What Are the Top Solar Parking Solutions in North America?

Here’s What Business Owners Should Know

Shade structures are a desirable parking lot feature, regardless of the climate. They protect vehicles and people from the elements, especially destructive hail and damaging sunlight.

With solar integration, these structures can generate clean energy throughout their lifespans and pay for themselves. Learn about the criteria for comparing the top solar parking solutions in North America and the industry’s leading vendors.

Evaluating Solar Parking Solutions in North America

Consider the following factors to choose a suitable solar parking solution vendor.

• Designs: Explore a provider’s standard structure designs and find options that align with a parking lot’s layout and size.
• Customization: Determine which standard design features are tweakable to strike a balance between weather protection and aesthetics.
• Compliance: Verify whether a vendor’s design satisfies the minimum requirements of the relevant laws, like the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Solar installation: Know whether a vendor manufactures the PV panels its team installs or sources them from a third party.
• Maintenance: Find out the tasks involved in keeping a covered parking structure in good shape and if the installer offers after-sales maintenance service.
• Warranty protection: Check which parts of the solar parking solution its provider guarantees to be free from manufacturing and installation defects and for how long.
• Portfolio: Review a vendor’s past projects to see which companies have bought solar-integrated covered parking structures and what they look like in real life.
• Pricing: Request estimates from multiple providers to see which one offers the best value.

What Are the Top Solar Parking Solutions in North America — 4 Best Vendors

These providers have unique strengths and offer excellent value to business owners.

1.     VPS

VPS is a premium, full-service solar parking solutions provider with a stellar track record. Its in-house capabilities cover all stages of the design and build process. The company’s dual-purpose, turnkey structures safeguard high-value assets — including brand-new and used automobiles for sale, fleet vehicles and aircraft — from the harsh elements in diverse commercial and industrial environments.

The organization is an industry leader in many ways. It is the first to seamlessly integrate photovoltaic (PV) panels into covered parking structures optimized for hail protection. It constructs 95% of all fabric-based covered parking structures, accentuating its market dominance.

VPS is an International Accreditation Service-accredited structural steel fabricator. This designation indicates that the company manufactures materials and assemblies that comply with the requirements of Chapter 17 of the International Building Code.

Key features:

• Handles large-scale projects involving 10-megawatt (MW) solar arrays or more
• Helps clients comply with the California 2020 solar mandate, the Denver green roof initiative, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications and more
• Backs fabrics and PV panels with comprehensive, lengthy warranties

2.     Baja Carports

Baja Carports is an established source of pre-engineered structural support frames for solar carports. The company provides in-house design, engineering, fabrication, installation and repair services. It is a general contractor licensed to operate anywhere in the United States and works with solar integrators and developers nationwide.

This vendor prioritizes disruption reduction. Its Solar Support Systems^™ require no field welding to simplify assembly on intricate hardscape and complete self-performed installation as quickly as possible. The team manages projects in phases to minimize inconvenience.

Baja Carports offers eight configurations to accommodate practically any parking lot layout and site constraints. Its portfolio includes recreational and boat storage facilities, apartment complexes and government properties, covering tens to hundreds of thousands of square feet. The company’s California Franchise Tax Board project involved 1,275 parking spaces on 217,000 square feet, with over 12,000 PV panels capable of generating 3.6 MW.

Key features:

• Custom-engineers every project to suit local conditions
• Uses pregalvanized, high-tensile steel frames made in the U.S.
• Ensures quality control throughout the process while eliminating coordination issues

3.     Parasol Structures

Parasol Structures manufactures architecturally inspired, American-made structural steel components for ground-level carports and garage top canopies, including a modular system that streamlines installation and facilitates scaling. Its solar parking solutions in North America — specifically in 24 U.S. states and the Caribbean — are available in various tilt angles or canopy styles.

The vendor creates 3D renderings for all structure designs to customize and adapt them to the sites, ensuring a high coverage ratio and considerable clean energy generation yield. Its products are panel-agnostic, so they’re compatible with any brand.

Parasol Structures offers multiple finishes and add-on features, including LED lighting, snow and water management systems, and electric vehicle charging stations, to tailor carports and garage top canopies for unique aesthetic and functionality requirements.

Key features:

• Offers comprehensive engineering support
• Coordinates with all trades to execute projects seamlessly
• Holds an American Institute of Steel Construction certification

4.     Schletter

Schletter is the maker of the SunRide modular solar carport system. This slim, stable structure is compatible with framed or frameless PV modules. It’s available in single- and double-panel systems for solar arrays designed to produce more than 750 kilowatt peak.

This solar mounting system can last over 25 years with minimal maintenance. Its components are made of hot-dip galvanized steel to resist corrosion, and it supports PV panels with a self-cleaning ability when tilted at an angle of over 10 degrees. SunRide complies with UL 3741, the U.S. National Electrical Code articles 250 and 690, and the Canadian electrical code.

Schletter is a German company that works with a global network of certified installers. Seven partners install its top solar parking solution across North America. Five are in the U.S. — California, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina and Texas — and two are in Canada — Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Key features:

• Designs parking structures that are extendable by up to 50 meters — or about 165 feet — without additional support
• Uses self-supporting construction with a single central support to minimize parking obstructions
• Backs products with up to a 25-year transferable warranty that covers manufacturing defects, installation errors and conformity to specifications

Comparing the Top Solar Parking Solutions in North America

Learn about how long these leading vendors have been in business and the companies that benefit the most from their products and services.

Invest in a Reliable Solar Parking Solution in North America

A solar parking solution is a significant investment, so consider partnering with one of these four reputable companies to get the best value. Learn more about each and request a project estimate.