2026-09-15
Amid the rapid expansion of the overseas new energy market, photovoltaic carports are composite PV projects that integrate power generation and site utilization. Widely deployed in industrial parks, commercial complexes, public parking lots, logistics parks and other sites, they have become a vital segment of overseas distributed photovoltaics. As the primary load-bearing structure of the entire system, the PV carport support determines the project’s service life and operation & maintenance costs through its structural design, material technology, anti-corrosion performance and installation adaptability. As an original manufacturer integrating R&D, design, production and supporting services of photovoltaic brackets, Zhongtang Group leverages its mature carport support production system and rich overseas project delivery experience to supply global customers with one-stop PV carport support solutions featuring high compatibility, superior safety and long service life.
Zhongtang PV carport support system mainly consists of uprights, beams, diagonal braces, connectors, rails, clamps and fasteners. Depending on site conditions and parking layout, the system can adopt a single-slope or double-slope structure to meet different requirements on parking space quantity, passage height and module arrangement. Uprights serve as the main vertical load-bearing members, bearing the self-weight of the system, loads from PV modules, as well as external loads such as wind load and snow load. Beams connect uprights to form the upper force-bearing frame. Diagonal braces enhance structural stability, reduce beam deformation and improve overall disaster resistance.
In practical projects, the PV carport support system is not merely a set of discrete components, but a complete structural solution. Every part must be well-matched, from the foundation connection of uprights to the clamping of modules on the top, to guarantee structural safety during long-term operation. Based on site dimensions, parking quantity, module specifications, local climatic conditions and other information provided by customers, Zhongtang Group can complete the overall design and component matching of the PV carport support system, saving customers the cost of coordinating accessories from multiple suppliers.
The main profiles of Zhongtang’s PV carport supports adopt national standard Q355B high-strength structural steel. Compared with ordinary Q235 steel, Q355B features higher yield strength and tensile strength. Under identical load conditions, it allows smaller component cross-sections; with the same cross-section size, it delivers higher system load capacity. This makes the PV carport supports well-suited for projects with high wind load, heavy snow load or large structural span.
PV carport supports are exposed to outdoor environments for extended periods, subject to sunlight, rain, temperature fluctuation and atmospheric corrosion. Therefore, material properties and surface treatment are critical. Zhongtang’s PV carport supports are processed with high-standard hot-dip galvanizing anti-corrosion treatment. The uniform zinc coating forms a stable protective layer on steel surfaces to mitigate oxidation and corrosion risks. Hot-dip galvanized steel members exhibit outstanding corrosion resistance in normal atmospheric environments, extending the outdoor service life of the support system and cutting later maintenance and replacement costs.
Zhongtang PV carport supports adopt fully modular and standardized design. Uprights, beams, diagonal braces and connectors are all prefabricated in the factory. No on-site welding or secondary cutting is required, and assembly can be finished simply via bolt connection following assembly sequences. This construction method reduces field workload, lowers reliance on skilled construction workers, and helps improve installation precision and structural quality consistency.
Overseas projects often face uncertain on-site construction conditions, such as high labor costs, tight construction schedules and limited equipment. If PV carport supports require on-site welding or extensive custom fabrication, construction difficulty and schedule risks will rise. With factory prefabrication and standard fastener connections, Zhongtang’s modular PV carport support system helps shorten on-site installation time, reduce investment in temporary equipment and lower overall construction costs.
Requirements for PV carport supports vary across projects. Sites with flat terrain and a large number of parking spaces are suitable for double-slope structures to boost land utilization. Sites with limited width or high vehicle passage requirements are better matched with single-slope structures. Zhongtang Group can provide both mainstream single-slope and double-slope structures, and carry out optimized design combined with site dimensions, parking layout and vehicle clearance height according to customers’ actual demands.
In terms of foundation types, the PV carport support system can adopt concrete foundations or counterweight foundations. Concrete foundations fit projects with favorable geological conditions and high load requirements. Counterweight foundations are applicable to sites where large-scale foundation work is unavailable or site modification is restricted. Zhongtang Group will recommend the most appropriate foundation solution based on the project’s local geology, load requirements and construction conditions to ensure long-term stability of the PV carport support system.
PV modules are fixed on support rails via clamps and fasteners, which form a key connection part of the PV carport support system. Mismatch between clamp opening size and module frame thickness, or insufficient fastener strength, may lead to inadequate clamping force of modules, and even module displacement under wind load. Hence, for a PV carport support system, we should not only ensure the safety of the main steel structure, but also attach importance to the compatibility of module fixing accessories.
Zhongtang Group supplies supporting clamps, bolts, nuts and other fasteners for the PV carport support system. These accessories go through unified design and selection, enabling stable connection with the support system and reducing installation issues caused by mismatched parts. For overseas purchasers, sourcing a complete PV carport support system rather than purchasing steel structures and fasteners separately helps shorten procurement cycles and improve on-site installation efficiency.
Overseas PV projects normally require suppliers to deliver complete technical documents, including structural calculation reports, material certificates, test reports and installation manuals. Zhongtang Group offers technical support services for overseas EPC contractors and purchasers for PV carport support systems. We conduct structural mechanical calculation according to local wind load, snow load, seismic grade and other parameters of the project, and issue corresponding technical documents.
For projects requiring export certifications or third-party inspections, Zhongtang Group can also assist customers in document preparation to help projects comply with local acceptance requirements. This integrated service covering scheme design, component production and supporting technical documentation reduces communication costs during procurement and accelerates project progress.
PV carport supports are suitable for industrial parks, commercial complexes, public parking lots, logistics parks, gas stations, scenic parking lots and many other scenarios. When selecting PV carport supports, customers shall focus on the following points: first, whether the main material meets load requirements; second, whether anti-corrosion treatment adapts to the local environment of the project; third, whether the structural form matches site and parking demands; fourth, whether the foundation solution fits local geological conditions; fifth, whether the supplier can provide complete technical documentation.
Zhongtang Group suggests overseas purchasers provide site dimensions, module specifications, parking quantity, local wind and snow load parameters before purchasing PV carport supports, so our technical team can carry out accurate type selection. For projects without full data, Zhongtang Group can also prepare preliminary scheme configurations based on basic information provided by customers, which can be adjusted and optimized in subsequent detailed design.
With the continuous growth of overseas distributed PV projects, the application scope of PV carport support systems keeps expanding. For purchasers, selecting a PV carport support system with sound structural safety, reliable anti-corrosion performance, convenient installation and complete documentation is a key prerequisite to guarantee long-term stable operation of projects.
As an original manufacturer in the photovoltaic bracket sector, Zhongtang Group always proceeds from customers’ actual project demands, delivering one-stop services including structural design, material selection, component matching and technical document support. Moving forward, Zhongtang Group will continue optimizing the structure of PV carport support systems, and provide global customers with more stable, efficient and cost-competitive photovoltaic bracket solutions.
