Model your project savings and peak-demand reduction
Calculate ROISolar Carport MalaysiaTurn Parking Into Power
Install solar panels over your parking lot. Protect vehicles from the sun and rain while generating clean electricity — no roof space required.
What Is a Solar Carport?
A solar carport is an elevated steel structure with solar photovoltaic panels mounted overhead, constructed specifically over parking bays. It functions as both a covered carpark and a power generation system — simultaneously.
Unlike rooftop solar, a solar carport does not depend on the condition, orientation, or structural capacity of an existing roof. It is built from the ground up using galvanised steel columns and beams, making it suitable for properties with large open car parks — shopping malls, factories, office complexes, hospitals, and universities.
In Malaysia, solar carports are growing as a way to add solar generation to otherwise underutilised parking area.
Benefits of Solar Carports
Generate Electricity
Offset your TNB electricity bill directly. A 100-bay carport (250 kWp) generates ~315,000 kWh per year — about RM160,000 a year on a low-voltage tariff if all output is used on site.
Protect Vehicles
Shade panels keep vehicles cool and protected from UV damage and tropical rain. Customers and staff appreciate covered parking — especially in Malaysian heat.
Increase Property Value
Green infrastructure adds to asset value. LEED, GBI, and MyCREST green building certifications award points for on-site renewable energy generation.
EV Charging Integration
Pre-wire bays for EV chargers during installation. Offer paid charging to tenants or the public — a new revenue stream powered by your own solar energy.
Utilise Unused Space
Large car parks are often the biggest underutilised asset on a commercial property. Solar carports convert this dead space into a productive energy asset.
ESG and Green Points
Demonstrate sustainability commitment to tenants, investors, and regulators. Solar carports contribute to Scope 2 emission reduction and ESG reporting targets.
Types of Solar Carport Structures
Three main structural configurations are used in Malaysia, each suited to different parking layouts and civil constraints.
Single Cantilever
Columns on one side only, panels cantilevering over the bay. Minimal ground obstruction and cleanest aesthetic.
Pros
- + No column in parking bay
- + Easy pedestrian access
- + Lower cost per bay
Cons
- - Structural limits at wide spans
- - Asymmetric load on columns
T-Frame (Centre Column)
Central column between two rows of bays. A T-shaped crossbeam supports panels over both sides simultaneously.
Pros
- + Spans two rows with one column
- + Cost-efficient per kWp
- + Higher wind resistance
Cons
- - Column in centre aisle
- - Requires wider drive lanes
Full Span (Dual Column)
Columns on both sides of the parking row. Used for very large systems or where span requirements exceed cantilever limits.
Pros
- + Maximum span capability
- + High structural rigidity
- + Suits wide multi-bay blocks
Cons
- - Higher material cost
- - More columns required
Ideal For
Shopping Malls
High daytime load and large open car parks make malls ideal candidates. High self-consumption rates are common.
Factories & Warehouses
Industrial properties with vast open lots. Combine solar carport with rooftop solar for maximum generation capacity.
Office Buildings
Peak generation (10am–3pm) aligns with peak office electricity demand. Excellent self-consumption profile.
Hospitals & Healthcare
Critical facilities benefit from both electricity savings and EV readiness for ambulance and fleet charging.
Universities & Schools
Campuses with large student car parks and ESG commitments. Education institutions qualify for green building incentives.
Hotels & Resorts
Guest car parks become a green amenity. Pair with EV charging to attract eco-conscious travellers and corporate events.
Sizing and Indicative Pricing
System size scales directly with the number of parking bays available. The table below provides indicative figures based on standard single-cantilever carport construction in Malaysia.
| Parking Bays | System Size | Annual Generation | Annual Savings | Estimated Cost | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 bays | 50 kWp | 63,000 kWh | RM 32,000 | Priced per project | Per project |
| 50 bays | 125 kWp | 157,500 kWh | RM 80,000 | Priced per project | Per project |
| 100 bays | 250 kWp | 315,000 kWh | RM 160,000 | Priced per project | Per project |
*Savings calculated at RM0.5068/kWh (Non-Domestic Low Voltage), assuming all output is used on site; on MV General (RM0.2983/kWh) they would be about RM19,000, RM47,000 and RM94,000. Indicative only. Cost and payback are priced per project from your bills and site conditions (structure, panels, inverters, TNB application and installation; PBT submission fees excluded).
Solar Carport + EV Charging
Solar carport and EV charging is a natural combination in commercial energy infrastructure. The solar canopy above generates power during daylight hours — exactly when most EV charging demand occurs.
