Economics
Carport, rooftop or ground-mount: which solar for your site?
Roof, car park or land: each surface has its own logic. The right choice depends on what the site already has and what it must keep doing.
Quick comparison
| Rooftop | Car park canopy | Ground-mount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land | Already built | Already sealed | Land to secure |
| Structure | Depends on existing roof | Dedicated structure | Light structure |
| Added use | None | Shade, shelter, charging | None |
| Key constraint | Load capacity, waterproofing, insurance | Supports, foundations, traffic | Land, biodiversity, grid |
When the roof is enough
A recent, strong, well-oriented roof is often the simplest option. But many industrial roofs were not designed for extra load, and waterproofing calls for care.
Why carports are gaining ground
A car park depends on no existing roof, sits right next to the vehicles to charge and is often covered by a legal obligation. Its difficulty is structural: supports must be created in a space that has to keep working. That is exactly what the 30 m span addresses.
Combining surfaces
On one site, roof and carport complement each other: the roof supplies the building, the carport the chargers and the surplus. The feasibility study should compare both before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Which produces more?
For the same area, output depends mostly on orientation, tilt and shading. The car park often offers the largest available area.
Is a carport more expensive than a rooftop?
It needs a dedicated structure and foundations, but no roof strengthening or waterproofing work. Compare site by site.
General information, up to date at the date shown. Design and regulatory compliance of each project must be validated by the competent teams.
