Market Overview: PV Carports Enter Rapid Growth Phase

In 2024, the global PV carport market experienced explosive growth. With the continued rise in electric vehicle ownership and the popularization of the "PV + storage + charging" integrated model, PV carports are transforming from simple parking shading structures into comprehensive energy hubs integrating power generation, charging, storage, and lighting. Major mounting system manufacturers and PV companies have launched innovative products, achieving comprehensive breakthroughs in structural design, waterproofing performance, material selection, and aesthetics.

1. Single-Column Large-Span Systems: Optimal Space Utilization

Schletter Launches SunRide Carport System (March 2024)

German PV mounting giant Schletter Group released its new modular solar carport system SunRide in March 2024. The system's standout feature is its self-supporting structure requiring only a single central column, completely eliminating the problem of columns obstructing parking found in traditional carports.

Structural Features: No supports or ground structures interfering with parking; vehicles can be parked parallel or in a herringbone pattern, significantly improving space utilization

Configuration Options: Single-panel south-facing or double-panel east-west layout; cantilever span up to 5 meters, extendable to 50 meters in length

Material & Process: High-strength hot-dip galvanized steel, backed by a 10-year warranty

Foundation Options: Drilled concrete sleeve foundations (suitable for existing parking lot retrofits) or strip foundation concrete anchors (suitable for new parking lots); foundations flush with ground, not interfering with vehicle passage

Additional Features: Optional trapezoidal metal sheet rain protection, gutters and downpipes, lighting, advertising space, cable management, and inverter mounting brackets

Schletter CEO Florian Roos stated: "SunRide enables operators to maximize the value of every square meter of parking space — it's a parking lot, a parking management system, and a solar power plant all in one." Schletter has installed approximately 90 MW of PV carport systems worldwide, accumulating over 15 years of carport project experience.

2. Residential PV Carports: BIPV Aesthetics Meet Practicality

GoodWe Launches Residential Solar Carport (November 2024)

GoodWe, through its BIPV division, launched a solar carport product targeting the residential market in November 2024, marking the extension of PV carports from commercial and industrial applications to the home segment.

Power Configurations: 4.8kW (single-bay) and 8.0kW (double-bay) versions

Dimensions: Single-bay 6500×3000mm, double-bay 6500×5200mm; clear height 2000-2500mm, peak height 3000-3500mm

Core Components: 535W Polaris double-glass modules based on N-type TOPCon technology, 21.5% conversion efficiency, power density 215W/m²

Structural Features: All-aluminum alloy construction; adjustable column height to accommodate different site slopes; integrated waterproofing without sealants for a clean appearance

Wind Resistance: 240 km/h wind resistance capable of withstanding extreme weather such as hurricanes

Commercial Value: GoodWe indicated the product offers retailers gross margins approaching 30%

3. Waterproofing Technology Breakthrough: Hidden Drainage for BIPV Carports

Mibet Launches Drainage-Edge BIPV Carport System (December 2024)

Chinese mounting system manufacturer Mibet launched a BIPV carport system with drainage edges in December 2024, innovatively solving the long-standing waterproofing challenges of PV carports.

Core Technology: Multi-layer waterproof structure of "BIPV symmetrical rails + gutters + edge trim"

Working Principle: BIPV rails direct rainwater to gutters, which drain via PVC pipes; fully wrapped, integrated, sealed design ensures leak-proof operation

Gutter Component Innovation: Composed of gutter hooks, gutters, and gutter end caps, manufactured using mold mass production; aluminum alloy material verified for corrosion resistance through 168-hour salt spray testing; cross-buckle blocks intact under 2160N pressure test

Hidden Drainage System: Rainwater flows through longitudinal and transverse structures to gutters and is discharged via PVC pipes, achieving integrated hidden drainage

Easy Installation: "one-click, two-lock, three-assemble" installation method; edge trim panels require only 6 self-tapping screws for extension fixing

Economic Benefits: Approximately 14.2% cost savings per watt compared to traditional solutions

Inverter Integration: Fixed to square tubes and columns, simplifying subsequent energy storage system assembly

4. Curved Aesthetic Design: Balancing Safety and Style

Gridparity Launches Curve Design Carport (October 2024)

German company Gridparity AG released the Curve Design Carport in October 2024, featuring curved support structures specifically designed for high-frequency use parking areas.

