Additional energy generation in the parking lot

On the site of Eurofins' new laboratory in Amersfoort will be a solar carport with 684 solar panels. SolarParking is supplying and building the carport, thus realizing an innovative energy solution that directly provides the laboratory with sustainable electricity.

"For us, this is a wonderful project," says Bart Doornbos, owner of SolarParking. "We got involved through the specifications, were already in contact with the developer in the preliminary stage and eventually ended up with Burgland Bouw through De Vries en Verburg. As a result, we were already able to help the developer with dimensioning."

Smart solution for grid limitation

The project is about more than just solar panels. This is because there is no large grid connection available on the site, while energy demand is increasing. "We came up with a smart solution where we store and use energy behind the meter," Doornbos explains. "On a regular 3×80 ampere connection, you can normally put about 80 kWp of solar panels. With our approach, we can exceed that up to ten times without using a generator. That makes this solution truly unique."

100 parking spaces, 684 panels

The solar carport provides space for about 100 cars. The linked Y-shaped canopy is completely clad with solar panels. A total of 684 units, good for almost 390,000 Wp. The power generated will be used directly for the laboratory. "The roof of the building is already utilized, but the parking lot offers room for additional generation," Doornbos says. The construction chosen is not only technically, but also aesthetically well thought out. "We use a coupled Y-shape without braces, so without the extra arms often needed to support parts. This keeps the whole structure slim and slender. You need less steel and fewer obstacles. That's safer for users and better for the environment."

Wood as a sustainable alternative

SolarParking is moving toward an even more sustainable future. "We recently started offering wooden carports from the Prefabois brand. Wooden carports used to be much more expensive than steel, but that difference is now almost gone. And the environmental impact is great: one ton of steel creates two tons of CO2 emissions, while one ton of wood retains just one ton of CO2. That difference of three tons of CO2 makes wood a more sustainable choice by definition."

Fast construction thanks to good preparation

Implementation of the carport will start soon. "We are now in the work preparation stage," says Doornbos. The schedule is tight: "Thanks to thorough preparation, we can install above-ground parts of the carport in five weeks." The biggest challenge is in the piping. "You have to go between the foundations, which requires good coordination with the contractor and installers. That takes another two weeks. But there have been zero problems. Everyone is thinking along well."