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Knowledge Base

In our knowledge base, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of articles, FAQs, guides, and tutorials designed to help you get the most out of your solar carport. Whether you’re looking for answers to common questions, troubleshooting advice, or step-by-step instructions, our Knowledge Base is here to provide quick, self-service support whenever you need it. Explore the topics below to find the information you’re looking for, or use the search bar to get answers fast.

Product Details
5 min read

Maintenance Requirements for Solar Carports

While all PV systems require maintenance, Energy Ports' solar carport system is specifically designed to minimize maintenance needs through high-quality materials and smart engineering solutions.
Environment
3 min read

Solar vs Fossil Fuels: Understanding the True Environmental Impact

While solar energy has some environmental impact during production, its overall footprint is significantly lower than fossil fuels, offering clean energy for decades with minimal long-term environmental consequences.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions we get about the solar parking business.

What type of solar panel do you use?

As a standard, we use a transparent Dual Glass laminate with 120 Mono crystalline HJT cells resulting in 610W. The chosen safety glass is specially heat tempered to ensure extended safety and fire class characteristics. The glass is anti-glare, making it perfect for use in office buildings, highways and airports. The glass structure filters the sunlight spectrum, ensuring the right light transmission under the solar roof for convenience and maximum electric efficiency of the solar cells from both directly from the sun and reflection from below. Energy Ports outperforms any other standard bi-facial panel on the market. We purchase the laminates via our partner JETION Solar in China and integrate it with our own strong, smart shaped low carbon aluminum framing, included our patented Bell Lock® and Ridge Lock® in the design. Our own automated assembly line, which runs at the JETION Solar premises, ensures a strict Quality Assurance Program and guarantees all panel certifications of a Bloomberg Tier 1 supplier.

What is the clearance heights of the solar carports offered?

For commercial parking's, we use a standard clearance height is 3.500mm for cars and vans and 4.500mm for truck. We sometimes offer 2.500mm clearance height cars and USV, but is not accessible for vans of maintenance teams. Off course we can customize the design steel- or wooden under construction conform the clearance height requirements of the customer.

What is the standard spacing between the poles?

We work with a maximum span of 16 meters by approximately 12 meters. This matches the European parking norm of 1 parking length added with a 2-way road and an opposite parking place again. We express the span in terms of the gutter- or bay direction.Along the gutter direction, we use 5.400 mm intervals with a maximum span of around 16 meters between two poles. In the opposite direction along the bay side, we use an interval of 4,000 mm with a maximum span of 16 meters between two poles.The combination of 16 x 16 meters is not possible from a mechanical stability perspective. Our Online Calculator always uses the ideal sizes in the layout proposed. Customization must be considered by our engineers upon request.

Who are Energy Port end users and customers?

Energy Ports is the go-to solar carport supplier for the mid-end to high-end market. Our target end-user is the ESG-driven commercial company or (semi-)governmental body with a growing high own energy need and a need to manage multiple stakeholders based on their publicly stated CSRD strategy. These customers are actively managing their assets and transforming their single-use parking into sustainable, multi-functional areas. Our partner resellers recognize the value of this proposition and serve these end users with our products in their journey of Energy Transition and Mobility Transition. The patented connections between panel and substructure make the system the strongest and safest on the market. This puts us at the forefront of safety, which will be essential for functioning under a glass roof of a carport in the future. Energy Ports recognizes the importance of a strong image to its end users. A carport is a structure that will be visible in a prominent location for at least 25 years. The design and finish of components must be aesthetically pleasing.

Do you use any packaging?

We use close to "zero" packaging for the mounting structure. This is achieved through smart engineering and design. The integration of glass-glass laminate with the mounting substructure results in a pre-assembled product with significantly reduced packaging. Construction sites have long faced packaging waste issues, and we are determined to minimize this problem. Besides the environmental impact, it also saves time for the installation and construction teams cleaning the work site and disposing of packaging externally.

What certifications are needed for solar carports?

Solar carport safety requirements vary by region, with Germany and France mandating specific overhead glazing certifications, while Dutch 'Bouwbesluit' regulations focus on Consequence Classes (CC). Energy Ports exceeds standard requirements by adhering to strict German standards and achieving CC2 classification, surpassing the typical CC1 rating of standard bi-facial panels. Our superior safety certification includes EN 12600 and NEN 2608 for overhead glazing safety, IEC 61730 for electrical safety with fire class B rating, and IEC 61215 for mechanical durability. This comprehensive certification makes our system the safest choice for elevated solar installations, particularly for public spaces.

