GoodWe BIPV, a division of Chinese solar technology manufacturer GoodWe, has introduced its Vela residential solar carport, featuring Polaris building-integrated PV (BIPV) panels, as an alternative to rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems in Australia and New Zealand. Launched in late 2024, the Vela carport is available in 4.8 kW and 8.0 kW variants, with over 80 units installed across both countries.

The Vela carport has gained traction not only in residential settings but also in small commercial applications. Apollo Chai, GoodWe BIPV Business Development Director, explained: “A lot of small commercial operations are tenancies, where landlords won’t allow rooftop solar because of potential damage caused by the installation but the solar carport avoids this. They can just be bolted into a concrete floor, and once the lease expires, the carport can be removed, relocated, and reused to generate power again.” For businesses, the system can be listed as an asset for annual depreciation and, when connected to the meter, qualifies for small-scale technology certificates (STCs).

In rural areas, the Vela carport serves as an alternative to ground-mounted systems, preserving land usability. Chai noted: “In Australia, by law a fence is required to surround ground-mounted projects which means the piece of the land can be completely wasted. With the carport, the land underneath the structure remains usable.”

The Vela carport is offered in two sizes: the 4.8 kW single unit, measuring 6.5 m x 3 m, and the 8.0 kW double unit, measuring 6.5 m x 5.2 m. Both are mounted on adjustable poles, with heights ranging from 3 m to 3.5 m at the front and 2 m to 2.5 m at the rear. Constructed from aluminum alloy, the carports are waterproof, weatherproof, and designed for straightforward assembly. Chai said: “The design is pretty simple, like Lego. Usually, three people need only four hours to build a single, or six hours for a double.”

Australia, with the world’s highest per capita installed solar PV capacity, is seeing growing interest in BIPV solutions. Chai predicted: “BIPV is definitely going to take off in the next three years in Australia.” GoodWe plans to expand its offerings, with Chai adding: “In the next 12 months, we’ll launch more residential BIPV solutions such as the solar patio and the solar pergola to fit the increasing electricity consumption demand from households.”

Additionally, GoodWe’s Galaxy lightweight solar panel, weighing 5.6 kg/㎡, is already available in Australia. Designed for low load-bearing roofs with adhesive-based installation, it offers strong wind resistance and complements the company’s BIPV portfolio.

by pv magazine