Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is an ideal material for solar panel construction, offering several significant benefits such as resistance to corrosion and UV light, lightweight properties, design versatility, electrical insulation, and minimal thermal conductivity. These properties make FRP a versatile and efficient choice for constructing solar panels, ensuring durability, safety, and enhanced performance. Unlike some traditional building materials, FRP is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for harsh environments. Additionally, FRP structures require minimal maintenance over their lifespan, aligning with sustainable energy goals.

This solar energy project, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, involved Frost providing structural engineering services to support the development of an innovative product for a pultruded FRP solar parking panel support canopy system. The canopy structural system is composed of cantilever trusses supporting a system of metal purlins and composite square FRP columns. The Frost team performed a structural analysis review of the trusses’ elements and connections, designed the columns for reactions from the trusses, designed connections between the canopy’s elements, and designed the foundation.