SolarCity Unveils ZS Beam Solar Carport System

SolarCity unveiled ZS Beam, a new product that allows solar panels to be attached to parking lot shading structures faster, more safely and at a lower cost than was previously possible. The newest product in SolarCity’s Zep Solar line should make it possible for more businesses, schools and government organizations to build carport structures that create shaded parking and also provide solar electricity at a lower rate than electricity from their utility companies. SolarCity expects ZS Beam to significantly reduce the construction cost associated with solar carports, and SolarCity is introducing the product at a time when U.S. solar carport construction is expected to grow dramatically. A recent report from GTM Research forecasts U.S. solar carports to grow from a projected 180.2 megawatts of annual installed capacity in 2014 to a projected 317.9 MW in 2016; a 76 percent increase in two years.

ZS Beam uses a special clamp that locks solar panels onto carport or canopy structures. While many solar carport systems require panels to be installed from above, ZS Beam clamps allow solar panels to be connected to the support structure from below, improving safety and increasing installation speed.

ZS Beam further improves safety and increases speed by automatically creating an electrical ground connection when attaching the panels, and by eliminating the multiple loose fasteners and hardware required by conventional carport systems. As with all products in the Zep Solar line, ZS Beam also significantly improves aesthetics by seamlessly connecting panels into a single plane.

The carport system can pair effectively with SolarCity’s ZS Peak; SolarCity’s lightweight, “snap together” mounting system for commercial flat roofs that can significantly increase the number of panels that can be installed on each roof. Together, ZS Peak and ZS Beam will make it possible for more businesses, schools and other organizations to install solar power generation on their buildings and parking lots and immediately pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/solarcity-unveils-zs-beam-solar-carport-system/]