Lida Group’s Steel Structure Solar Carport Powers Highway Service Area in East China
Classification:Steel Structure Building
Release time:2026-02-03 11:36
Lida Group’s Steel Structure Solar Carport Powers Highway Service Area in East China
In a landmark project completed in Q4 2025, Lida Group partnered with a major Chinese highway authority to deliver a 5,200-square-meter steel structure solar carport at a high-traffic highway service area in East China. Designed to address dual pain points—providing shaded, weather-protected parking for travelers and generating clean energy to power the service area’s operations—the project exemplifies how light steel structure solutions can transform infrastructure into sustainable, multi-functional assets. With a focus on durability, efficiency, and rapid deployment, the steel structure carport now supports over 2,000 solar panels, delivering 1.2 MWh of annual electricity while enhancing the service area’s user experience.
Project Overview
The highway service area, serving 15,000+ vehicles monthly, faced two critical challenges: limited shaded parking space (leading to vehicle overheating and user complaints) and rising energy costs for its lighting, EV charging stations, and administrative facilities. Lida Group’s engineering team proposed a steel structure solar carport solution that merged structural integrity with renewable energy generation. Over 12 weeks, the team designed, manufactured, and installed a modular light steel structure framework that spans 120 meters in length, supporting 2,150 high-efficiency solar panels. The project was completed 2 weeks ahead of schedule, passing ISO 14001 environmental audits and CE structural safety certifications on its first inspection. Today, the carport powers 70% of the service area’s daily energy needs, with excess electricity fed back into the local grid—creating a new revenue stream for the highway authority.
Key Features of the Steel Structure Solar Carport
1. Durable, Weather-Resilient Steel Structure
At the core of the project is Lida Group’s proprietary light steel structure system, engineered to withstand East China’s heavy rainfall, typhoon-force winds (up to 180km/h), and seasonal temperature swings. The modular design, fabricated in Lida’s ISO-certified factories, reduced on-site construction time by 40% compared to traditional concrete builds. Each steel component was coated with anti-corrosion paint (ISO 12944 C5-M standard), ensuring a 25+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance. The large-span steel trusses eliminated the need for intermediate columns, maximizing parking space for trucks and passenger vehicles alike.
2. Integrated Solar Energy for Dual Value
The carport’s solar panel canopy is more than a roof—it’s a power plant. The 2,150 panels generate 1.2 MWh of electricity annually, offsetting 800 tons of carbon emissions each year. This energy powers the service area’s 12 EV charging stations, LED lighting, and kitchen facilities, cutting operational costs by 35% for the highway authority. Excess energy is sold to the local grid, creating a sustainable revenue stream that delivers ROI in just 6 years. For travelers, the shaded parking reduces vehicle interior temperatures by 15°C in summer, improving comfort and reducing reliance on air conditioning.
3. Tailored for Highway Infrastructure Needs
Lida Group’s design team optimized the steel structure carport to fit the service area’s unique layout. The sloped roof design ensures rapid rainwater drainage, preventing pooling and slip hazards, while the 4-meter clearance height accommodates large trucks and buses. The light steel framework was also engineered to integrate with the service area’s existing security cameras and signage, creating a seamless, aesthetically cohesive solution. Post-installation, Lida’s maintenance team provides quarterly inspections of the steel structure and solar panels, ensuring long-term performance and compliance with local safety standards.
Why Lida Group Is the Partner of Choice for Steel Structure Solar Projects
This highway service area project is just one example of how Lida Group combines 32 years of steel structure expertise with renewable energy innovation to deliver impactful infrastructure solutions. With 5,000+ completed projects across 152 countries, Lida Group has the global experience and technical capacity to tackle complex, large-scale projects—from remote mining camp houses to urban warehouses and now, highway solar carports. Our one-stop service platform covers every stage, from initial design and engineering to factory production, on-site installation, and post-project maintenance—eliminating the need for multiple vendors and ensuring consistent quality.
For highway operators, infrastructure firms, and government agencies, steel structure solar carports offer a compelling value proposition: they address immediate operational needs (parking, energy) while advancing sustainability goals and unlocking long-term cost savings. Lida Group’s ability to deliver these projects on time, on budget, and to global certification standards (ISO, CE) makes us the trusted partner for organizations looking to future-proof their infrastructure. Whether you’re upgrading a single service area or rolling out a network of solar carports across a highway system, our team will work with you to design a light steel structure solution that balances functionality, durability, and environmental impact.
Ready to Transform Your Infrastructure?
If you’re looking to integrate steel structure and solar energy into your next project—whether a highway service area, commercial parking lot, or industrial facility—Lida Group has the expertise and track record to deliver. Our 60+ patents in light steel structure design, 8 dedicated steel structure production lines, and global logistics network ensure that your project is completed efficiently, sustainably, and to the highest quality standards. Contact our team today to discuss how we can turn your infrastructure vision into a reality—powered by steel structure and solar innovation.