Photovoltaic Canopies and Solar Parking

Photovoltaic canopies for car parks are the most efficient structural solution for transforming a conventional parking area into a solar energy-generating facility. These infrastructures integrate solar panels on metal structures calculated according to wind and snow loads, optimising orientation, tilt and energy production in line with structural engineering criteria and current European standards.

A solar car park enables direct electrical self-consumption, protects vehicles from solar radiation, rain and hail, and facilitates the integration of electric vehicle charging points within the structure itself.

At Fotovol we develop solar canopy projects for car parks, businesses and homes, adapting each structure to the available space and actual energy demand. We handle the entire turnkey process: from technical study to legalised commissioning.

We offer a complete photovoltaic solar parking installation service, from the initial study to the legalised commissioning of the system.

Technical Study and Design: We design the structure for solar parking optimising tilt, orientation and energy production.
Assembly and Installation: Installation of high-performance photovoltaic modules on certified structures.
Charging Infrastructure (EVSE): Integration of electric vehicle charging points within the canopy itself.
Legalisation and Commissioning: Complete electrical configuration and management of administrative procedures in compliance with current regulations.

The design of a photovoltaic canopy for car parks requires specific structural calculation in accordance with Eurocodes EN 1990 and EN 1993, considering wind loads, snow overloads, self-weight and forces transmitted by the photovoltaic modules.

The project defines the foundation type, column and beam sizing, and force transmission to the ground according to its load-bearing capacity. Depending on the use and location, we offer two main typologies:

Metal canopies for industrial car parks: Built in hot-dip galvanised steel, calculated under Eurocodes 0 and 3. The preferred option for logistics environments, shopping centres or company fleets requiring maximum durability under demanding weather conditions.
Solar pergolas for residential use: For projects where aesthetics are a priority, we install wood or aluminium canopies that integrate into the architectural design of the home, offering a functional space for electric vehicle charging.

The cost of a photovoltaic solar car park depends on the technical characteristics of the project. There is no standard price, as each canopy is sized according to surface area, installed power and structural configuration. The main factors determining the investment are:

Covered area and number of spaces
Structure type and structural calculation complexity
Installed photovoltaic power (kWp)
Integration of electric vehicle charging points (EVSE)
Civil works and foundation requirements
Applicable grants or incentives

A prior technical study allows the estimated cost and real energy return of the project to be determined. The profitability of a solar car park depends on the associated energy consumption and the self-consumption model implemented.

A frequently overlooked advantage: the cost of a photovoltaic canopy is competitive compared to installing panels on an existing roof, as the structure itself simultaneously acts as a photovoltaic support and covered parking area. Two functions in a single investment, without the usual problems of rooftop installations — leaks, maintenance difficulties and complex cleaning.

Real photovoltaic canopy projects

Here are some of the photovoltaic canopy projects we have completed:

Metral — Breda

75 kWp · +165 panels · 25 t CO₂/year · Payback in 7 years

Photovoltaic installation on canopies with a capacity of 75 kWp, made up of more than 165 photovoltaic panels. Savings of more than 25 tonnes of CO₂ per year and return on investment in approximately 7 years.

Girona FC — Montilivi Stadium

6,212 kWh/year · 2 t CO₂/year · Payback in 3 years

Installation on the entrance canopies of Montilivi Stadium. 11 monocrystalline modules facing south, 6,212 kWh annually and more than 2 tonnes of CO₂ saved per year. Return on investment in 3 years.

We guarantee the stability and safety of every solar car park by complying with the most demanding European standards:

- Eurocode 0 (EN 1990): Basis of structural design. Defines the principles and safety, reliability and durability requirements for structures.
- Eurocode 3 (EN 1993): Design of steel structures. Governs the sizing of columns, beams and metal joints under static and dynamic loads.
- REBT — Low Voltage Electrical Regulations: All electrical installation associated with the canopy complies with current regulations, guaranteeing the operational safety of the photovoltaic system and integrated charging points.

Every project includes complete technical documentation: structural calculation report, electrical project and legalisation certificates for the legal commissioning of the installation.

The installation of a photovoltaic solar car park can benefit from specific incentives for self-consumption and electric mobility projects: direct grants covering part of the total cost, municipal bonuses on local taxes, and tax deductions depending on the region.

At Fotovol we fully manage all available grants for your project. Check all specific incentives for electric mobility and photovoltaic installations in our electric mobility grants guide.

Frequently asked questions about photovoltaic canopies

Can EV charging points be integrated into a photovoltaic canopy?

Yes. A photovoltaic solar car park can incorporate electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVSE), allowing the energy generated to be used directly for charging. The integration is sized according to installed power and expected consumption.

What regulations must a solar canopy for car parks comply with?

The structural design must comply with Eurocodes EN 1990 and EN 1993, considering wind, snow and self-weight loads. The electrical installation must comply with the low voltage electrical regulations and current self-consumption regulations.

Is it profitable to install a photovoltaic solar car park?

Profitability depends on the associated energy consumption, available surface area and the self-consumption model implemented. In business environments, a solar car park can significantly reduce energy costs and improve return on investment.

How much maintenance does a photovoltaic canopy require?

Maintenance is similar to that of a conventional photovoltaic installation: periodic structural inspection, anchor inspection and module cleaning. Proper structural design minimises corrective interventions.

How long does it take to install a solar canopy?

The timeframe depends on the size of the project and structural complexity. For standard projects, the complete process — from technical study to commissioning — can be completed in several weeks, including administrative procedures.

Which companies can benefit most from a solar car park?

Logistics centres, industries, shopping centres and companies with electric fleets are particularly well suited, as they combine available surface area with stable energy demand.

How long does it take to recover the investment?

The return on investment of a photovoltaic canopy depends on the associated electricity consumption and the self-consumption model implemented. In business environments with high daytime consumption, the typical payback period is between 5 and 8 years. After that, the energy generated has virtually zero cost for the 20-25 year useful life of the system. If EV fleet charging points are also integrated, the additional savings significantly accelerate the return.

Is a specific foundation required for the canopy?

Yes. Every photovoltaic canopy requires a foundation calculated according to the load-bearing capacity of the ground and the loads transmitted by the structure. At Fotovol we carry out the prior geotechnical study and define the most suitable foundation type — isolated footings, slab or micropiles — guaranteeing long-term stability without damaging the existing parking infrastructure.

How are the photovoltaic panels anchored to the structure?

Photovoltaic modules are fixed using certified anchor systems on aluminium or galvanised steel profiles, calculated to withstand the wind and snow loads defined in Eurocodes EN 1990 and EN 1993. The fixing system guarantees the waterproofing of the structure and allows individual module removal and replacement without affecting the rest of the installation.

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