municipalities, industry, installers and private households

➡️ Focus on ideal materials for substructures