Frequently Asked Questions

The Brooklyn Solar A-Frame and Post-Truss Canopies are aluminum mounting structures designed to elevate solar modules over rooftops, parking areas, and amenity spaces such as decks and outdoor dining areas. The A-Frame canopy’s elegant and versatile design originated in Brooklyn, New York in 2015 where it has been installed hundreds of times by canopy innovator and BSCC parent company, Brooklyn SolarWorks. The Post-Truss design is our newest product offering and has been installed throughout America.

Safely completing solar projects of any kind requires advanced design, electrical, and construction expertise, and is therefore best left to an experienced solar professional to complete on a homeowner’s behalf. In nearly all areas building and electrical permits are required to legally install and operate a solar system, and local utilities must be engaged for a solar system to be interconnected to the grid. BSCC will coordinate with and support the solar installation company chosen by the homeowner, or introduce them to an installer within our network if one is available in their area. Check out Our Installers list.

Canopies can be shipped anywhere in North America, either directly to end-users or through participating solar installation professionals based in the customer’s area. BSCC can coordinate with a local solar installer that the customer has contracted with, or introduce the customer to Our Installer list. Note that canopy design options in particular locations may be limited by local wind, snow, and seismic conditions. BSCC’s Canopy Configurator will present all possible options available in your area based on our professional engineering analysis.

Yes. All Brooklyn Solar Canopies are fabricated and directly shipped from BSCC’s manufacturing facility in Providence, Rhode Island.

Yes. The Brooklyn Solar Canopy is an integrated component of a solar installation. Therefore all related canopy costs can be incorporated into the total system installed cost upon which the total credit amount is determined. Please consult your qualified solar installation company and/or tax advisor for further information on guidance related to the ITC, and eligibility and filing guidelines. Customers are further advised to review additional local and state tax credits and other incentives that may apply to their specific solar projects.

Yes. Please inquire with a BSCC consult for further details through out Contact page

No. BSCC is a canopy equipment provider only. Solar modules, inverters, and other electrical balance of system (BOS) components are not included with orders.

Canopies are constructed of 6000 series aluminum alloy. This material’s lightweight but robust composition allows for easy transport and staging during installation, and optimal climate performance under a range of wind, snow, and seismic conditions. Check out the Tech Specs here.

A-Frame canopies can be constructed with either a zero-degree pitch (flat) or a five-degree front-facing or lateral pitch. Post-Truss canopies have a five-degree front-facing or lateral pitch.

Canopies are engineered for a maximum height of 15’ from the ground to the top surface of the solar array’s highest elevation. Canopy clearance – the vertical length of the area between the ground and the lowest point of the canopy truss – is between 3’ and 5’ lower than the height, depending on the canopy’s pitch or orientation. Check out the Tech Specs here.

The canopy’s standard color is aluminum mill finish or powder-coated black or white at an additional cost. Please consult with a BSCC representative for details through our Contact Us page.

The canopies are panel agnostic and can support any model and brand of solar panels due to our custom rails that allow the attachment of different sizes of panels. This includes bi-facial framed and frameless panels. The A-Frame Canopy has attained UL certification for Axitec, Canadian Solar, Jinko, Panasonic, QCell, REC, and SunPower panels. Check out the Tech Specs here.

The canopy is an effective shelter for moderate rainfall, but as an open-air structure with an exposed perimeter, it does not offer 100% rain protection. Narrow 1.5-inch gaps separate module rows, allowing for some rain to penetrate. Rain protection can be enhanced by the application of outdoor-rated rubberized adhesive between rows. Consult a BSCC representative for full details  through our Contact Us page.

Yes. Only the A-Frame Canopy is certified UL 2703 (Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels). Check out the Tech Specs here.

Customers should consult their local solar contractor or permitting specialist to determine permitting requirements that apply in their area. Typically, canopies require construction and electrical permits, as is standard for all solar projects in most areas. Additional zoning regulations related to height, placement, and visibility, may apply in certain jurisdictions. Canopies may be subject to review by private homeowners associations (HOAs) and similar authorities. The customer is advised to present project plans that these organizations may require for review prior to pursuing a Brooklyn Solar Canopy project. Check out Our Process for Owners here.

Yes, BSCC provides a plan set with its primary service, which can be stamped by a P.E. for an additional cost of $600 – $1,000 upon request. BSCC will also provide P.E. stamped product documents with detailed loading analysis to your solar installation company or their designated P.E. for this purpose. BSCC is not responsible for the structural engineering analysis of your existing or new building to ensure it can safely receive a BSCC Canopy. Check out Our Process for Owners here.

Yes, the A-Frame canopy can have multiple trusses and leg assemblies integrated in either linear or parallel designs for larger applications. The Post-Truss is more limited in its size configurations, consult a BSCC representative for design and cost details by going to Contact Us.

A canopy’s snow and wind load tolerance is a function of its orientation (pitch), and truss span and depth, and can vary considerably in relation to these variables. Check out the Tech Specs for more information per product.

Canopies can be ordered directly from BSCC or through a qualified solar installation company. To commence the order process, homeowners or installation companies representing them should generate and submit a preliminary canopy design using the BSCC canopy configurator or Contact Us for a design model and quote. Once received a BSCC representative will review the order and contact the customer by phone or email within 24-hours of receipt to provide further guidance and purchase directions.

Total canopy equipment costs are a function of canopy size, other design factors and delivery location. Interested customers are encouraged to explore design and pricing options using BSCC’s interactive Canopy Configurator.

All canopies are manufactured per order. Customers will receive a 100% refund if cancellation notification by email occurs prior to canopy manufacture. The customer will receive a 50% limited refund if cancellation notification occurs after the canopy has been manufactured, but prior to delivery. Refunds will not be made after the canopy order has been delivered or is in the process of being delivered to the customer. The customer and/or their installer will be notified within 24-hours of canopy construction and shipment.

BSCC currently accepts payment from bank transfer (ACH) and with all major credit cards. Standard fees apply. Upon reviewing and confirming order details with the customer BSCC will share a digital deposit invoice and payment link to enable the customer’s preferred payment method.

As each canopy is manufactured per order, delivery times may vary by current order volume, as well as by delivery location. The average construction and delivery period, which is initiated upon full payment by the customer, is 3-5 weeks.

With an adequately trained and staffed team (5 people), a standard two truss canopy can be assembled and mounted with solar modules by qualified construction professionals in a single 8-10 hour work day. For poured concrete attachments, an additional day will be required for setting and curing prior to installation. Earth anchor attachments can be installed rapidly on same day as canopy assembly.

No. The canopy’s main components – truss, rail, and leg assemblies – are spliced into multiple pieces and constructed of lightweight aluminum alloy. This allows for easy transport by ladder, or by rope and pulley. BSCC’s installation company has installed hundreds of rooftop Brooklyn Solar Canopies. The practical knowledge accumulated through this experience is available to and will be transferred to other installation teams as part of BSCC’s standard training program.

Yes. BSCC now distributes the canopy to a growing network of local solar installers located throughout the United States. BSCC provides comprehensive knowledge, training, and product documentation to support sales, design, and engineering, permitting, and installation teams. To join the BSCC network and become a certified Brooklyn Solar Canopy provider, interested companies are advised to contact BSCC directly for further direction through our Contact Us page.