Solar Generates Power
Panels on the carport roof generate electricity throughout the day. Surplus beyond building consumption is directed to EV chargers.
EV Chargers Under Canopy
Type 2 AC chargers (7–22kW; Schneider Charge Pro is our stocked model) can be installed at pre-wired bays beneath the carport structure. DC fast chargers (50–150kW) are not stocked and are quoted per project.
Dual Revenue Stream
Earn from electricity bill savings AND EV charging fees. Charging revenue is modelled into your payback per project.
Planning EV charging? Trexon can design your solar carport with EV charging infrastructure built in — conduit, switchboards, and charger mounting points — from day one. Retrofitting later costs significantly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solar carport and how does it differ from rooftop solar?
A solar carport is an elevated steel structure with solar panels mounted overhead, built specifically over parking areas. Unlike rooftop solar, it does not require any existing roof — it uses your open parking lot as the installation site. This makes it ideal for properties with large car parks but limited or unsuitable roof space, such as shopping malls, logistics warehouses, and office complexes.
What system size do I need for my parking lot?
A standard car bay (2.5m × 5m) can accommodate approximately 2.5 kWp of solar panels. So 20 bays ≈ 50 kWp, 50 bays ≈ 125 kWp, and 100 bays ≈ 250 kWp. The actual system size also depends on structural constraints, local authority approvals, and your building's electricity consumption. Trexon conducts the RM500 commercial site survey with a written report (credited in full when you proceed) to determine the optimal configuration.
Does a solar carport require local authority (PBT) approval in Malaysia?
Yes. Solar carports are considered permanent structures under Malaysian building regulations and typically require building plan approval from the local authority (PBT) and, in some states, MBPJ, MBSA, DBKL, or equivalent. Trexon coordinates the submission process, including structural drawings endorsed by a third-party Professional Engineer (PE), the TNB connection application and the PBT submission.
Can solar carports withstand Malaysian weather — heavy rain and strong wind?
Yes. Solar carport structures are designed to the MS 1553 wind-loading code for the site's basic wind speed, confirmed by the structural engineer. Panels are mounted with appropriate tilt and drainage to handle tropical rainfall. The steel structure is hot-dip galvanised for corrosion resistance in Malaysia's humid climate.
How do I integrate EV charging with a solar carport?
Solar carport and EV charging is a natural combination. DC power from the solar panels can be routed to EV DC fast chargers, or converted to AC for AC chargers. Trexon offers integrated solar + EV charging design where selected bays are pre-wired for Type 2 or CCS chargers. This enables you to offer paid EV charging as an additional revenue stream while powering them with solar energy.
What is the payback period for a solar carport in Malaysia?
Payback for a solar carport is calculated per project; it depends on the structure cost, your tariff and how much of the output you use on site. Savings come from replacing TNB grid consumption (about RM0.2983/kWh energy charge on MV General, or RM0.5068/kWh on Non-Domestic Low Voltage), Solar ATAP export credits where applicable, and optional EV charging revenue. Properties with high daytime electricity consumption — like malls and offices — get the most from the output.
Ready to Electrify Your Car Park?
Share your site plan or parking layout and our commercial team will assess your solar carport potential — system size, savings, and ROI — priced per project from your bills.
Related Solutions
Commercial Rooftop Solar
Standard rooftop solar for factories, offices, and commercial buildings
Battery Energy Storage (BESS)
Pair your carport solar with battery storage to extend use beyond daylight
Solar ATAP (formerly NEM)
Under Solar ATAP, business exports are credited at the monthly Average SMP and unused credit is forfeited each billing period
Related Articles
Commercial Solar Cost Malaysia 2026
Cost, ROI, and feasibility drivers for commercial rooftop and carport solar projects
EV Charging + Solar: Complete Integration Guide for Malaysian Businesses
How to combine EV charging infrastructure with a solar carport
Commercial Solar Financing Options in Malaysia 2026
Ownership, hire purchase, PPA and GITA explained for commercial solar projects
Get a Solar Carport Proposal
Tell us about your parking area and we'll design a structural solar carport.
- Sizing from your 12 months of TNB bills and shift pattern
- Roof, switchboard and single-line diagram reviewed by our engineers
- Available incentives (GITA for solar, subject to MGTC verification) and Solar ATAP eligibility checked for your premises
- SEDA-registered PV Service Provider (RPVSP-2026/373) · SSM 201301044881 (1074704-D)
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