The carports made by GridParity from Karlsfeld near Munich using slender aluminium profiles are light and spacious. Fitted with GridParity’s semi-transparent bifacial glass-glass solar modules, they let up to 40 per cent of the light come through. A solar module is considered 'bifacial' when both sides of the solar cell is capable of generating electricity. This particularly interesting in places where some light, which would otherwise be lost, is reflected back at the solar module and can add to the electricity yield. In semi-transparent PV modules, the gaps between solar cells are wider than usually and so do not block out all of the sun light. This makes them a popular solution where a certain degree of light is wanted, such as conservatories, greenhouses or, as in this case, carports.
Last but certainly not least, GridParity cover their carports in glass-glass solar modules: Unlike other more conventional solar panels, where the back sheet is usually made of non-transparent polyethylene, glass-glass modules fully enclose the solar cell between two panes of glass.
GridParity AG
The aluminium frames are assembled in such a way that they are totally water proof and are sturdy enough to withstand up to 2,400 pascal of wind load and more than twice that in snow load.
Because their weight distribution is very well-balanced, the foundations only require a fairly small foot print. The frame is quite easy to assemble and there is the option of integrating LED lighting strips in the aluminium profiles. The base model offers enough space for one car, but can be extended through optimised connection parts.
