Carports and canopies are dual-purpose structures providing shading at the same time as generating green electricity. Financially the solar carport/canopy structure will typically pay for itself in 15-20 years with payback varying by location and orientation. Solar carports and canopies can be provided with internal rain water drainage, optional lighting and vandal resistant electrics, you choose the specification. Maybe even add charging ports for electric cars or site vehicles. GB-Sol can provide a design and installation service for anywhere in the UK.
GB-Sol carport and canopy frame options
Our technical sales team and engineers can work with you or your architects / engineers for any configuration of carport or canopy structure. Off-the-shelf structures are available to which we can provide a full installation and commissioning service for all of the solar kit.
The GB-Sol Infinity solar roof is a watertight and structural roof system that your architect can incorporate into a wide variety of situations. The Infinity solar roof can be used at very shallow angles and provide an elegant and almost seamless glass roof effect.
Wooden framed carports and canopies are available in a variety of sizes and we can provide a fully installed service for these. Finishes can be in either high quality pressure treated softwood or solid oak.
Cantilevered vs four-legged
For one or two cars in a private setting, we would recommend a four legged, wooden framed car port with one of our Infinity solar roofs. These are cost-effective and simple to install. The downside of this four-legged design is manoeuvring between the legs, as you need to drive in between two legs typically 2.4 metres apart. In a domestic setting this is fine and is akin to driving into a garage, which everyone can do but it needs some care.
In a more public environment, the issues of damaging the car, the occupants or the car port structure all become more complex, so a cantilevered design is recommended in these situations, where the whole canopy overhangs from stronger legs only set at the front. Cantilevered structures require much more in the way of ground works and civil engineering, often several metres deep. so are mainly used in much larger car parks and are not usually practical for only a few parking spaces.
GB-Sol solar panel options
Using GB-Sol panels can open up a range of possibilities. For example, if your car-parking spaces are not suitable for a standard size solar panel we can make larger or smaller panels to fit, maximising the output from each space.
Clear backing
We also offer the option of clear backed panels, allowing light to pass through the gaps between the cells for an attractive mottled shade effect. We can also modify the spacing of the cells to your specification to allow as much light through as is required.
Customisation
We can also provide:
- Gutters & downpipes
- Lighting
- Vandal resistant electrics
- Electric vehicle charge points
- Battery Storage
- Clear backed panels
Maintenance
GB-Sol solar roofs can be set as low as 15º and remain watertight & self cleaning, thus making the system very low maintenance. An electrical & physical check is recommended every two years.
Further information is available in our brochure
If you are interested in talking to one of our technical sales team please contact us today by phone: 01443 841 811 or e-mail us.