A hybrid PV system based on a car canopy

We are pleased to introduce our new product for business owners – a hybrid solar power plant based on a carport, which embodies modern technologies and solutions for the most efficient use of green energy. This innovative product not only provides reliable protection from the sun’s rays, but also turns your usual open space into a source of renewable energy and cost savings. 

It’s no longer news to many that renewable energy sources are constantly developing and becoming more and more necessary for our modern lives. Alternative energy is spreading rapidly around the world, being implemented on every continent and being generated at record rates. As a result, technologies do not stand still; they change, optimise and become as efficient as possible. With this in mind, our team is constantly striving to contribute to the progress and development of the green energy industry. Avenston is a combination of three key principles: Technology. Opportunity. Nature. They reflect the company’s values, its purpose and its focus on using technology to unlock opportunities while respecting nature and protecting the environment. This calibrates the ‘compass’ for the company’s strategy and development, determining its direction and what it wants to be in society and the marketplace. We actively develop and implement various ideas that are useful not only to potential customers but also to the environment.

The Avenston Innovation Centre has developed a new product – a solar hybrid power station on a canopy with the ability to charge electric vehicles (Energoport-16). We really wanted to introduce a new product that would be different from others in terms of practicality and efficiency, as well as being more convenient and environmentally friendly. The Solar Energoport is designed for 16 parking spaces, which is perfect for shopping malls, business centres, petrol stations, suburban complexes, etc. This innovative product opens up new possibilities for introducing sustainable energy supply to existing car parks, protecting cars from excessive overheating, snow and hail. The solution makes efficient use of available space, which is particularly important in places where land resources are limited. After all, every piece of available land should “work” – generate income.

This product has the most balanced technical characteristics to meet the needs of the majority of customers and to efficiently scale capacity as required. The canopy is designed for 16 parking spaces measuring 3 x 5.5 m, with a lower height of 2.7 m and an upper height of 4.8 m. The total capacity of the solar panels is 60 kW, the capacity of the energy storage system is 24.86 kWh and the capacity of the electric vehicle charging station is 22 kW. The Energoport-16 solar power system is capable of generating 62,500 kWh of affordable and environmentally friendly electricity per year, providing a critical load backup of 8 kW for 3 hours, and enabling the charging of an electric vehicle at a speed of approximately 120 km per hour. The modular structure of the product provides flexibility in the event that parameters need to be adapted to the needs of a particular customer.

Solar canopies work in the same way as rooftop or ground-mounted PV systems: solar panels absorb the sun’s photons and convert them into useful electrons, which are then sent to an inverter and converted into alternating current for use on the grid. The main advantage of this product is that it uses solar panels to generate electricity, which will significantly reduce electricity costs for businesses. After all, isn’t it true that the phrase “electricity for 1 UAH per kWh” sounds very attractive? Doesn’t it? 

There are three main advantages of the Solar Energy Port (or Energoport-16):

1. It accumulates the charge of batteries that can provide uninterrupted power supply in the event of a power cut or blackout. 
2. Equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles, it will always be useful for owners of electric cars, which will help promote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles and preserve the environment. 
3. Connected to a central grid, the Energy Port will transfer surplus energy generated during peak hours, generating additional revenue.

In addition, the canopy’s design provides reliable protection for the cars from adverse weather conditions such as rain, hail or snow. Passengers can get in and out of the car in a comfortable environment and the car itself is protected from overheating. This in turn helps to maintain their technical characteristics and reduce potential repair costs. In this way, you provide additional protection for the cars and generate environmentally friendly energy that can be used to power lighting, ventilation and electric charging stations.

Solar carports are a very viable and simple solution that can benefit anyone who wants to go solar. They are simple structures that act as a cover for vehicles and a source of solar energy production. The simplicity of solar carports is evident when you look at their basic form, which consists only of solar panels and a similar ground mounting system. They differ from traditional carports in that the function of covering the roof is performed by the solar panels. Ultimately, a solar carport is a great option for those who want more flexibility in setting up their solar project.

Just imagine how special and dramatically different such canopies can be. A solar carport is also a highly visible way for companies to demonstrate their environmental responsibility to staff and customers. Solar panels installed on the roof are often difficult to see to promote the company’s values, but a canopy is a clear statement of intent. Using renewable solar energy helps reduce carbon emissions and contributes to a cleaner environment.

Of course, while reading this, you may have a logical question about the payback of this project. Let’s be honest: yes, a carport recoups its capital costs much more slowly than a rooftop solar PV system. However, a lot depends on the use of the electricity generated and whether there are benefits that are not solely related to the cost of electricity generated. The larger the installation, the faster it will pay for itself, as the fixed costs are spread over a larger number of panels. We should also not forget that the implementation of such a project becomes an investment for many years. 

The introduction of the product is a key step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future parking infrastructure. This “turnkey solution” not only helps to save energy, but also provides an eco-friendly parking solution, helping cities and businesses to reduce their environmental impact. Avenston strives to be a leader in the implementation of innovative projects aimed at ensuring sustainable development and implementing environmental solutions. If you are interested in this idea and have the same vector of vision, please contact our specialists. We will be able to advise and select the most optimal solution that will meet your needs. Our company is always on the client’s side!