Solar carports, agrivoltaics, turnkey solutions: Angelo Nogara unpacks SigueSol’s strategy

Heavier modules, extreme weather conditions, increasingly demanding regulatory frameworks: the European market for photovoltaic structures is undergoing profound change. Angelo Nogara, Country Manager Italy at SigueSol, discusses the challenges facing the sector.

Large-scale photovoltaic structures: a market under pressure

Demand for large-scale PV installations is rising sharply. Is the supply of mounting structures keeping pace?

Demand is growing very fast, and the supply of structures is clearly under pressure. The market has responded with new products and new players, but supply has not always kept up with the speed and scale of project development, particularly in countries like Italy. Established manufacturers with solid industrial experience and reliable supply chains are best positioned. But capacity constraints remain a challenge. The rapid entry of new players helps meet volumes, but it also introduces risks: price volatility and inconsistent quality if standards are not rigorously maintained.

Solar carports and PV canopies: much more than a simple shelter

The market for solar carports and canopies is growing rapidly. What is driving it, and what are the main innovations?

Several factors explain this growth. These solutions make use of existing spaces, such as car parks, without consuming additional land. They help companies achieve their ESG and decarbonisation goals. They also offer tangible self-consumption benefits, particularly for C&I sites with daytime energy demand. Finally, they deliver real added value for users: covered parking, weather protection and integration of electric vehicle charging stations. On the innovation front, developments focus on modular designs, faster installation, improved structural efficiency and integration with storage, charging and smart energy management systems.

Solar structure quality in the face of extreme weather

Modules are getting bigger and heavier, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. How are structures adapting?

Structures have evolved with more robust designs, reinforced wind and snow load calculations and the use of higher-grade materials with better corrosion protection. But this approach is mainly adopted by serious, premium players. Unfortunately, some companies still follow a speculative, price-driven strategy, neglecting quality and structural resilience. In those cases, problems always surface, often with the first severe weather event.

The French APER law: an accelerator for solar canopies

France has introduced an ambitious regulatory framework for solar carports. What impact is it having on the market?

France is indeed one of the most advanced markets in Europe in this segment. The APER law (2023) requires outdoor car parks larger than 1,500 m² to cover at least 50% of their surface with canopies, primarily photovoltaic. The deadline is set at July 2026 for car parks over 10,000 m² and July 2028 for those between 1,500 and 10,000 m², with penalties of up to €40,000 per year for non-compliance. This model is transforming car park solar infrastructure into a new market standard.

EnergyHub and OneMega: SigueSol’s turnkey solutions

How is SigueSol’s offering evolving to respond to these trends?

Our strategy is built on innovation, quality and above all flexibility, which has long been a key differentiator. We are recognised for our ability to work on all types of projects, including the most complex: challenging terrain, regulatory constraints, bespoke structures for bus depots or major transport hubs. To meet the growing demand for smaller-scale projects, often overlooked by the market, we recently launched modular turnkey solutions.

EnergyHub is an integrated solar carport that combines PV modules, batteries, charging stations and EMS in a single concept. OneMega targets 1 MWp ground-mounted projects with predefined configurations, full equipment supply and installation support. We combine Made in Europe production with selected European partners to guarantee availability, choice and consistent quality. Our coverage ranges from simple structure supply to fully turnkey projects, for installations from 100 kW up to utility scale.

Agrivoltaics: the next steps

Where is the mounting structures market heading in the coming years?

The market is moving towards greater specialisation, increased adaptability and data-driven management. We anticipate more modular products, more resilient and better suited to each site, whether in agrivoltaics, challenging weather conditions or complex terrain. In agrivoltaics, we foresee major innovations in monitoring and control to protect and manage crops while jointly optimising energy production and agricultural yields. Our catalogue is expanding in this direction with technologies that have been proven for over a decade. Quality, local support and full life-cycle performance will increasingly drive purchasing decisions.

Angelo Nogara’s message is crystal clear: in a market undergoing profound change, price alone is no longer enough. Engineering quality, durability, flexibility and an understanding of local realities are the real differentiators. With EnergyHub, OneMega and the extension of its offering to trackers, large-scale storage and agrivoltaics, SigueSol is confirming its ambition: to support energy professionals from start to finish, with solutions designed to last.

SigueSol will be at Intersolar Europe 2026 in Munich to discuss your projects and present its latest solutions. Come and talk to us on our stand.

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