Top-of-pole mounts are an excellent choice for all types of power generation goals, but so much of their value goes beyond kW and mWs generated. The way they maintain and enhance the value of a space is part of what makes this approach to solar racking so exciting and inspiring.
PowerSol USA recently demonstrated these features on a job in Tucson, AZ. A homeowner was seeking a sustainable power-generating resource that would also provide ample shading and shelter for up to ten vehicles. But even more than that, he wanted his project to enhance the comfort and safety of his property for his family, friends, and community.
PowerSol USA designed a four-pole MT Solar mount as a large solar carport and shade structure. The solar mount’s open and high ground clearance keep cars protected from the harshest southwestern rays while harnessing them for clean, reliable energy. Besides supporting modules for optimal productivity, the mount keeps them protected high above the gravel-covered parking area.
PowerSol USA’s founder, Joseph Kenney, expressed the significance of the project, “This installation was important to both our customer and our team on a much deeper level than energy production alone. The homeowner is a father, grandfather, and preacher who dedicates his life to serving others and his community. His vision for this project was not just about solar—it was about creating a safe, shaded place for his children, grandchildren, friends, and congregation to park and gather.”
The carport’s spanning array is configured in 10 columns and five rows. With a minimum ground clearance of 11 feet and a coverage area of 89 feet in length and 22 feet in width, there’s plenty of room for vehicles of all sizes and space for gathering and enjoying the shade. The 27.6kW system delivers clean power to a dual 39.9 kWh battery storage.
While the size and scale of this dual-use project are impressive, PowerSol USA was able to move forward efficiently, from concept to configuration and onwards to preparation and installation.
As Joseph describes, “MT Solar team was easy to work with, responsive throughout the process, and delivered the materials as promised and on schedule—which is critical on complex, high-profile projects. Having a partner we could rely on allowed our team to stay focused on building a safe, clean, and visually appealing system for the customer.”
“…this project was not just about solar—it was about creating a safe, shaded place for his children, grandchildren, friends, and congregation to park and gather.” – Joseph Kenney, founder of PowerSol USA
MT Solar is proud to see its product work so well for this homeowner and fit with PowerSol USA’s mission to realize projects that satisfy a range of high-performance, complex, and aesthetic solar energy requirements.
| Array Specifications | |
|---|---|
| System Size | 50 modules |
| Array Configuration | 5 rows x 10 column |
| Ground Clearance | 11 feet |
| Snow Load | 0 PSF |
| Wind Load | 115 MPH |
| Tilt | Seasonally adjustable for optimized production |
| Foundation | 48-inch square, 4-foot, 9-inches deep, concrete embedded |
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