Large-Scale Modular Solar Canopy for Government Infrastructure.
Project Overview
The Mickleham Solar Car Park is a landmark example of large-scale modular solar canopy infrastructure delivered for a government-linked site in Victoria.
Developed for RACV on behalf of the Australian Government, the project demonstrates how prefabricated solar car parks can meet strict public-sector requirements while achieving rapid installation, high safety standards, and long-term energy performance.
Using Canyon Solar’s factory-first construction methodology, the project transformed a large, exposed car park into a high-performing renewable energy asset in 6 weeks. The completed solar car park now provides shaded parking for hundreds of vehicles while generating clean electricity to support onsite operations, reduce reliance on grid power, and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
With complex foundation works due to challenging soil conditions, this project also marked a major milestone for our prefabricated system, with our longest pod to date installed via crane lift (spanning over 14!) spanning four car spaces for the first time, the improved pod design significantly reduces the amount of columns and civil works.
Project Background
The Mickleham site services a critical government facility, requiring infrastructure that is durable, safe, and operationally reliable.
Prior to the solar car park installation, the area consisted of open asphalt with no weather protection and no productive use beyond vehicle storage during operations.
Key objectives for the project included:
- Generating renewable energy onsite
- Improving user comfort through shaded, all-weather parking
- Meeting stringent government safety and compliance standards
- Minimising disruption to ongoing site operations
- Demonstrating the capability of large-span modular solar canopies
Traditional onsite construction methods were considered unsuitable due to long build times, increased safety exposure, and higher risk of operational disruption. Canyon Solar’s prefabricated modular approach was selected as the most efficient and lowest-risk delivery method.
Project Scope
The Mickleham Solar Car Park involved the design, manufacture, delivery, and installation of a large modular solar canopy system covering a significant number of parking bays.
Scope elements included:
- Engineering and design of modular solar canopy structures
- Offsite prefabrication of canopy pods
- Civil works and customised foundation solutions
- Crane-assisted installation of prefabricated pods
- Integration of solar PV modules
- Electrical reticulation and system commissioning
In total, the project delivered shade coverage for 291 car parking spaces using 48 prefabricated solar canopy pods, making it one of Canyon Solar’s largest government-linked installations to date.
Project Scope
MODULAR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
A key feature of the Mickleham project was the advanced modular design developed specifically for large spans and reduced ground infrastructure.
One of the most significant technical achievements was the installation of pods spanning more than 14 metres. At the time of delivery, this represented the longest single pod span installed by Canyon Solar.
This innovation delivered multiple benefits:
- Fewer structural columns
- Improved vehicle access and visibility
- Reduced civil and foundation works
- Faster installation
- A more open and visually clean car park layout
By reducing the number of columns while maintaining structural performance, the design improved both usability and construction efficiency.
PREFABRICATION AND FACTORY-FIRST DELIVERY
Approximately 80 per cent of the construction work for the Mickleham Solar Car Park was completed offsite in a controlled factory environment, as with all Canyon Solar installations.
Each solar pod was pre-assembled to include:
- Structural steel components
- Solar module mounting systems
- Preliminary electrical integration
This approach provided significant advantages over traditional onsite construction, including:
- Higher quality control
- Reduced weather-related delays
- Less work at height
- Improved worker safety
- Shorter onsite installation periods
Once delivered to site, the pods were installed using crane lifts, allowing large sections of the car park to be completed in days rather than months.
Project Outcomes
Site Challenges & Solutions
1. Challenging Ground Conditions
The Mickleham site presented complex ground and soil conditions requiring tailored foundation solutions. Canyon Solar worked closely with civil engineers to design foundations capable of supporting large canopy spans while maintaining installation efficiency. Because canopy fabrication occurred offsite, civil works and pod manufacturing were able to proceed in parallel, reducing overall project duration.
2. Government Safety and Compliance
As a government-linked project, the site was subject to strict safety, documentation, and compliance requirements. The modular construction model reduced risk by limiting time spent working at height, reducing the number of workers onsite, and minimising interaction with active vehicle areas.
3. Tight Delivery Timeframes
The project was delivered under a compressed program, with commissioning required by mid-2025. The factory-first methodology provided predictable scheduling and reduced the risk of delays caused by weather or labour availability.
Sustainability Outcomes and User Experience
The solar car park now operates as a productive renewable energy asset, generating electricity during daylight hours to support onsite energy demand. With the facility now being 100% sustainable energy powered during daytime operations.
Key sustainability benefits of solar shade systems include:
- Reduced grid electricity consumption
- Lower operating costs over time
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Alignment with government sustainability targets
By using existing car park space for solar generation, the project avoids the need for additional land use while maximising the value of built infrastructure
In addition to energy generation, the Mickleham Solar Car Park significantly improves the experience of people using the site.
User benefits include:
- Shade from the hot Australian sun
- Reduced vehicle heat build-up
- Protection from rain and extreme weather
Importantly, the modular installation approach allowed parking access to be largely maintained throughout construction, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
Project Significance
The Mickleham Solar Car Park demonstrates that modular solar canopy systems can successfully meet the requirements of large government and public-sector projects.
The project sets a benchmark by showing that prefabricated solar car parks can:
- Deliver large spans with fewer structural elements
- Be installed quickly and safely
- Meet strict compliance standards
- Provide long-term energy and sustainability benefits
As demand grows for renewable infrastructure across government and commercial sectors, the Mickleham project provides a clear, proven model for future deployments.
The Mickleham Solar Car Park is more than a completed installation — it is a blueprint for how solar car parks can support Australia’s transition to renewable energy. By transforming underutilised car park space into productive renewable energy assets, organisations can improve resilience, reduce emissions, and enhance user experience without compromising operations.
Is your facility ready for infrastructure that works around you?
Contact the Canyon Solar team today to discuss a feasibility assessment for your site.
