Solar Mounting Systems for Shipping Containers
SunnyCal designs and supplies solar support structures for CONEX and shipping containers, including 10, 20, 30 and 40 ft configurations, dual-direction arrays and collapsible high-wind options.
- 10, 20, 30 & 40 ft structures
- Single & dual-direction layouts
- High-wind collapsible options
- Container-specific attachment systems
- Structural engineering options
- Components can be shipped
Choose the Container Size and Array Configuration
SunnyCal offers different support configurations depending on container length, module layout, orientation and site conditions.
10 ft Shipping Container Solar Support
Solar support option for compact 10 ft shipping containers where a smaller container footprint is required.
View 10 ft Support →
20 ft Single-Direction Support
A single-direction solar support configuration for a standard 20 ft shipping container.
View 20 ft Single-Direction →
20 ft Dual-Direction Support
Two-direction configuration for projects where modules are arranged on opposing slopes rather than one continuous plane.
View 20 ft Dual-Direction →
30 ft Shipping Container Solar Structure
Dedicated solar support structure for 30 ft shipping container applications.
View 30 ft Structure →
40 ft Single-Direction Support
Larger solar support configuration for full-size 40 ft shipping container installations.
View 40 ft Support →
Collapsible High-Wind Support
SunnyCal's Virgin Island-style system provides a collapsible container solar support option for sites where high-wind planning is important.
View High-Wind Support →More Than a Generic Solar Rack
Shipping containers have their own dimensions, roof-edge geometry, structural considerations and mounting challenges. SunnyCal's support systems are designed around the container rather than treating it like a conventional building roof.
The Support System Starts at the Container
SunnyCal's container-specific supports are designed around the structural edges and mounting points of shipping containers.
Depending on the selected configuration, the support structure can use the container's edge areas rather than treating the flat roof surface like a conventional roof-mount application.
- Container-specific fabricated support members
- Attachment at structural edge locations
- Module rails supported above the container
- Configurations for multiple container lengths
- Hardware appropriate to the selected support design
Turn the Container Roof Area Into Useful Solar Space
Shipping-container solar can be useful anywhere the container already serves as storage, equipment housing, workspace or a remote-site platform.
Off-Grid Sites
Add solar generation above a container used at remote properties, ranches or equipment locations.
Agricultural Sites
Containers already used for tools, pumps or equipment can provide a convenient platform for solar generation.
Jobsites
Shipping containers frequently serve as secure storage or work space where solar can support electrical loads.
Communications
Remote communications and monitoring installations may benefit from container-mounted solar generation.
Emergency & Temporary Power
Containers can serve as a transportable equipment platform where solar is part of the overall power solution.
Specialty Energy Systems
SunnyCal can help customers evaluate container structures for unusual solar and power-system applications.
Confirm the Solar Module Before Ordering the Structure
Solar module dimensions vary significantly between manufacturers, wattages and generations. Do not assume every panel will fit a particular support layout simply because the wattage is similar.
SunnyCal should confirm the intended module dimensions, frame thickness and layout before the final support configuration is selected.
Raised Container Structures Can Work Well With Bifacial Modules
Bifacial modules can collect light from both the front and rear surfaces. A raised container structure provides open space below the array, which may help reflected light reach the backside of the modules.
Actual bifacial gain varies by module, height, surface reflectivity, orientation, shading and site conditions. SunnyCal does not assume a fixed production increase.
A Collapsible Solar Support Option for High-Wind Planning
SunnyCal's Virgin Island-style support was developed for shipping-container applications where the ability to lower or reposition the array for severe-wind conditions is important.
The appropriate configuration depends on the container, module layout, site conditions and structural requirements.
- Collapsible support concept
- Container-edge attachment hardware
- Multiple operating positions
- Layouts for container applications
- Engineering considerations should be reviewed for the site
Engineering Support Is Available for Qualifying Projects
Solar structures mounted above shipping containers introduce wind, loading, attachment and structural questions that should be considered before installation.
SunnyCal offers structural engineering for qualifying California shipping-container solar support projects.
Projects outside California may require review or approval by a locally licensed engineer depending on the jurisdiction and application.
Information That Helps With Project Review
- Container size and condition
- Project location
- Solar module manufacturer and model
- Module dimensions
- Desired array orientation
- Site exposure and wind considerations
- Applicable permit or engineering requirements
Support Components Can Be Prepared for Shipment
SunnyCal fabricates container-solar support components that can be prepared in sections for transport and shipment.
Shipping details depend on the structure, order size, destination and freight requirements.
What Kind of Shipping Container Solar Project Do You Have?
Common Questions About Container Solar Supports
What shipping container sizes does SunnyCal support?
Does SunnyCal make a two-direction shipping container solar support?
Can bifacial solar panels be used on a shipping container?
Does SunnyCal offer a high-wind shipping container solar support?
Can SunnyCal provide structural engineering?
Will any solar panel fit the support?
Can the shipping container solar support be shipped?
How do I know which container solar structure I need?
Building Solar on a Shipping Container?
Tell SunnyCal your container size, project location, module model and desired layout. We can help you identify the appropriate support structure, high-wind option or engineering path.