Dual-purpose innovation
The solar carport delivers two essential benefits for Kia:
- Vehicle protection from hail and other severe weather events, ensuring uninterrupted operations and compliance with insurance requirements.
- Clean energy generation through bifacial solar modules strategically oriented over VPS’s reflective fabric, capturing sunlight from both sides to boost performance.
Engineering collaboration played a critical role in making the design possible. SolMotiv provided solar sales & engineering support and early feasibility analysis, while Ancora Systems designed and delivered its Patent Pending DuoRail™ racking system. DuoRail was engineered specifically to work with ARaymond’s PowAR® Cinch fastener, allowing solar modules to be mounted parallel to their long sides, keeping the rear glass unobstructed to maximize bifacial performance.
“ARaymond’s fastening technology was a key enabler of this project,” said Jonathan Fenoll, Director of Solar Utility-Scale Business Line for ARaymond Energies. “Our PowAR Cinch allows modules to be installed quickly, securely, and from below the array, which reduced installation time and improved safety on site. The collaboration with Ancora ensured the racking system and fasteners worked seamlessly together.”
Looking ahead
The Kia installation demonstrates how automakers and suppliers can collaborate to build dual-use infrastructure that reduces risk and advances sustainability. With completion expected in early 2026, the system will offset an estimated 10 percent of the plant’s annual energy consumption.
“Projects like this point to the future of automotive manufacturing,” said Christopher Klinga, SolMotiv’s Principal Engineer. “Protecting vehicles, reducing emissions, and using space more efficiently are priorities across the industry, and this installation shows how those goals can align.”
About the Partners
- Kia’s West Point facility manufactures Kia’s most popular models, including the Telluride, Sorento, and EV9, with annual capacity of 350,000 vehicles.
- Vehicle Protection Structures (VPS) is a leader in hail protection and solar-integrated canopy systems for automotive OEMs.
- SolMotiv is a solar engineering consultancy supporting the country’s most innovative commercial & industrial renewable projects.
- Ancora Systems develops innovative solar racking solutions, including the Patent Pending DuoRail™ system.
- ARaymond provides innovative fastening technologies that simplify solar installations and optimize system performance, and employs more than 8,000 people in 25 countries.
— Press release courtesy of ARaymond
