Canopy Structure Calculator

Size solar canopy columns and beams for carport or elevated PV structures based on span and loading.

Input Parameters

Results

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Beam Uniform Load
lbs/ft
--
Beam Max Moment
ft-kips
--
Min Beam Depth
in
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Column Axial Load
kips
Note: Solar canopies are typically steel structures with 18-40 ft clear spans. Single-cantilever designs use 18-20 ft; T-frame designs span 36-40 ft.

Reference

w_beam = Total Load × Bay Length (lbs/ft) M_beam = w × L²/8 (simple span) Req Section Modulus S = M×12 / Fb Fb = 22 ksi (A992 steel allowable) Column Load = w × span / 2 per column