Thanks in part to a focus on renewable energy in European countries, a growing number of opportunities are arising to install solar panels on carports. In this Q&A, Luc Dupont, business development manager for Europe/Middle East/Africa for ARaymond Energies, talks about the opportunity and what ARaymond’s role has been so far in this emerging market.
Can you tell us about ARaymond Energies' latest project in the carport solar market?
Absolutely. We are focused on revolutionising the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on carports with our PowAR®Cinch fastening solution. This tool-free clip system simplifies the assembly process, making it faster, more cost-effective and nearly maintenance-free. The carport PV segment is expanding rapidly in Europe, particularly in France, where new regulations are driving adoption.
Why is the carport PV segment growing so quickly in France?
The French government has introduced mandates requiring the installation of solar panels on parking lots larger than 1,500m2. This policy aims to increase renewable energy adoption while minimising the impact on urban spaces. The goal is to streamline installations so parking availability isn't significantly disrupted. Our fastening solution is designed to meet these needs by reducing on-site installation time. 
How does the PowAR® Cinch fastening system work?
Our system allows for easy access from below the panel, featuring an ergonomic, tool-free design. Modules slide into place – three per row – with built-in stoppers at the ends. The installer then places 8 clips per module (4 per long side), or fewer in regions with lower wind loads. This eliminates the need for traditional fasteners like nuts, bolts and clamps.
What advantages does this bring to integrators and installers?
The primary benefits are speed, cost savings and durability. Compared to conventional mounting methods, our slide and clip system reduces installation time by 20% – 30%. Since our steel clips require no screws, there’s no need for periodic torque checks, reducing long-term maintenance costs. This makes installations more cost-effective over their 20+ year lifespan.
Has this technology been successfully implemented already?
Yes. We’ve partnered with four major integrators in France who are actively using the PowAR® Cinch system. More than 60MW of solar capacity have been installed over the past year, with at least 160MW expected by the end of this year. This success is paving the way for expansion into Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Greece and Portugal.
How does ARaymond fit into the overall solar carport ecosystem?
We supply the fastening solution, while our partners integrate our clips into their broader PV systems. We ensure our product meets stringent technical assessments and government regulations, allowing integrators to deploy compliant, high-performance solutions.
What’s next for ARaymond in the solar carport market?
We’re continuing to expand our footprint across Europe, leveraging the growing demand for carport PV systems. With increasing regulatory support and industry interest, we see a strong future for our technology in making solar installations faster, simpler and more cost-effective.
Becca is the latest member to join our team and is eager to get stuck into the world of fasteners. She brings an enthusiastic and fresh outlook on what we do editorially and will be leading our social media activity – including sourcing material, editing articles and posting online.
