Solar Carport Tip: Why aluminum is the better choice over wood and steel for building solar parking spaces

Aluminum vs. wood and steel in solar parking spaces: An analysis of the decisive factors

Aluminum is often considered a better choice over wood and steel for building solar parking lots due to a number of benefits it offers. Here are some reasons why aluminum is preferred:

1. Corrosion resistance

Aluminum is naturally corrosion resistant, meaning it will not rust or weather when exposed to moisture and the elements. In contrast, steel can rust over time and wood can rot, which can affect the lifespan of solar parking lots.

2. Lightweight

Aluminum is significantly lighter compared to steel. This greatly facilitates the transportation and installation of the structures and reduces the overall cost. At the same time, while wood can be lightweight, aluminum is still an attractive option for those who need extra strength and stability.

3. Longevity

The corrosion resistance of aluminum gives the solar parking structures a long service life. Aluminum maintains its strength and durability over time, resulting in lower maintenance costs.

4. Environmental friendliness

Aluminum is 100% recyclable, making it a sustainable choice. Recycling aluminum requires only about 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminum. In comparison, producing steel or wood is more energy intensive and results in more waste.

5. Flexibility in design

Aluminum is easier to shape and machine than steel or wood. This allows engineers to design customized structures that better suit the needs of the solar farm and allow for more efficient use of the available space.

6. Resistance to temperature fluctuations

Aluminum has high thermal expansion, meaning it does not deform as much as steel or wood when temperature changes. This means the structure remains more stable even in extreme weather conditions.

➡️ Although aluminum offers many advantages, it is important to note that the final choice of material for building solar parking lots depends on various factors such as location, budget, aesthetic preferences and local availability of construction materials. It is advisable to carry out a thorough assessment of the specific requirements and framework before making a decision.

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.

➡️ With our solar carport planner we simplify the process.

➡️ We are there for you for the next steps and thus minimize costs and effort for you.

Xpert.Solar solar carport planner

More about it here:

• Solar carport planner

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

More about it here:

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

Single to double carports offer a practical way to protect vehicles from the elements without requiring a full garage. Two main materials have proven useful when building such carports: wood and aluminum. Both have their advantages, but aluminum still has some key advantages.

Aesthetics and naturalness: wood scores with charm

Wood is a natural material and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It blends harmoniously into most environments and offers a natural aesthetic that is appreciated by many car owners.

Environmental friendliness and sustainability: aluminum sets an example

Aluminum is 100% recyclable and has an impressive recycling rate of around 90%. This makes it an extremely sustainable choice for carport structures. In addition, the production of recycled aluminum is significantly more energy efficient than the extraction of primary aluminum from bauxite.

Durability and resilience: Aluminum shows strength

Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, making it a long-term durable option compared to wood. It does not rust and is insensitive to moisture, pests and temperature fluctuations.

Lightweight and easy to assemble: aluminum scores with practicality

Compared to wood, aluminum is significantly lighter. This makes transport and installation much easier. Another advantage is that aluminum profiles can often be prefabricated and easily assembled, saving time and costs.

Low maintenance: Aluminum relieves the burden on the owner

While wood requires regular care and maintenance to ensure its durability and protect against rotting, aluminum is maintenance-free. It does not need to be painted or glazed and retains its optical quality for many years.

Looking into the future: Sustainable building with aluminum

The increasing demand for renewable energies and environmentally friendly technologies will also further advance the area of ​​sustainable construction. Aluminum plays an important role here, not only in carports but also in other areas of architecture, such as: E.g. solar systems, facades and roofing.

The development of advanced aluminum alloys and innovative manufacturing techniques will further improve the efficiency and sustainability of carport structures. These may include more powerful solar integrations, smart rainwater harvesting systems and improved ventilation systems for carports.

The combination of solar technology and aluminum structures also offers potential for future “smart carports”. These could be equipped with sensors that monitor energy production, power consumption and other environmental aspects to ensure optimized usage and efficiency.

