What Is The Difference Between A Photovoltaic Carport And A Photovoltaic Greenhouse?

Jan 21, 2025 Leave a message

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● Introduction

● Collection of styles for photovoltaic carports

● Classify according to the number of columns

>> 1. Single column photovoltaic carport

>> 2. Multi column photovoltaic carport

>> 3. BIPV waterproof photovoltaic carport

● According to the shape of the slope

>> 1. Single slope

>> 2. Double slope

>> 3. Flat top type

>> 4. Curved surface

● According to whether photovoltaics are used as structural components

● According to the overall structural materials of the carport

>> 1. Concrete photovoltaic carport

>> 2. Aluminum profile structure photovoltaic carport

>> 3. Steel structure photovoltaic carport

● Photovoltaic greenhouse style

>> 1. Covered photovoltaic greenhouse

>> 2. Interval type photovoltaic greenhouse

>> 3. Adjustable angle photovoltaic greenhouse

● Conclusion

Introduction:

Photovoltaic carports and greenhouses are both models of integrated utilization of distributed photovoltaics and traditional buildings. Nowadays, many charging stations have innovatively adopted the new mode of photovoltaic storage charging. However, the photovoltaic carports are not just about building photovoltaic greenhouses directly. There are still many details to pay attention to, and they can be divided into many categories. You can choose the most suitable carport design according to your own station.

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Collection of styles for photovoltaic carports

The working principle of a photovoltaic carport is to use solar panels installed on the top of the carport to absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current electricity. Then, the DC power is converted into AC power through an inverter to supply power for use or charging equipment such as electric vehicles.

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There is a combiner box under each carport, and the solar panels at the top of the carport collect the absorbed electricity through it. Then, it is transmitted to the inverter to convert DC electricity into AC electricity, which can be transmitted to the power grid to complete power generation. However, for general solar energy storage and charging stations, the electricity produced by photovoltaics is basically in a spontaneous self use mode.

1. Classify according to the number of columns

Single column photovoltaic carport

The main advantage of a single column carport is its simple structure, which saves a lot of space and brings greater convenience to parking. It is also easy to install and construct.

Multi column photovoltaic carport
The multi column carport is entirely made of aluminum alloy structural materials, with a simple structure. Compared to a single column carport, its overall structure exhibits higher safety and stability, stronger wind resistance, and significantly improves the effective utilization of space. However, due to the increase in material usage, the overall cost of the carport has correspondingly increased compared to a single column carport.

BIPV waterproof photovoltaic carport
BIPV waterproof photovoltaic carport is an addition of waterproof structure on the basis of ordinary photovoltaic carport. It adopts a new structure for waterproofing and is equipped with a water channel to effectively solve the problem of water seepage. Its waterproof performance is excellent. The main support design adopts the most stable "double  - type" structure in mechanics, with a stable structure and hidden cement pier column design, which not only saves space but also facilitates parking.

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2. According to the shape of the slope
Single slope
Simple structure, easy installation, suitable for north-south arrangement. 

Double slope

Centralized drainage, convenient on rainy days, suitable for east-west alignment.

Flat top type
Flat top design, photovoltaic modules are usually installed parallel to the ground. Easy to install, suitable for spaces with limitations, but drainage design needs to be specially considered.

Curved surface
Curved design, usually using curved or wavy structures, with a modern and beautiful appearance. The structure is complex and the cost is high, but it has good visual effects and shading performance.

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3. According to whether photovoltaics are used as structural components 

Additional: Suitable for the renovation of existing carports

Construction style: Using photovoltaic modules as structural components of the carport, simple and beautiful

4. According to the overall structural materials of the carport

Concrete photovoltaic carport

The concrete photovoltaic carport adopts underground pouring foundation, and the carport roof is stably connected to the front and rear columns with pre poured U-shaped bolts. Then, C-shaped steel beams are installed to meet the requirements of wind load. Photovoltaic brackets and modules are installed on the C-shaped steel, and the modules can be laid at the optimal angle to ensure maximum power generation.

