Solar carports are parking structures where the solar panels form the roof itself, protecting the car from the summer sun while simultaneously generating electricity for the building. Instead of paying for a fabric or metal canopy that only provides shade, you can utilize the parking space to produce energy that reduces your electricity bill for years to come.
- Each parking space can accommodate approximately 4 panels, which is about 2.2 kilowatts with 550-watt panels.
- Main types: T-shaped umbrella, cantilever umbrella, and two-pole umbrella, and each type has its own use.
- The structure must be accounted for by wind and loads, and hot-dip galvanized steel is preferred.
- The electricity produced is consumed in the building or exported to the grid according to the net metering system.
Why are solar carports suitable for Saudi Arabia?
In Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, convertibles remain exposed to the midday sun for long hours, causing the interior to become uncomfortably hot and damaging the paint and dashboard. A sunshade here isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. The idea behind a sunshade is to transform this need into an investment.
Many commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and factories have limited or occupied rooftops with air conditioning and water tanks, while their parking areas are spacious and open. Parking canopies free up new space for rooftops without encroaching on the roof area. In homes and villas, two or three parking canopies are sufficient for an average-sized residential system.
Types of car sunshades
T umbrella
A row of columns in the middle, with the roof extending to the sides in a T-shape. Serving two rows of cars facing each other with a single central column, it is suitable for company parking lots and complexes with double rows. Its advantage is that the number of columns is lower relative to the number of parking spaces.
Cantilever umbrella
The columns are only at the rear, and the roof protrudes forward above the cars. The parking area's front remains completely open without columns obstructing entry or door opening, making it frequently used alongside fences and in tight parking spaces. Precise foundation calculations are necessary because the entire load is on one side.
Two-column canopy
One column at the front and another at the rear of each unit distributes the load evenly. This makes it suitable for wider spans and windy locations, and it is also used in large, open parking areas.
| Type | column layout | Proper use | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Row columns in the middle | Two rows facing each other of cars | Fewer columns per position |
| Kabuli | columns at the back only | Beside the walls and narrow parking spaces | Open facade and stronger foundations |
| Two columns | Front column and rear column | Wider seas and wind-exposed locations | Balanced load distribution |
How much electricity does a solar umbrella produce? (Approximate calculation)
One parking space has an area of approximately 2.5 x 5 meters = 12.5 m². A modern slab has an area of approximately 2.6 to 3.1 m², so the parking space can accommodate about 4 slabs.
- 4 panels x 550 watts = 2.2 kilowatts per stand.
- With 600W panels: 4 x 600 = 2.4 kW.
One kilowatt in Saudi Arabia produces approximately 1600 to 2000 kilowatt-hours per year, depending on the city, angle, and cleanliness.
Example of a commercial establishment with 10 parking spaces: 10 x 2.2 = 22 kW. Annual production: 22 x 1600 = 35,200 kWh, and 22 x 2000 = 44,000 kWh. If we take the commercial tariff for the first tier at approximately 20 halalas, the cost of this electricity is approximately 35,200 x 0.20 = 7,040 riyals to 44,000 x 0.20 = 8,800 riyals annually, according to the tariff announced at the time of writing. Refer to the Saudi Electricity Company for the current tariff.
Example of a villa with two parking spaces: 8 panels x 550 = 4.4 kW. The daily output is approximately 4.4 x 4.5 = 19.8 kWh to 4.4 x 6 = 26.4 kWh. This is a significant portion of the consumption of an average household, especially during daylight hours.
To estimate the number of posts, columns, and structure for your project, use Carport CalculatorTo estimate the size of the system and the savings, use Solar Energy Calculator.
Angle and orientation in parking canopies
The ideal angle for annual production is close to the city's latitude, such as approximately 24 degrees in Riyadh. However, a canopy is not a simple surface; a large angle raises the canopy's edge considerably and increases wind load on the structure and foundations. Therefore, parking canopies are often designed with a lesser slope than ideal, accepting a slight difference in production for a lighter structure and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The southward orientation is best. If the position shape imposes a slight deviation of between 10 and 15 degrees from south, the loss is approximately less than 1 to 2%, while the eastward or westward orientation may result in a loss of approximately 10 to 15%.
Structure: What makes an umbrella last?
A sunshade is a metal structure that supports the weight of the panels and is exposed to wind, dust, and heat year-round. Key structural points:
- Material and protection: Hot-dip galvanized iron provides long-lasting rust protection and is suitable for coastal areas like Jeddah and Dammam, provided the galvanizing is of high quality. Aluminum is a lighter option for some parts.
- Wind calculation: The canopy roof acts like a wing, with the wind pressing down on it from above and pulling it down from below, so the sections and foundations are calculated for these loads.
- Foundations: Concrete bases with dimensions that suit the type of soil and the type of canopy, and are larger in a cantilever canopy.
- Rainwater drainage: The slope helps the water to slide, and care should be taken to determine where it falls so that it does not collect near car doors or walkways.
- Easy to clean: There needs to be a safe way to access and clean the panels, because dust reduces production.
MITS manufactures three types of carports (T-shaped, cantilever, and double-column) from hot-dip galvanized steel with an optional aluminum frame, along with roof and ground-level structures. Learn more about these structures in the article. Solar panel mounting structures.
Attach the canopy to the building or the net
The electricity produced by the canopy goes through an inverter to the building's electrical panel, where it is used directly for lighting, air conditioning, and appliances. If production exceeds consumption, the surplus can be exported to the grid.
The regulatory framework for small-scale solar systems in the Kingdom covers systems from 1 kilowatt to 2 megawatts for all subscriber categories. Implementation is carried out by a contractor qualified by the Electricity Regulatory Authority, and connection and connection are handled by the Saudi Electricity Company. Exported energy is deducted from subsequent consumption according to approved settlement procedures. Always verify current procedures with official authorities, and read the details in the article. Connecting solar energy to the electricity grid in Saudi Arabia.
For facilities with large parking areas, canopies are part of a more comprehensive energy plan. See [link/reference]. Networked trading systems and article Solar energy for factories and commercial establishments.
When is a sun umbrella an unsuitable option?
- If the parking areas are shaded most of the day by tall buildings or large trees.
- If the location is temporary and you will be moving from it soon.
- If the space is very small and can only accommodate a few panels, a roof may be more economical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many panels can fit in one parking space?
Approximately 4 panels of current sizes, i.e. about 2.2 to 2.4 kilowatts depending on the panel power and canopy design.
Can the sun umbrella withstand winds and sandstorms?
Yes, provided its sections and foundations are designed to withstand the wind loads on-site and are constructed to a high standard. Therefore, installing panels on ordinary awnings that are not designed for them is not recommended.
Can an existing umbrella be converted into a sun umbrella?
Sometimes, but the structure and foundations must be checked first to ensure they can withstand the weight of the panels and additional wind loads.
What is the difference between a cantilever umbrella and a T-shaped umbrella?
The cantilever has its columns at the back and serves one row with an open front, and the T-canopy has its columns in the middle and serves two facing rows.
Do I need batteries with a solar car umbrella?
Generally not, if the building is connected to the grid and consumes electricity during the day. Batteries are added when needed for nighttime or backup power.
Do you need a suitable system? The MITS team designs, manufactures, and installs solar carports for homes and facilities, from structural calculations to system integration.
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