Solar carport: what is a solar carport and why is it useful for business

A solar carport, also known as a solar carport , is a practical solution for facilities that want to use their parking space more efficiently. Instead of photovoltaic panels being installed only on a roof or free ground, they can be integrated into a structure above the parking spaces.

Thus, the same area performs two functions - it protects cars from sun, rain and snow and at the same time produces electricity. This makes photovoltaic carports increasingly suitable for business buildings, production facilities, logistics facilities, hotels, retail spaces, public parking lots and residential complexes.

What is a solar carport?

A solar carport is a supporting structure on which photovoltaic panels are mounted. The structure is built over one or more parking spaces and allows the parking area to be used for electricity generation.

Depending on the specific site, the photovoltaic canopy can be designed for a small private parking lot, a corporate parking lot, a manufacturing facility, or an area with electric vehicle charging stations.

When properly sized, the system can support the site's own consumption, reduce electricity costs, and be part of a company's broader energy strategy.

Why is a solar carport a good solution for business?

A solar carport is not just a roof over cars. It turns the parking lot into an active part of the site's energy infrastructure.

The main advantages are:

• produces electricity from an existing parking area;
• provides shade and protection for cars;
• can be combined with charging stations for electric vehicles;
• it is suitable for company, public and commercial parking lots;
• increases the functionality and value of the object;
• improves the sustainable image of the company;
• allows flexible design according to the number of parking spaces and the client's needs.

For companies with active daily electricity consumption, such a solution is particularly suitable because the production from photovoltaic panels usually coincides with the working hours of the site.

Example: a solar shed built by Sico Solar in Alino

A real-life example is the solar carport built by Siko Solar in Alino. The project is implemented with a W structure and includes 45 photovoltaic panels of 550 W each .

This means approximately 24.75 kWp of installed DC power .

The project shows how a standard parking area can be transformed into a useful energy area. Instead of serving only as a parking space, the shed starts to produce clean electricity and create additional value for the site.

A solar carport was built in Alino — W structure with 45 photovoltaic panels of 550 W each.

Solar shed and charging stations for electric vehicles

One of the most practical combinations is a solar carport + electric vehicle charging stations . Thus, part of the electricity produced can be used to charge company, client or personal cars.

This solution is suitable for:

• office buildings;
• hotels;
• commercial establishments;
• production bases;
• logistics centers;
• municipal and public parking lots;
• residential complexes with common parking spaces.

Depending on the needs of the site , AC charging stations for normal charging or DC charging stations for fast charging can be provided. AC charging stations are usually suitable for places where cars stay for a longer time, while DC solutions are used at sites where faster charging is required.

Are you interested in charging stations for electric vehicles?
Download the Sico Solar presentation on EV charging stations and see what solutions can be integrated into parking lots, business sites and solar carports.

What should be considered when designing?

Every solar shed project must be tailored to the specific site. It is not enough to just choose a structure and number of panels. It is important to make a technical assessment in advance.

The main factors are:

• available area and number of parking spaces;
• orientation and tilt of photovoltaic panels;
• possible shading from buildings, trees or other objects;
• type of supporting structure;
• method of attachment;
• wind and snow load;
• power of the photovoltaic system;
• inverter selection;
• possibility of adding charging stations;
• cable routes and electrical infrastructure;
• possibility for future expansion.

In projects with charging stations, it is necessary to check the available electrical power, the method of connection, the need for coordination with the electricity distribution company, and the necessary project documents.

Why is construction so important?

The structure is the foundation of any photovoltaic system. In solar carports, it has a dual role - it must support the photovoltaic panels and at the same time be stable as a carport.

Therefore, it is important to use quality construction that complies with:

• the weight of the panels;
• wind load;
• snow load;
• the characteristics of the terrain;
• the number of parking spaces;
• the method of installation;
• the long-term operation of the system.

The high-quality aluminum construction for photovoltaic panels contributes to the stability, safety and long life of the entire system.

Explore aluminum structures for photovoltaic panels:
https://sicosolar.com/aluminium-construction

Who is the solar carport suitable for?

The photovoltaic canopy is suitable for sites that have parking and want to use this area more efficiently.

This can be a good solution for:

• companies with high electricity consumption;
• manufacturing enterprises;
• warehouse and logistics bases;
• shopping centers;
• hotels and restaurants;
• office buildings;
• fleets;
• sites with charging stations;
• public and municipal parking lots.

A solar shed is particularly useful when the building's roof is not sufficient, is not suitable for installation, or is already occupied by another installation.

What are the main benefits for the investor?

For businesses, such an investment has several important advantages. It not only supports the production of its own electricity, but also makes the facility more modern, more functional, and better prepared for the future of electric mobility.

The main benefits are:

• better use of the parking area;
• opportunity to reduce electricity costs;
• additional protection for cars;
• possibility of charging electric vehicles;
• better ESG positioning;
• increasing the value of the property;
• better customer and employee convenience.

A complete solution from Sico Solar

Sico Solar offers solutions for building photovoltaic systems, structures, panels, inverters, batteries and charging stations. In solar shed projects, it is important that all components are properly selected and compatible — from the structure and panels to the inverter, cables and possible charging infrastructure.

If you are considering building a solar carport for a business site, parking lot, or charging area, the Sico Solar team can assist with consultation, design, and selection of an appropriate solution according to the specific needs of the site.

Learn more about aluminum structures for photovoltaic panels:
https://sicosolar.com/aluminium-construction