German mounting systems provider K2 Systems has developed a new version of its K2 Carport, a photovoltaic solution designed for supermarket parking lots and businesses.

The system holds France’s ETN certification, confirming a comprehensive assessment of the entire carport assembly, including its supporting structure, mounting systems, and waterproofing management. It has also been tested by the Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), a key factor in securing project approval from technical inspection bodies and insurance providers.

The K2 Carport is based on a modular aluminium structure, offering a wide span and a clearance height suitable for the passage of all vehicle types, including commercial vehicles. It is designed for integration with various primary support structures such as concrete, steel, or wood, and is subject to project-specific custom sizing—most notably featuring a cantilevered parking space at the end of each row to optimize the use of available space, according to the manufacturer.

The system enables the installation of vertically mounted photovoltaic modules, including large-format models up to 2.38 m in length, with a maximum spacing of 2.30 m between purlins. The modules are secured using brackets fixed from beneath. According to K2 Systems, this bottom-up approach improves installation safety, as installers no longer need to walk on the supporting structure, and modules can be handled directly using forklifts.

Finally, an aluminium profile, called CarportDrain, is positioned between the photovoltaic modules to collect rainwater flowing through the gaps and channels it into the integrated gutter within the CarportRail. Designed for installation without additional fasteners, it reduces the risk of water infiltration, while an integrated lip prevents backflow of water beneath the modules, according to the company.