Solar Carport for Businesses and Property Owners
Innoventum builds solar carports made of glulam that turn parking lots into power generators, complete with charging stations, batteries, and turnkey delivery. Each parking space is equipped with approximately 3 kWp of solar panels and generates around 2,800 kWh per year in southern Sweden.
- Projects completed in 14 countries since 2010
- Site-specific design according to Eurocode for snow and wind
- Concrete-free ground-screw foundations, so the parking lot can remain partially open during construction
Tailored to each location
Innoventum’s solar carports are available in several designs to meet a variety of technical, architectural, and operational requirements.
Standard designs, such as single- and double-sloped roofs, allow for optimization of solar orientation, drainage, headroom, and adaptation to the existing parking layout.
In addition to standard solutions, we offer project-specific customizations when site conditions, building codes, or architectural considerations require it. This may include adjustments to span, height, column placement, or integration with existing infrastructure.
All solutions are designed based on site-specific calculations in accordance with applicable standards and delivered within Innoventum’s structured project model.
How Much Energy a Solar Carport for Businesses Generates
Parking Spaces | Installed power | Electricity per year | Annual Electric Vehicle Mileage | CO₂ Stored in Glulam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6 seats | 18.7 kWp | 18,700 kWh | 93,500 km | 4 t |
12 seats | 37.4 kWp | 37,400 kWh | 187,000 km | 8 t |
24 seats | 74.8 kWp | 74,800 kWh | 374,000 km | 16 t |
48 seats | 149.5 kWp | 149,500 kWh | 747,500 km | 32 t |
96 seats | 299.0 kWp | 299,000 kWh | 1,495,000 km | 64 t |
Approximate figures. 21 × 445 Wp bifacial glass-glass panels (9,345 kWp) per section of three panels. Approximately 1,000 kWh/kWp per year in southern Sweden, excluding bifacial gains. Electric vehicle driving at 5 km/kWh.
That's Why Glulam Instead of Steel
Glued-laminated timber has a high load-bearing capacity and is dimensioned just as precisely as steel, but it does not rust and requires minimal maintenance. In the event of a fire, the surface chars in a predictable manner, so the load-bearing capacity can be calculated for a defined period of time.
The structure also sequesters approximately 0.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide per parking space. This is reflected in your climate report and visible in the parking lot. All components are prefabricated, which results in short installation times and few surprises on-site.
Built without concrete and minimizes the time needed to close the parking lot
The carport stands on steel ground-screw foundations. No concrete pouring, no curing time, and no excavation for footings are required. Installation takes place in stages, so only the section of the carport currently under construction needs to be closed off. The foundations can be unscrewed and reused if the carport is to be rebuilt.
Charging, Battery, and Power Management
The solar carport is the natural place to route the charging lines, since the cables are already integrated into the structure. We integrate AC and DC charging, battery storage, and load balancing. The solar power is then used where it is most beneficial, and the charging process does not create new power peaks on the grid.
Existing commercial buildings with more than 20 parking spaces have been subject to charging station requirements since January 1, 2025, and these requirements will be expanded on January 1, 2027 (Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning). With a solar carport, the same project can address both the charging requirement and on-site electricity generation.
A modular system tailored to the location
Innoventum’s solar carports are based on a modular construction system that combines flexibility with technical precision. Each project is tailored to the specific conditions of the site rather than being forced into a standard solution.
The geometry, column placement, and system configuration are designed to work in harmony with the existing parking layout, traffic flows, and operational requirements.
The modular approach is particularly well-suited for:
- Increased solar capacity in areas with limited space
- Expansion where rooftop solar panels are already installed
- Integration with existing battery systems or charging infrastructure
By combining local electricity generation with energy storage and intelligent charging control, self-consumption can be optimized while maintaining parking capacity and operational continuity.
Here's How a Project Works
- Site analysis and preliminary study: layout, installed capacity, production estimates, and estimated cost.
- Design: structural analysis in accordance with Eurocode for snow and wind loads at the site; electrical and systems design.
- Building Permits: We prepare the drawings and calculations required by the municipality.
- Installation: prefabricated parts and ground screws, electrical installation.
- Commissioning and handover: minutes, documentation, warranties, and an optional service agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Carports for Businesses
Do you need a building permit for a solar carport? Usually, yes. We prepare the construction drawings, calculations, and technical documentation required by the municipality. Processing times vary by municipality, so we start the building permit process early.
Can the structure withstand snow and storms? Yes. Each project is designed to meet the site’s snow zone and wind load requirements in accordance with Eurocode, using site-specific calculations.
How does glulam behave in a fire? Glulam chars at a predictable rate, and the charred layer protects the core. Its load-bearing capacity can therefore be calculated for a defined period of time, unlike unprotected steel, which rapidly loses its strength.
Can the parking lot be used during construction? It depends on the parking lot and the project whether we have to close all or part of the parking lot.
How long does it last? The solar panels typically come with a 30-year performance warranty. The glulam structure is designed for a 25-year service life.
Can we add charging and a battery later? Yes. We’ll set up the wiring and electrical capacity from the start so that the charger and battery can be connected at a later stage.
How much of the electricity can we use ourselves? It depends on your consumption over the course of a day and a year. In the preliminary study, we compare production hour by hour with your consumption.
Are you interested in exploring the possibilities of installing a solar carport?
Projects
Innoventum and Apollo Power will deliver a solar carport project for Amazon's logistics facility near Lille, France. Read more here