Why are materials powder coated with anthracite RAL 7016?

In addition to the features of our products, Energy Ports attaches great importance to the aesthetic appearance of its products, which are finished in the anthracite Grey color. The shape of our steel columns is customized square-shaped instead of industrial H-shaped steel beams. Numerous studies demonstrate that the RAL 7016 color option for our columns is the least visually detracting, thereby minimizing any potential impact on the surrounding environment. The result is a high-end finish that instills a sense of convenience and safety for users of the carport.

Why is the solar roof of Energy Ports watertight in comparison to competitors?

The carport system from Energy Ports B.V. interconnects the panels with a seam-over-seam edge and forms a double water barrier at the long side of the panel. The EPDM D-shaped fillers guarantee water tightness. On the short side, the Ridge Lock® and the Bell Lock® block any water from penetrating. This creates a guaranteed watertight pergola roof with the possibility of collecting all rainwater. The aluminum gutter has perforations at the top to allow rainwater to drain into the main gutter. Inside, under the panel, there is a small seam with perforations connecting to the main gutter that allows condensation water to drain off. At the end, all the water is collected in a PVC pipe leading to the ground. The relatively clean rainwater can be used for other purposes. Other pergola systems in the market are based on rods and clamps, which are known not to remain watertight over time. Y-shaped and ramp-shaped carports are not watertight at all due to their design and also have rods and clamps.

What makes Energy Ports system preferred system among competition when it comes to Watertightness?

The carport system from Energy Ports B.V. is interconnect the panels with a seam over seam edge and form a double water barrier at the long side of the panel. The EPDM D-shaped fillers guarantees water tightness. On the short side the Ridge Lock® and the Bell Lock® block any water to penetrate. This creates a guaranteed watertight pergola roof with the possibility of collecting all rainwater. The aluminum gutter has perforations at the top to allow rainwater to drain into the main gutter. Inside under the panel there is a small seam with perforations connecting to the main gutter and allows condensation water to drain off. At the end, all the water is collected in a PVC pipe leading to the ground. The relatively clean rainwater can be used for other purposes. Other pergola systems in the market are based on rods and clamps, which are known not to be watertight over time. Y-Shaped and Ramp shaped carports are not watertight at all due to the design and have rods & clamps as well.

What can you do with harvested rain water? Why is this so important?

Proper water management is essential for soil health, preventing compaction and subsidence while supporting biodiversity. Well-irrigated soil helps cool urban environments, reducing heat stress, while harvested rainwater can be repurposed for various applications, contributing to sustainable water management.

Why is water management so important for a solar carport?

Managing rainwater is essential for several reasons. Firstly, climate change brings intense rainfall and prolonged drought periods. Installing a carport system solely focused on energy production is not future proof. Our system gives owners the ability to adapt to climate changes by harvesting rainwater. Additionally, in urban areas, legislation demands rainwater management for covered constructions. Our system provides an easy and cost-effective way to comply with these regulations and contributes to keeping the area cooler by preventing urban heat stress.

What is the light transmittance of the panels?

The panels have a light transmittance of 5%. This provides enough shade to prevent the car from overheating while allowing sufficient light for visibility and facilitating the use of green solutions on the ground. Moreover, since the panels are bifacial, the backside also generates energy through the reflection of light from objects at ground level.

What are the drivers to invest in solar parking?

The growing investment in solar carports is driven by several key European and global factors. The EU Green Deal's target of 55% emission reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050 creates urgent demand for renewable energy solutions. This aligns with the EU's ambitious goal for 13 million emission-free vehicles and 1 million public charging points by 2030. New regulations are accelerating adoption, with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requiring large companies to comply by 2025 and SMEs by 2026. Financial support through programs like InvestEU and country-specific incentives helps offset initial investments, while upcoming carbon taxation from 2027 makes early adoption more attractive. Geopolitical considerations around raw material availability and the increasing cost of regulatory non-compliance further strengthen the business case for solar carports as a strategic investment in sustainable operations.

What does desk engineering mean?

