An Introduction to Solar Carports and Solar Canopies by Innoventum
Discover how solar carports and laminated solar canopies transform parking areas into energy production sites.
Explore Innoventum’s solar parking solutions, which combine Scandinavian design with sustainability and smart renewable energy technology. Around the world, demand for renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure is growing rapidly. As cities, companies, and homeowners seek new ways to reduce emissions, the solar carport has emerged as one of the most practical and attractive solutions. Unlike rooftop solar systems, solar canopies utilize existing parking areas to generate clean energy. As a scalable solution with multiple integration possibilities, solar carports are an efficient and visible contribution to the energy transition.
Solar carports turn every parking lot into a source of clean energy
Imagine every parking lot covered with solar carports, which not only generate energy but also protect your car from the elements. No more struggling to get into your car in the rain, scraping snow off the windshield in winter, or sitting in a sweltering car after a day in the sun. That is the genius of a solar carport—a clever combination of functionality, everyday practicality, and eco-friendly sustainability.
Here at Innoventum, we’ve taken it a step further with our solar carports—glue-laminated structures that empower businesses, local governments, and homeowners to embrace renewable energy without compromising on style or convenience. In fact, it’s a seamless way to go green while adding real value to the property.
What is a solar carport or solar canopy?
A solar carport, also known as a solar canopy, is a covered parking structure equipped with solar panels on its roof. Unlike traditional carports or canopies, a solar carport is used to transform parking areas into a productive solar parking system that generates energy from the sun. By choosing a solar canopy, your investment will not only generate energy for EV charging or reduce a building’s electricity costs, but it will also become a revenue-generating asset rather than a one-time expense.
What sets the Innoventum solar carport apart is its use of durable glued-laminated timber and ground-screw foundations, combining structural strength with timeless Scandinavian design to create a net-zero installation. Thanks to this combination, the carport is exceptionally environmentally friendly and visually appealing in any setting.
How does a solar canopy work?
A complete solar carport solution consists of several components, such as a foundation, a mounting system, solar panels, an inverter that converts the direct current (DC) from the panels into alternating current (AC) for everyday use, often both EV chargers and batteries for energy storage to store excess power, and finally the carport structure. At Innoventum, we use glulam pine as a standard material, which provides a durable, weather- and fire-resistant base that supports the solar panels. Together, all these components form a smart, self-sustaining energy system that operates year-round, even in northern climates.
A solar carport generates energy by converting sunlight into electricity. When sunlight (photons) strikes the solar cell, it creates an electric current through a process known as the photovoltaic effect, which generates renewable energy for use. So, what can you use the generated electricity for?
- Use the energy to power nearby business operations or buildings
- Charge electric vehicles parked under the solar carport
- Store the energy in batteries for later use
- Feed electricity back into the grid.
What are the benefits of a solar carport?
- Dual functionality: Generate renewable energy and provide shelter for vehicles at the same time
- Efficient use of space: Maximize the value of existing parking areas without requiring additional land
- EV charging infrastructure: Ideal for supporting e-mobility infrastructure
- Reduce your carbon footprint: Lower emissions and electricity costs.
- Architectural quality: Innoventum’s glulam solar carports offer a warm, modern, and natural aesthetic
- Weather protection: Protection for vehicles against sun, rain, and snow.
Who can benefit from a solar carport?
Businesses can use the solar carport to reduce energy costs and charge their EV fleet while demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainability and net-zero.
Municipalities and public institutions can install solar parking structures to supply clean energy to offices and community buildings, thereby supporting local climate goals and EV infrastructure initiatives.
Homeowners can achieve energy independence and lower their long-term electricity bills while increasing the value of their property.
Since solar carports utilize existing parking areas, they are a particularly attractive option for sites where rooftop installations are impractical or limited in space.
Sustainability and long-term impact
Every solar carport contributes to the transition toward a net-zero future. A typical solar installation can offset several tons ofCO2 eachyear. Choosing a glulam structure instead of steel increases the amount of carbon stored and reduces the overallCO2emissionsassociated withthe material’s production. Over time, the environmental and financial benefits make a solar carport one of the most sustainable investments available for modern properties.
Powering the future
Solar carports are redefining how we think about parking and renewable energy. With Innoventum’s expertise, every parking area can become a source of clean power, supporting the goals of electrification and net-zero emissions for a more sustainable and forward-looking future. We support clients from concept to installation, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards of quality and design. Discover how our solar parking solutions transform your property into a visible statement of sustainability.
Why choose Innoventum?
At Innoventum, we have extensive experience developing truly sustainable energy solutions. Our long tradition of using wooden structures as the foundation for renewable energy installations allows us to combine Scandinavian design with technical reliability and visual appeal.
Our solar canopies are designed in accordance with Eurocodes to ensure strength, durability, and long-lasting performance. Whether you need a single solar carport for your home or a large-scale solar parking installation for commercial use, Innoventum offers turnkey solutions that make adopting renewable energy simple, effective, and long-lasting.