Photovoltaic carport for two parking spaces

Key data

Use	Carport for two covered parking spaces
Installed capacity	7.52 kWp — 16 modules of 470 W (8 per pitch)
Roof	Two 15° pitches facing east and west
Plan dimensions	approx. 6.90 x 4.60 m
Load-bearing structure	SHS 100x3 columns, RHS 140x80x3 rafters, RHS 150x100x4 purlins
Design code	Italian NTC 2018

The brief

To create two covered parking spaces while using the roof as a surface for a photovoltaic system, in an area bounded by the property line on one side and the existing building on the other. The available space called for a compact footprint, compliance with the boundary distance and adequate clear height for vehicle access.

Design choices

The roof was laid out as two opposing pitches facing east and west, at 15°. The dual-pitch solution doubles the collecting surface compared with a single pitch while keeping the overall height low, and spreads production across the day (morning on the east pitch, afternoon on the west) rather than concentrating it at midday. The load-bearing structure uses SHS 100x3 columns on 250x250 mm base plates, RHS 140x80x3 rafters in the north and south portals and RHS 150x100x4 purlins, carrying the aluminium panel-support rails.

Verifying the energy choice

The east-west orientation and the pitch were the subject of a specific check on expected yield. The analysis across different pitches showed that, for an east-west system, shallow pitches maximise annual output: the figure falls progressively from nearly flat pitches to 30° pitches. The choice of 15° is the compromise between energy yield, water run-off, structural height and architectural integration with the existing building.

Structural calculation

The structure was verified to the Italian code NTC 2018, considering the permanent loads of the modules and support rails, the site-specific wind and snow actions and the required load combinations. Particular attention was paid to wind action on the roof: a canopy open on all sides is subject to pressure and suction on both faces of the pitches, with uplift effects that size the foundation anchorages more than the vertical loads.

The result

Complete structural design with calculation report, drawings and verification of the system's energy yield, coordinated with the dimensional constraints of the plot and with the existing building.