Test the canopy before the structure.

Estimate module count, covered area and indicative DC capacity for repeated rectangular carport rows using user-defined bay, canopy and module geometry.

Project inputs

Defaults are examples, not recommendations. Replace them with traceable project assumptions.

Repeated canopy strips.
Whole bays along each canopy.
Use the governing parking layout.
Plan dimension available across modules.
Dimension across canopy depth.
Dimension along the canopy row.
Conceptual inter-module allowance.
Applied around each rectangular canopy.
Used only for nameplate DC capacity.

Screening result

Updated from the inputs at left.

Preliminary decision support only. Confirm inputs, governing standards and final conclusions with the responsible qualified professional before design, procurement or construction.

Method and assumptions

Canopy length is bays per row multiplied by bay width. After subtracting edge allowances, whole modules are fitted along the row and across canopy depth using module dimensions plus the entered gap.

  • Only complete modules are counted.
  • Covered area is the repeated rectangular canopy plan area.
  • DC capacity is module count multiplied by nameplate watts.

From parking layout to a quantity worksheet

This tool counts rectangular modules in a simplified canopy layout. It does not derive post spacing, beam sizes, rail lengths or foundation quantities from capacity.

Worked example: two canopy rows

Each row has four 2.5 m bays and a 5.5 m canopy depth. Enter 2 × 1 m modules, 0.02 m gaps, a 0.25 m edge allowance and 450 W per module. The usable rectangle is 9.5 × 5.0 m: nine modules along by two across gives 18 modules per row, 36 modules total and 16.2 kW DC. Covered plan area is 110 m². This illustrative layout is not a structural design.

Load this carport example

What transfers to material takeoff?

  1. Calculate the module layout and check the orientation and allowances.
  2. Use the result link to carry canopy-row count and modules per row into material takeoff. One complete canopy row becomes one repeat unit.
  3. Enter the confirmed posts, beams, rails, clamps, fasteners, stock lengths, rail mass and purchasing allowance for that same repeat unit. Those fields are left empty in the handoff.

If rows differ, calculate each row type separately. More than 1,000 modules per repeat unit must be split into appropriate smaller units manually. Review the solar carport design guide for the information needed before structural design.