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Author: Ruairi O'Neill

Farmyard PV structures

An innovative Solar PV solution for farms

While the client’s name was not Old McDonnell he is a farmer in Co. Wicklow and our recent multi-functional structure would not be out of place on any farm yard.  The rustic style 21 panel structure, with special bi-facial panels, gives the owner a structure with a wide range of uses from storing farm equipment, to parking cars underneath.

We are very grateful to the client for his vision in choosing to upgrade his outdoor space while getting the benefits of a Solar PV installation with c.8.2KW of generation.

We were very happy to partner with Will and the team at SolarSmart on this project.

Ní neart go cur le chéile!

Single row solutions for limited roof-space

Is it a brise-soleil, is it a veranda, is it a covered walkway, no it’s a super structure!

We have been developing a series of solutions for limited roof space.  This client required additional panels on their garage to give them the generation they needed.

Our solution was a series of lean-to supports that would allow additional panels to be installed.  Whether the end-user uses it as a brise-soleil, a veranda or a covered walkway, we are just happy to help out in this instance.

We would like to thank the homeowner and JFW renewables for partnering with us on this project.

If you or your clients have similar issues and are looking for solutions to your Solar PV deployment issues, get in touch.  We are experts in enabling Solar PV deployments.

Is ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann muid.

Apartment living reimagined

Bringing the benefits of Solar PV to apartment owners

Unfortunately there is one group of people who are normally excluded from typical Solar PV installations due to the lack of roof space.  These apartment dwellers until now have not had any options for Solar PV installations.

We are very proud to share a recent project for a client in South Dublin whereby we upgraded a section of their balcony with a small solar canopy, providing them with a covered outdoor space and a c.2.5KWp Solar system.

This solution could be useful for many apartment owners and homeowners with limited space for typical Solar PV deployments.

We would like to thank Dean and the team at SolarPro for partnering with us on the innovative project.

If you are a Solar PV installer with a client that requires a special solution, let us see if we can help.

From Connemara granite to Solar PV

From the granite rock of Connemara an elegant Solar PV array appears

As is common enough in Connemara, this homeowner had a passion for solar PV but unfortunately did not have enough roof space for a typical Solar PV installation.  After much thought, it became clear that the granite rockery had to be sacrificed for the greater good of saving the planet.

The home owner contacted us to design a solution for him that would allow them to install a 12 panel array, with the condition that they would not be able to see the panels from their favorite seats in house, over-looking Galway bay.

We were able to design a made to order ground-mount system that took account of the lay of the land and gave the home-owner all the benefits of a typical array, avoiding the need for weeding in the rockery ever again.

For innovative solutions to solar PV challenges, get in touch with us at Solar Structures 

Bí i dteagmháil!

Outdoor entertainment areas reimagined!

Is this Ireland’s most eco-friendly outdoor space?

We have just completed a very special project for a great client in Santry in Dublin.  The client had a need to lower their electricity bills, while wanting to lower their carbon emissions, however they just knew that a standard roof installation would not work at their home.

At the bottom of their urban garden was a disused space that could be converted into an elegant covered patio area with the help of the team at Solar Structures.  We had the great honour of helping the family upgrade their outdoor space with the addition of an 18 panel 7KWp array using special bi-facial panels from Recom.  This project was undertaken in partnership with SolarSmart.

For more information and ideas about how to upgrade all kinds of outdoor space, get in touch with us at Solar Structures.

The solution to limited roof space in urban back gardens

We have just completed an elegant steel structure that solves a number of common issues around Solar PV installations in urban locations. These issues are mostly around the following:

  1. Worries about the design engineering loads on the main roof
  2. The orientation of the roof itself
  3. The use of certain roofing materials making an installation extra complex
  4. The roof having Veluxs and other elements
  5. The garden space being limited and not suitable for typical ground-mount system
  6. The requirement that any solution does not ‘stand-out’ too much
Steel 4×2 Solar canopy in a backgarden setting

We at Solar Structures are very proud to showcase our ‘Vigo 4×2’ steel canopy, with 4 panels wide in a double row.  This innovative solution maximises the benefits of a solar installation while providing the homeowner with additional outdoor space.  The structure also comes with specially designed hooks for hammocks and brackets to allow for cladding in the future.

Design of the 4*2 solar PV canopy

Our 8 panel steel frame structure for solar PV panels is a potential solution for solar PV deployments in housing estates for several reasons:

  1. Space efficiency: Housing estates typically have limited space, and a free-standing solar structure can be erected in your garden and would not take up more space than a typical timber shed.
  2. Improved solar panel performance: Solar panels perform best when they are tilted at an optimal angle and not shaded by surrounding buildings or trees. With our free-standing elevated structure the panels can be positioned at the ideal angle for maximum solar exposure.
  3. Protection from the elements: We all need more and better outdoor space.  Our innovative structures give you the client additional space underneath for a wide range of functions, from hanging clothes to hanging hammocks!
  4. Flexibility: Our steel frame structures can be easily dismantled and moved if needed, making it a flexible option for homeowners who may want to relocate or renovate in the future.
View of the Solar PV canopy from the neighbours

Overall, the ‘Vigo 4×2’ steel frame structure for solar PV panels is a practical and efficient solution for urban housing estates looking to adopt solar energy.  The structure comes with a range of options.

On this innovative project, we would like to thank the homeowners for the vision in undertaking this project and also JFW renewables who partnered with us on this project.

For more information on our structures, please check us out at: