Hybrid Solar Canopy

Combining timber piles with a steel truss system, Weston & Sampson has developed a hybrid design for canopy structures.

This design is applicable for solar arrays, pedestrian walkways, covered parking, and equipment storage areas.

This cost-effective system utilizes readily available and proven material. The timber piles are utility grade wooden poles used throughout the U.S. to support the electrical transmission and distribution grid network and the steel trusses are hot-dip galvanized to provide long-term freedom from corrosion.

The prototypical installation, completed in February 2019, is a fully functioning 10 kW solar array, complete with a rainwater management system and snow guards to provide a covered outdoor parking and equipment storage area. The 625-square foot solar canopy has a clear working height of over 14 feet while occupying less than three square feet of ground space.

Details

Award Class

Newly Complete

Award Sectors

Electrical, Utility & Communication

Environment

Rural

Location

Carver, MA United States

Reasons for Galvanizing

Aesthetics, Coating Durability, Corrosion Performance, Ease of Specifying, Initial Cost, Life-Cycle Cost, Prior HDG Experience, Quality of HDG, Sustainability, Turnaround Time