Desk engineering involves precise technical design work carried out remotely, including structural analysis, bespoke layouts, and pre-installation planning. This ensures a seamless on-site installation process. Our engineers work with internationally recognized software, making calculations valid and secure. The software retains all previous project data and optimizes each new project. We can calculate steel and timber structures. Our product designers also produce 3D drawings of every product improvement. These are used to build the best and most accurate production molds and tooling.

What are the benefits of harvesting rain water?

Rainwater harvesting reduces reliance on municipal water supplies, helps manage storm water, and supports sustainable water use in landscaping, cleaning, or cooling systems. It also helps lower water bills by providing an alternative source for non-potable uses such as irrigation, cleaning, and toilet flushing. Additionally, it mitigates urban flooding by capturing runoff, reducing strain on storm water systems, and preventing erosion. Rainwater harvesting promotes sustainability by decreasing the environmental impact of water extraction and treatment while supporting vegetation growth and improving micro climates. It is also a reliable backup water source during droughts, enhancing resilience to water scarcity.

What kind of water buffering is possible?

Several methods of water buffering are available to manage and store water effectively. One of the most common techniques involves using perforated drainage pipes installed underground to regulate water flow and prevent over saturation. Another innovative solution is the use of buffer cradles beneath parking spaces, which can temporarily hold water and reduce runoff. Additionally, we collaborate with specialized companies to implement advanced water management systems. For example, our carports can be equipped with integrated buffer tanks, which store harvested rainwater. This stored water can be utilized during droughts or periods of heavy rainfall, helping to mitigate urban flooding and ensure a consistent water supply.

The maintainance of a panel can be done from below. Why is the EN 12600 load test still so important?

Our system has been designed to facilitate the replacement of a panel from below, with the use of smart bolts enabling the removal of a part of the framing and the extraction of a panel from below. This eliminates the need to climb on the roof, a process that is required with most other carport systems on the market. However, there are instances where climbing on the roof is necessary. In such cases, we have demonstrated, through rigorous EN12600 load testing, that our specially engineered glass and robust framing, complete with Bell Lock® and Ridge Lock®, can withstand the impact of a falling person without compromising safety.

What is the main difference between a Y-shape, T-shape and pergola model solar carport?

Y-shape: Features a central column with branches that form a Y-shaped support, providing a distinctive design and efficient shading for vehicles. The model maximizes coverage for double parking rows; ideal for large spaces. T-shape: Utilizes a single central column with a horizontal top beam resembling a T, optimizing space by accommodating multiple parking rows under one structure. This model is suitable for single parking rows, and is compact but efficient. Pergola model: Designed with a flat or slightly angled roof supported by multiple columns, resembling a traditional pergola while integrating solar panels for energy generation. This model adds aesthetic value, perfect for residential or mixed-use areas.

What type of carports are there and what are the pros and cons of each model?

The Energy Ports pergola outperforms traditional T-shape and Y-shape carports through superior watertight design and complete shade coverage, ensuring year-round protection. Its innovative design, featuring Ridge Lock® and Bell Lock® sealed connections combined with an integrated gutter system, ensures complete protection even during wind-driven rain, efficiently channeling water away while keeping the area below completely dry and usable in all weather conditions. The pergola system delivers 100% shade protection throughout the day, maintaining consistent coverage regardless of the sun's position and providing full UV protection for vehicles while preventing heat buildup. In contrast, traditional T-shape and Y-shape carports fall short with their open designs making them vulnerable to leaks during windy or rainy conditions, while their limited coverage leaves vehicles and users exposed to the elements, typically lacking proper drainage systems and offering only partial shade, especially during mornings and evenings when the sun is at a lower angle. The pergola model's sophisticated integrated water management system stands in stark contrast to the basic or nonexistent systems in traditional designs, offering clear business benefits including year-round usability, complete vehicle protection, and enhanced user comfort. The innovative sealing technology and professional appearance provide comprehensive coverage that maintains its functionality regardless of weather conditions, while traditional carports see their usability significantly reduced during adverse weather. For businesses requiring reliable, all-weather protection, the Energy Ports pergola represents the optimal choice, with its superior design delivering complete watertightness and shade coverage that significantly outperforms traditional carport options in both functionality and user satisfaction, making it the clear market leader for businesses seeking a comprehensive solar carport solution.

Still have questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.