🏗️ New Product Launches: Multiple Innovative Products Debut

Several industry leaders actively expanded their carport product lines in 2024, launching distinctive new offerings:

Residential BIPV carport – Uses N‑type TOPCon double‑glass modules, wind resistance up to 240 km/h, integrated waterproofing, available in 4.8 kW (single‑bay) and 8.0 kW (double‑bay) versions. Partnerships established in the Australian market.

Single‑column carport system – Requires only a single central column, can be extended to 50 metres, supports south‑facing single‑panel or east‑west bifacial layouts, maximising space utilisation. Comes with a 10‑year warranty; over 15 years of global experience (~90 MW installed).

US‑made integrated carport – All‑in‑one design integrating inverter and battery storage (up to 72 kWh), supports off‑grid operation, available in three models from 2.4 kWp to 4.8 kWp.

Japanese market product – All‑aluminium structure, can accommodate up to 20 modules (12.2 kW), balancing wind and snow resistance.

Low‑carbon carport from France – Uses anodised aluminium structure and bifacial double‑glass modules; a white background enhances reflection to boost generation.

Glued‑laminated timber carport from Sweden – Innovative glued‑laminated timber frame with screw pile foundations, environmentally friendly and quick to install. A project in Grenoble has been completed in cooperation with a major electrical equipment company.

🛠️ Technology Trends: Waterproofing, BIPV and Scenario Diversification

In 2024, carport technology evolved toward greater efficiency, intelligence, and aesthetics:

Waterproofing became a key competitive focus – BIPV carports generally adopted an integrated approach combining “module drainage, gutter conduction, and structural waterproofing”. One Chinese manufacturer further introduced a hidden drainage system that integrates rails with gutters, achieving fully concealed drainage and saving about 14.2% in cost per watt compared with conventional solutions.

PV‑storage‑charging integration – A system developed in China integrated PV/T solar thermal technology for combined heat and power generation; a battery‑swap station in Suzhou incorporated a 50 kW BIPV carport, energy storage, and swapping facilities, with a construction period of only 16 days.

New materials and structural innovations – A Chinese manufacturer used aluminium alloy to produce attractive, durable carports for export to Germany and Indonesia. A German company adopted a steel‑timber hybrid structure (glued‑laminated timber beams + steel tubes) that balances load capacity with design aesthetics.

Diversified applications – Carports moved from fixed installations toward mobile folding designs (a Chinese patent includes an automatic braking and locking feature) and flexible scenarios such as parking lot shading.

📊 Market Dynamics: Continued Growth and Widespread Deployment

Market size – The global solar carport market was valued at approximately US$ 978 million in 2024. North America dominated the market with a 35.2% share.

Commercial sector leads – The commercial segment was the main driver, accounting for 45% of the market, while the residential segment represented 35%. More than 61% of commercial properties are considering switching to solar‑integrated carports.

📍 Selected Regional Project Examples

Europe

Germany – One manufacturer has installed about 90 MW of carports; another German company launched a steel‑timber hybrid carport; products from a Chinese manufacturer were exported to Germany.

France – A French company introduced a low‑carbon aluminium carport with a cost below €30,000.

Lithuania – The largest parking‑lot PV plant in the Baltic region (250 kW) was completed, connected to 40 EV charging stations.

Asia‑Pacific

Shanghai, China – … (the original text is incomplete; translation ends here.)