The main advantages are:
(1) Design a sufficiently long garage to facilitate vehicle parking;
(2) The beam top is relatively high, which does not affect the normal operation and work of vehicles and pedestrians;
(3) The concrete carport structure has good sealing, durability, strong wind resistance, and structural stability;
(4) Narrow concrete pillars that do not occupy garage space and facilitate vehicle parking:
(5) The structure of the concrete carport is simple, easy to install, and fully meets the requirements for use.
The main disadvantages are:
(1) The construction period is relatively long, and due to the solidification characteristics of concrete, it takes a long time to harden;
(2) The cost of the project is high, and due to the high price of concrete and the need for a combination of molding and other processes, the operational difficulty is relatively high;
(3) The utilization rate of the carport is not very high because the installed component capacity is relatively reduced.

Aluminum profile structure photovoltaic carport
There are three sets of columns on the ground of the aluminum profile structure photovoltaic carport structure, and the lowest point of the inclined aluminum profile structure carport is more than 2.5 meters away from the ground. The installation angle is about 10 degrees.
The main advantages are:
(1) The minimum height of the carport is greater than 2.5 meters;
(2) No on-site welding operations or drilling.
The main disadvantages are:
(1) The carport is made of all aluminum structure, and the aluminum profiles of the carport need to be molded and customized, which is costly;
(2) The design is not aesthetically pleasing enough, and based on actual installation photos, the aesthetic level of this type of carport needs to be discounted to a certain extent;
(3) Waterproof has always been difficult to solve;

Steel structure photovoltaic carport
There are two sets of steel columns on the ground in the form of a single column steel structure photovoltaic shed, and the lowest point of the inclined steel structure shed is more than 2.5 meters away from the ground.
The main advantages are:
(1) The minimum height of the carport is greater than 2.5 meters;
(2) Design specifications and loads considered for use;
(3) The appearance decoration is relatively beautiful;
(4) Installation restrictions are rare, and only unilateral excavation construction is needed.
The main disadvantages are:
(1) The amount of steel used has increased;
(2) The civil foundation is relatively large, and the cost increases relatively;
(3) Waterproof treatment is more complicated.

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Photovoltaic greenhouse style 

Photovoltaic agricultural greenhouse is a new utilization method of photovoltaic power generation, which integrates solar photovoltaic power generation, intelligent temperature control system, and modern high-tech planting into a greenhouse. The greenhouse adopts a steel frame, covered with solar photovoltaic modules, while ensuring solar photovoltaic power generation and the lighting needs of the entire greenhouse crops.
The construction of photovoltaic agricultural greenhouses mainly involves integrated thin-film photovoltaic greenhouses and professional renovations on existing greenhouses. Generally, newly-built greenhouses are constructed in an integrated manner.
The electricity generated by photovoltaic modules can support the irrigation system of greenhouses, provide supplementary light for plants, meet the winter heating needs of greenhouses, increase greenhouse temperature, and promote rapid crop growth.

Covered photovoltaic greenhouse
Photovoltaic modules are covered on the top or sides of the greenhouse to form a complete coverage. Suitable for planting crops that require more shade.

Interval type photovoltaic greenhouse
Photovoltaic modules are arranged in intervals, with some areas being transparent and some areas being opaque. Suitable for planting crops with high light requirements.

Adjustable angle photovoltaic greenhouse
The photovoltaic module is installed on an adjustable bracket, which can adjust the angle of the photovoltaic module according to the angle of the sun. Improve the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation while adjusting the lighting inside the greenhouse.

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Conclusion

Photovoltaic carports are mainly used for vehicle protection and charging, and are often built in parking areas of cities or factories. The structure is relatively simple, and the construction cost is affected by scale. Small scale units have higher costs, while large-scale ones have lower costs due to scale effects. Its construction can reduce costs by optimizing design, selecting suitable materials, etc. Photovoltaic greenhouses integrate power generation and agricultural planting, mainly located on rural or suburban agricultural land, with high requirements for structural materials, infrastructure, and supporting facilities, and relatively high costs. Reducing costs requires multiple approaches, such as utilizing policy support and innovating cooperation models. Although the two have different application scenarios, they can both improve economic and environmental benefits through reasonable planning and management while achieving functionality.

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