Mono-Pitch Solar Canopy

## What Is a Mono-Pitch Solar Canopy? A mono-pitch canopy has a single sloping surface — like a lean-to roof. Panels are fixed to the slope at a consistent angle (typically 8-12 degrees in the UK for optimal yield). The slope faces south or south-west for maximum solar generation. The structure sits on galvanised steel columns, typically one column per 2-4 car bays depending on the span and load requirements. The result is a clean, simple structure that provides covered parking while mounting solar panels at the optimal angle. ## Structural Specification Our standard mono-pitch canopy design: | Element | Specification | |---|---| | Columns | 150x150 CHS or 200x200 SHS hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 | | Rafters | IPE or RHS sections, structural grade S355 | | Cladding rails | Aluminium or galvanised steel Z/C purlins at 900mm centres | | Foundation | In-situ concrete pile or ground screw (site-specific) | | Design life | 40 years (galvanising + paint finish) | | Wind loading | Eurocode 1 (EN 1991-1-4), for site-specific wind zone | | Snow loading | Eurocode 1 (EN 1991-1-3), for site latitude | | Panel attachment | Aluminium mid/end clamp system, stainless fasteners | ## Dimensions Standard module dimensions for car park applications: - **Bay depth**: 5.0m (standard car) to 6.0m (large vehicle) - **Bay width**: 2.5m (standard) to 3.0m (accessible) - **Eaves height**: 2.4m minimum (standard), 3.8m+ for HGV access - **Ridge height**: 4.0-5.5m depending on span and pitch - **Column spacing**: 5.0-6.0m along bay length ## Yield vs Other Canopy Types At optimal orientation (south-facing, 10-degree pitch): | Canopy type | Relative yield vs mono-pitch | |---|---| | Mono-pitch (south) | 100% (baseline) | | T-frame (dual pitch, E-W) | 92-95% | | Cantilever | 98-102% (bifacial benefit) | | Flat canopy (0 deg) | 88-93% | The mono-pitch trades some flexibility (column spacing, access) for straightforward structural design and slightly superior south-facing yield versus T-frame. ## When Mono-Pitch Is the Right Choice **Choose mono-pitch when:** - Your car park has a clear south or south-west orientation - You want the lowest cost-per-kWp installation - The site does not need HGV or ambulance access under the structure (standard eaves height sufficient) - You want the simplest planning presentation (single-slope appearance is less visually intrusive) **Consider T-frame or cantilever when:** - Your car park runs east-west with no south-facing option - You need 4m+ clear access height throughout (cantilever works better) - You want bifacial panel benefit maximised (cantilever) - The site has limited column spacing options ## Permitting and Planning Mono-pitch canopies up to 9m ridge height generally satisfy Class J Permitted Development criteria. The single-slope profile creates minimal visual impact from adjacent highway. Most mono-pitch commercial canopy projects proceed under PD without requiring a full planning application. ## Get a Mono-Pitch Feasibility Study We provide a free feasibility study for mono-pitch canopy projects, including structural scheme design (pre-detailed), yield modelling (PVSyst), financial model (25-year DCF), and planning assessment. Response within 5 working days.