Parking lots create problems like heat islands and
stormwater issues. Solar carports can be a powerful part of the solution.
Parking lots can do more than just store cars
Solar carports are engineered structures that are topped with a solar panel array. They create shelter over parked vehicles year round, keeping them cooler in summer, and protecting from rain, hail, and snow. All while generating clean power.
Canada has a lot of parking space. For every small vehicle it is estimated that there is an average of four commercial parking spots across the country. These underutilized spaces can do double duty, simply by installing solar carports.
Canada is leading solar carport innovation
Solar carports are often constructed from rust-prone steel, a questionable choice given our climate. VCT Group, based in Kitchener, Ontario has a better solution — aluminum. Their patent-pending Heliostation™ designs take advantage of aluminum’s unique qualities. Lightweight, non-rusting, strong and beautiful, the aluminum they build with is mined in Quebec; extruded in Toronto; processed in-house in Ontario; and used for construction in Canada. Beauty, eh?
Innovation driven by need
Their carport designs solve issues that other available products do not. They are engineered to be watertight without gaskets or caulking which require ongoing maintenance. Their carports efficiently bolt together without welding, and all of the solar panels are installed from below, maximizing safety.
In the words of Brian Unrau, VCT Group President, “As a company we were founded to help address the energy transition. We tried building carports with existing products, but they all leaked. We knew that it had to be possible to do better. So we did. That’s what Canadians do best, we step up when there’s a crisis.”
We tried building carports with existing products, but they all leaked. We knew that it had to be
possible to do better. So we did. That’s what Canadians do best, we step up when there’s a crisis.
Visit vctgroup.com to learn more about making better use of your space.
