Large-scale photovoltaic structures: a market under pressure

Demand for large-scale PV installations is growing fast. Is the supply of mounting structures keeping pace?

Demand is growing very fast, and the supply of structures is clearly under pressure. The market has responded with new products and new players, but supply has not always kept up with the speed and scale of project development, particularly in countries like Italy. Established manufacturers with solid industrial experience and reliable supply chains are best positioned. But capacity constraints remain a challenge. The rapid entry of new players helps meet volumes, but it also introduces risks: price volatility and inconsistent quality if standards are not rigorously maintained.

Solar carports and PV canopies: much more than a simple shelter

The solar carport and canopy market is developing rapidly. What are the drivers and key innovations?

Several factors explain this growth. These solutions make use of existing spaces, such as car parks, without consuming additional land. They help companies achieve their ESG and decarbonisation goals. They also offer tangible self-consumption benefits, particularly for C&I sites with daytime energy demand. And they deliver real added value for users: covered parking, weather protection and integration of electric vehicle charging stations. On the innovation front, developments focus on modular designs, faster installation, improved structural efficiency and integration with storage, charging and smart energy management systems.

Quality of solar structures in extreme weather conditions

Modules are getting bigger and heavier, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. How are structures adapting?

Structures have evolved with more robust designs, reinforced wind and snow load calculations and the use of higher-grade materials with better corrosion protection. But this approach is mainly adopted by serious, premium players. Unfortunately, some companies still follow a speculative, price-driven strategy, neglecting quality and structural resilience. In those cases, problems always surface, often with the first severe weather event.

APER law in France: an accelerator for photovoltaic canopies

France has put in place an ambitious regulatory framework for solar carports. What impact does it have on the market?

France is indeed one of the most advanced markets in Europe in this segment. The APER law (2023) requires outdoor car parks larger than 1,500 m² to cover at least 50% of their surface with canopies, primarily photovoltaic. The deadline is set at July 2026 for car parks over 10,000 m² and July 2028 for those between 1,500 and 10,000 m², with penalties of up to €40,000 per year for non-compliance. This model is transforming car park solar infrastructure into a new market standard.

Energy Hub and OneMega: SigueSol’s turnkey solutions

How is SigueSol’s offering evolving to meet these trends?

Our strategy is built on innovation, quality and above all flexibility, which has long been a key differentiator. We are recognised for our ability to work on all types of projects, including the most complex: challenging terrains, regulatory constraints, bespoke structures for bus depots or major transport hubs. To meet the growing demand for smaller-scale projects, often overlooked by the market, we recently launched modular turnkey solutions. Energy Hub is an integrated solar carport that combines PV modules, batteries, charging stations and EMS in a single concept. OneMega targets ground-mounted projects under 1 MW with predefined configurations, full equipment supply and installation support. We combine Made in Europe production with selected European partners to guarantee availability, choice and consistent quality. Our coverage ranges from simple structure supply to fully turnkey projects, for installations from 100 kW up to utility scale.

Agrivoltaics: the next steps

Where is the mounting structures market heading in the coming years?

The market is moving towards greater specialisation, increased adaptability and data-driven management. We anticipate more modular products, more resilient and better suited to each site, whether in agrivoltaics, challenging weather conditions or complex terrains. In agrivoltaics, we foresee major innovations in monitoring and control to protect and manage crops while jointly optimising energy production and agricultural yields. Our catalogue is expanding in this direction with technologies that have been proven for over a decade. Quality, local support and full life-cycle performance will increasingly drive purchasing decisions.

Angelo Nogara’s message is clear: in a rapidly changing market, price alone is no longer enough. Engineering quality, durability, flexibility and understanding of local realities are the true differentiators. With Energy Hub, OneMega and the expansion of its offering into tracker solutions, large-scale storage and agrivoltaics, SigueSol confirms its ambition: to support energy professionals from end to end, with solutions built to last.

SigueSol will be exhibiting at InterSolar Europe 2026 in Munich to discuss your projects and present its latest solutions. Visit our stand to find out more.

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