Photovoltaic carports are an innovative solution for sustainable energy generation on company premises. They offer both environmental benefits and practical advantages for operators. These carports are equipped with solar modules that convert sunlight into electrical energy. They are the perfect complement or alternative to rooftop or ground-mounted PV systems. By covering the already sealed areas, additional roof space is quickly gained and the company premises are used twice.
How do photovoltaic carports work?
Using PV carports Solar modulesto convert sunlight into electricity. The solar modules consist of an array of solar cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current. An inverter then converts the direct current into alternating current, which can be fed into the electricity grid or used directly in a building. The carport design allows the solar modules to be optimally aligned to maximize solar radiation and thus ensure efficient energy generation.
Advantages
Sustainability benefits
Photovoltaic carports improve a company's carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability by generating renewable energy and reducing CO₂ emissions. By using solar energy as the main energy source, photovoltaic carports can reduce the need for fossil fuels and thus minimize environmental impact. In addition, surplus energy generated by the solar panels can be fed into the electricity grid, contributing to a sustainable and clean energy supply.
Economic advantages
Photovoltaic carports on company premises also offer economic benefits. By producing their own electricity, companies can reduce their energy costs and save money in the long term. In addition, there are government subsidies and incentives for the installation of photovoltaic carports, which can further reduce investment costs. The payback period for photovoltaic carports is usually relatively short, which makes them a profitable investment. In contrast to a PV system on commercial or industrial flat roofsThey are also usually visible to the public and thus enhance the company's image in the long term. In addition, the entire property is upgraded.
Convenience and practicality of photovoltaic carports
Photovoltaic carports also offer practical advantages. They offer protection from the elements such as rain, snow and hail. Equipped with charging stations, they also offer a convenient way to charge electric vehicles. This enables employees and visitors to charge their private vehicles or even the entire company fleet. This makes the charging process simple and practical, as the vehicle does not have to be taken to a charging station. Thanks to the flexible design of the substructure, they are generally freely scalable so that even larger commercial vehicles can be accommodated.
Installation and maintenance of photovoltaic carports
The installation of photovoltaic carports requires careful planning and construction. Compared to conventional Salar carports with a support spacing of six or eight meters, the proven three-component system from CUBE CONCEPTS is characterized by its generous, variable-height design. This offers several advantages: Due to the lower number of supports, fewer foundations are required, access points remain unchanged and the range of uses also extends to higher commercial vehicles. In addition, assembly times during the construction phase are shortened, the required downtime is minimized and the cost of restoration is reduced.
When planning the carport structure, attention should be paid to possible shading and the orientation should be calculated precisely to ensure maximum sunlight. South or east-west orientations are sensible and conceivable, whereby the angle of inclination also plays an important role. It has an influence on self-cleaning as well as on the snow and wind loads to which the entire carport construction is exposed. Nevertheless, photovoltaic carports should be cleaned every one to two years, depending on the sources of soiling. cleaned and maintained to ensure optimum performance. An additional inspection of the electrical components will ensure that they are working properly.
Trends and developments
The future of photovoltaic carports looks promising, as the technology is constantly being developed and new innovations are coming onto the market. One possible development is the integration of energy storage systems into photovoltaic carports to store surplus energy and use it when needed. This would further increase independence from external power sources and allow users to generate and store their own electricity. Another possible development is transparent solar panels that can be integrated into the carport roofs to provide both protection and energy generation.
Conclusion
Photovoltaic carports offer a wide range of benefits for companies, from sustainable energy generation to the protection of the vehicle fleet. They help to reduce CO₂ emissions, lower energy costs and make double use of company premises. Installation and maintenance require careful planning, but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment costs. With advancing technology and new developments, photovoltaic carports are becoming increasingly efficient and versatile and are the perfect complement to a switch to e-mobility.