Why aluminum is the better choice

Although wood is an attractive option for carports due to its natural aesthetics and charm, the advantages of aluminum outweigh it in terms of sustainability, low maintenance, durability and flexibility. It is more environmentally friendly, more durable and easier to assemble. Advances in aluminum technology promise an even more promising future for sustainable construction, particularly as it relates to solar and energy efficient carport solutions. It is therefore recommended to rely on aluminum to make a future-proof and environmentally friendly investment for single to double carports.

The city solar carport - with increased collision and vandalism protection - Image: Xpert.Digital

The advantages at a glance

• Support & Made in Germany
• Modular & scalable (for 2, 100, 1,000 and more parking spaces)
• Really waterproof
• Integrated water drain / invisible rain gutter
• Vandalism protection, optionally with integrated impact protection
• Variable with all common solar modules
• City design available in aluminum and 3 different colors
• Depending on the amount of self-consumption (degree of self-sufficiency), amortization is possible within 6 years
• Long service life (aluminum substructure)
• 30-year (!) performance guarantee on bifacial and partially transparent double-glass solar modules (25-year product guarantee)
• Reducing urban heat islands
• Building-integrated photovoltaics
• Ideal for transparent and translucent double-glass solar modules with overhead mounting approval!

Large solar parking lots play an important role in the generation of renewable energy. When designing such systems, planners are faced with the decision of whether to use steel or aluminum as the main construction material. Both materials have their advantages, but aluminum still offers some key advantages that make it a better choice.

Strength and load capacity: Steel as a traditional option

Steel is a well-known and proven building material with high strength and load-bearing capacity. It can carry large loads and is therefore popular in the construction of massive solar systems on large solar parking lots.

Lightweight and transport: Aluminum makes logistics easier

Although steel is strong, it is also heavier than aluminum. This can lead to challenges with logistics and transporting materials. Aluminum, on the other hand, is significantly lighter and can therefore reduce the time and cost of transporting materials.

Corrosion resistance: Aluminum excels in weather conditions

Large solar parking spaces are exposed to long-term environmental influences such as rain, snow and sunlight. Aluminum is naturally corrosion resistant, making it an ideal choice for equipment operating in a variety of climatic conditions.

Assembly speed and flexibility: Aluminum enables efficiency

Due to their low weight and the possibility of prefabrication, aluminum structures can be assembled quickly and easily on site. This leads to improved efficiency in the construction of large-scale solar parking lots, especially in large facilities that require rapid commissioning.

Sustainability and recyclability: Aluminum protects the environment

As already mentioned, aluminum is 100% recyclable and can be reused infinitely. The emphasis on sustainable construction and reducing carbon footprints has increased the importance of recyclable materials such as aluminum in large-scale solar parking lots.

Looking to the future: The role of aluminum in solar energy

The expansion of renewable energies will continue to advance worldwide in the coming years. Solar energy will play a crucial role here. Aluminum will play a key role as a building material. Innovative technologies will further improve the properties of aluminum to better meet the requirements of large-scale solar parking spaces.

Advanced aluminum alloys are being developed to further increase strength and durability. At the same time, special coatings and surface treatments are being developed to further improve corrosion resistance and extend the life of the solar parking structures.

The integration of solar cells directly into aluminum structures could be a promising development for future large-scale solar parking lots. Such “solar carports” would not only maximize energy production, but also make better use of the available space and thus increase the efficiency of the system.

Why aluminum is the better choice

Although steel is known as a traditional building material for large-scale solar parking lots and has its own advantages, aluminum's advantages in terms of transportation, corrosion resistance, installation speed and sustainability outweigh them. The development of advanced aluminum technologies and the focus on green energy will further strengthen the role of aluminum in solar energy. It is therefore recommended to use aluminum for large solar parking spaces to ensure efficient, long-lasting and environmentally friendly energy production.