Power2Drive 2023: elexon expands portfolio with solar carport
The Aachen-based specialist for commercial charging infrastructure, elexon, has expanded its portfolio to include modular solar carports. This is in response to the new PV carport mandate in several federal states and the increased customer interest in using solar power more efficiently for e-mobility. To make ecologically sensible use of already sealed surfaces and further advance the energy transition, several federal states have now implemented a solar carport mandate for parking lots with a larger number of parking spaces, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately used. In Baden-Württemberg, the regulation applies from 35 parking spaces, in Rhineland-Palatinate from 50, and in Schleswig-Holstein from 100 parking spaces. Currently, this mandate is still being implemented differently and is based on regulations from the Climate Protection Act or individual state building regulations. In the future, a solar system mandate for commercial buildings is expected to be regulated nationwide, according to the provider's forecast.
Response to Demand
As one of the first charging infrastructure providers, by its own estimation, the provider is responding to these developments and expanding its product range to include modular PV carports. The goal is to offer sustainable charging infrastructure from a single source, including site analysis, funding advice for charging stations and PV carports, individual charging solution and carport selection, billing and energy management systems, installation, service, and, if desired, battery storage. As a general contractor, the Aachen-based company realizes the complete project cycle.
Extensive Expertise In-House
Project Manager Michael Berginski, Vice President Product & Production, has utilized the comprehensive product expertise of elexon GmbH across all components for the development of the new solar carport. The company also highlights its expertise as a joint venture of SMA Solar Technology AG, the globally leading specialist for PV system technology. The result is an inverter system solution with an integrated system manager for maximum yield and performance increase, combined with modern high-performance modules with 16.60 kWp, and, if desired, an ultra-flexible battery storage system with high-end battery cells. This combination aims to optimally use the existing grid connection capacity for the various requirements of charging electric vehicles, as the provider advertises.
Steel Construction from Our Own Hand
For the design of the steel construction, the technicians and installers rely on proven knowledge, as the above-ground routing of the supply lines for the charging infrastructure is considered a special expertise. Every construction must be adapted to the individual site conditions, similar to the new solar carport. Here too, a high-quality steel construction forms the basis. Thanks to the modular structure, height, width, and depth are individually realizable. At the same time, the construction can be easily adapted to the very different regional requirements in terms of mechanical impacts like snow and wind loads or seismic loads.
Two Solutions to Choose From
Customers can choose between two solutions: the T-Port and the Chair-Port. The designs optimize comfort during parking, loading, and unloading as well as maneuvering. Both variants can be individually adapted to the site through a scaling system. The constructions are planned in a way that the maximum possible number of parking spaces can be realized. The selection and assembly type are directed towards the best possible usage comfort and PV yield, the provider further advertises.
The special "Catwalk-Installation System" from Aachen is also used. To keep walkways clear for loading, driving through, or other uses, the cable routing of the installed charging infrastructure is offered overhead, that is, below roofs or parking garage ceilings. The supply is installed under the carport, ensuring users the greatest possible freedom when loading and unloading.
Future-Proof Components
The charging boxes can be attached to various positions of the carport. The robust hardware is equipped with reliable components from renowned German manufacturers with particularly high longevity, the provider further advertises. This includes the third-generation controller from elexon. This provides a future-proof and especially comfortable charging infrastructure. The controller uses the communication protocol OCPP 2.0.1 and meets the technical requirements for charging vehicles over ISO15118-2. Both protocols aim to improve the communication of the charging infrastructure and refine the control of the charging process. Additionally, user-independent billing is simplified, and Plug-and-Charge as well as Vehicle-2-Grid are realized, provided a compatible backend is used. Thus, the charging boxes are also prepared for the future and new use cases, the manufacturer advertises.
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