In the context of the energy transition and the growing focus on corporate sustainability, photovoltaic canopies represent an innovative solution that combines clean energy production with space optimisation. This technology is winning over more and more companies looking to cut their energy costs and improve their environmental footprint.
What Corten Photovoltaic Canopies Are
Corten photovoltaic canopies are covered structures fitted with solar panels integrated into the roofing. Unlike traditional photovoltaic systems installed on rooftops, these solutions perform a dual function: they protect vehicles, goods or transit areas from the weather and, at the same time, produce renewable electricity.
These installations are particularly suited to company car parks, loading and unloading areas, outdoor spaces used for material storage or parking areas for corporate logistics.
Benefits for businesses
Lower energy costs
Installing Corten photovoltaic canopies allows companies to produce clean energy directly on site, significantly reducing their draw from the electricity grid. The energy generated can be used to power production facilities, offices, lighting systems or charging stations for company electric vehicles.
Optimising available space
Many companies have large car parks or outdoor areas that can be made productive without using up additional land. Photovoltaic canopies turn existing spaces into productive assets, harnessing otherwise unused surfaces for energy generation.
Incentives and tax breaks
Businesses that invest in photovoltaic canopies can benefit from various forms of incentive, including the Tax Credit for investments in 4.0 capital goods, the Nuova Sabatini scheme and other mechanisms supporting renewable energy. In addition, accelerated depreciation and tax deductions make the investment even more attractive from an economic standpoint.
Enhancing your corporate image
Adopting renewable energy solutions helps strengthen a company’s reputation in terms of social and environmental responsibility. This aspect is increasingly relevant for customers, business partners and stakeholders who reward companies committed to sustainability.
Protecting vehicles and goods
Beyond energy production, canopies offer effective protection against weather agents such as rain, snow, hail and UV rays, preserving the condition of company vehicles, machinery or materials stored outdoors.
Applications in the commercial and industrial sector
- Shopping centres and large-scale retail — protecting customer car parks while producing energy to power the commercial facilities and lighting systems.
- Logistics companies — covering goods loading and unloading areas, ensuring protection from the weather and powering automated warehouses.
- Manufacturing industries — installation over employee car parks and outdoor areas, with the option to integrate storage systems to ensure energy continuity.
- Corporate headquarters and offices — creating covered car parks for employees with integrated charging stations for electric vehicles.
- Agri-industry — protecting agricultural machinery and product storage areas while generating energy for processing plants.
Technical and design aspects
Sizing the system
The installable capacity depends on the size of the available area. Generally, each covered parking space can host around 1.5–2 kW of photovoltaic capacity. A company car park with 50 spaces can therefore support a 75–100 kW system, capable of producing between 90,000 and 130,000 kWh per year depending on the geographical area.
Types of structure
There are various structural configurations, from single- or double-pitch canopies to solutions with flat or curved roofing. The choice depends on aesthetic and functional factors and on the characteristics of the installation site. The structures can be made of Corten steel, galvanised steel or aluminium, ensuring strength and durability over time.
Integration with storage systems
To maximise self-consumption of the energy produced, photovoltaic canopies can be integrated with battery storage systems. This solution makes it possible to store the energy generated during peak solar hours and use it when demand is higher or during the evening.
Charging stations for electric vehicles
Pairing photovoltaic canopies with charging stations for electric cars is a perfect synergy for companies that want to support sustainable mobility. The energy produced can power the charging points directly, reducing charging costs and ensuring the use of 100% renewable energy.
Return on investment
The payback period generally ranges between 6 and 10 years, depending on various factors such as the size of the system, the cost of electricity, the percentage of self-consumption and the incentives obtained. Considering a system service life of over 25 years, the investment translates into significant economic savings in the medium to long term.
Authorisation process
Installing photovoltaic canopies generally requires a simplified authorisation procedure. In most cases a Certified Notice of Works Commencement (CILA) is sufficient or, for low-capacity systems, a simple prior notification. It is nonetheless important to check for any specific landscape or planning constraints in the area.
Corten photovoltaic canopies are a strategic choice for companies that want to invest in sustainability and energy savings without sacrificing functionality. The ability to make the most of existing spaces, produce clean energy, cut operating costs and improve their green image makes this solution particularly appealing in a market increasingly geared towards the ecological transition.
For companies wishing to embark on this journey, it is essential to rely on specialist partners able to offer technical consultancy, bespoke design and full support from the feasibility analysis stage through to the installation and maintenance of the system.
Rely on TrackDesign to turn your business spaces into sources of renewable energy: experience, innovation and tailored solutions for every need. Contact us for a personalised consultation.