Structural Innovation: Steel-timber hybrid construction with curved supports + glued laminated timber beams + steel tube supports; height 3.5 meters

Product Range: Four versions C1 to C4; C1 suitable for 5-8.4kW (width 5.1-7.1m), C4 suitable for 11.3-18.9kW (width 5.3-7.4m)

Material Advantages: 10mm hot-dip galvanized steel ensures corrosion resistance; glued laminated timber beams provide high load-bearing capacity and dimensional stability; timber components feature mortise-and-tenon numbering for simplified assembly

Waterproof Installation: Waterproof installation of PV modules achieved using aluminum rails, rubber profiles, and sealants

Safety Features: Optimized center of gravity design ensures high impact protection rating, with impact force resistance up to 6 km/h; snow and wind load capacity up to 120 kg/m²

Transparent Design: Double-glass semi-transparent modules create a bright, open atmosphere, facilitating driver visibility and navigation

5. Sustainable Material Innovation: Timber Meets Solar

Innoventum Launches Glulam Frame Solar Carport (September 2024)

Innoventum, a Swedish renewable energy system supplier, launched a solar carport series featuring glulam timber structures in September 2024, equipped with bifacial modules, EV charging, storage, lighting, and inverter equipment.

Timber Structure Features: Larch timber carport with concealed timber connection nodes; Krinner screw foundations for fast construction with minimal environmental impact

Landmark Project: Completed two 12-bay carports at Schneider Electric's Grenoble Electropole site, using 136 430W double-glass bifacial modules (30-year warranty), equipped with a DC microgrid solution developed by DC Systems

DC Microgrid Advantages: Supports off-grid or grid-connected operation; DC-AC conversion only occurs at the grid connection point, reducing cabling and costs

Standardized Kits: Three models — Solar Carport 15/18/24 — with power output of 6.2-9.9kW, supporting annual charging mileage of 30,000-43,000 km; optional high-reflectivity white ground cover to enhance bifacial generation benefits

Snow Load Capacity: 2.5 kN/m²

6. Solutions for Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Solar Tile Carports

French Companies Launch Solar Tile Carport (November 2024)

Le Triangle Horizon and SunStyle Worldwide partnered to launch a solar tile carport targeting environmentally sensitive areas, addressing the issue where traditional PV technology is restricted or prohibited in protected zones.

Product Features: Steel structure + solar tiles; 6 configurations available (Y-column, butterfly, half-canopy, etc.); powder-coated finishes in multiple colors

Solar Tile Specifications: French-made; each tile consists of 23 PERC cells; available in black (115Wc), terracotta (85Wc), and gray (85Wc), blending with surrounding architectural styles

Technical Parameters: 6mm textured photovoltaic tempered glass capable of withstanding extreme weather including wind, hail, and snow; 25-year warranty

Demonstration Project: A 33kW demonstration carport was completed and underwent 6 months of testing at Triangle's exhibition hall

Market Positioning: Suitable for areas where urban planning regulations restrict traditional PV technology; eligible for French landscape integration incentives

7. Chinese Project Practice: Large-Scale PV Carport Goes Online

Huanghe Company Xinye 1.153MW PV Carport Fully Grid-Connected (July 2024)

On July 3, 2024, Huanghe Company Xinye's integrated smart energy parking lot project achieved full-capacity grid connection, with a total installed capacity of 1.153 MW.

Structural Innovation: Adopted a pure south-facing single-slope herringbone structure (different from the common single-column V-shape in the industry), offering more prominent generation advantages

Supporting Facilities: 10 120kW DC fast chargers + 34 7kW standard chargers

Technical Highlights: Self-developed fifth-generation flexible aluminum alloy cables; third-generation inverter integration platform from Huanghe Company

Smart Management: Remote control and management achieved through remote monitoring, mobile app, and cloud data processing; real-time monitoring of power, voltage, and other parameters

Future Outlook: PV Carports to Become Urban Standard

The PV carport market in 2024 demonstrates characteristics of diversification, specialization, and aesthetic enhancement:

Extreme Space Utilization: Single-column large-span designs free up more parking space

Mature Waterproofing Technology: BIPV + hidden drainage becoming standard for high-end carports

Diverse Material Selection: From all-steel and all-aluminum to steel-timber hybrid and solar tiles

Integrated Functionality: PV + storage + charging + lighting + smart management

Widespread Application Scenarios: Extending from commercial/industrial to residential and environmentally sensitive areas

With the continued increase in EV penetration, the maturation of the "PV-storage-charging" integrated model, and policy support for green retrofitting of parking spaces, PV carports are transitioning from "optional" to "standard," becoming an important component of urban energy infrastructure.