AEP solar carports with a "positive" CO₂ balance - How sustainable parking lot canopies actively contribute to climate protection
CO₂ balance: parking spaces with a climate protection factor
AEP has analyzed the carbon footprints for various carport types. The entire material input of a parking space was considered – from concrete and steel to wood and aluminum – and their respective global warming potential (GWP) was determined. Particularly exciting: two of the three variants examined have a negative CO₂ balance. This means that they remove more CO₂ from the atmosphere than they emit – a real game changer in the construction industry.
1. Bifacial PV-Carport von AEP: CO₂-Senke statt CO₂-Quelle
The bifacial design – i.e. with active solar modules on both sides – scores twice: through high energy yield and a CO₂ balance of -191.11 kg CO₂ per parking space.
The main reason for this positive balance is the use of glued laminated timber (glulam), which stores CO₂ as a building material. Despite the concrete foundation and steel reinforcement, the CO₂ storage effect prevails – the carport becomes an active CO₂ sink.
2. Trapezodial PV-Carport von AEP: Ebenfalls im Minusbereich
The trapezoidal version with a trapezoidal sheet steel roof also remains well within the green zone:
-56.94 kg CO₂ per parking space – another plus point for the climate and the environment.
The combination of a wooden structure and efficient use of materials pays off ecologically.
3. Der Unterschied zur konventionellen Bauweise: Ein massiver CO₂-Rucksack
For comparison: a classic carport made of I-beams and trapezoidal sheet metal (without wood) causes +1,085 kg of CO₂ per parking space – in other words, more than a ton of greenhouse gas emissions during construction alone!
The difference to the AEP solutions is therefore around 1,100 kg of CO₂ per parking space – a clear decision for sustainable construction.
Sample calculation: Big impact for large projects
Let’s assume a company wants to cover 50 parking spaces with solar carports. The CO₂ comparison at a glance:
Choosing the right type of carport alone can save up to 63 tons of CO₂ – equivalent to the annual emissions of around 40 mid-range cars!
| Variante | CO₂-Bilanz je Parkplatz | Gesamt (50 Plätze) |
|---|---|---|
| AEP PV-Carport Bifacial | –191 kg | –9.555 kg CO₂ |
| AEP PV-Carport Trapezodial | –57 kg | –2.847 kg CO₂ |
| Standard-Stahl-Carport | +1.085 kg | +54.250 kg CO₂ |
(Negative values = CO₂ reduction)
Technical details: How the CO₂ balance is calculated
The CO₂ balance (GWP = Global Warming Potential) is calculated for each material component used on the basis of recognized environmental declarations (EPD):
These values are multiplied by the quantities used – the result is the CO₂ balance per parking space.
| Material | GWP-Wert | Quelle |
|---|---|---|
| Beton | 281 kg CO₂/m³ | Bau-EPD |
| Stahl/Bewehrung | 1.500 kg CO₂/1000 kg | XCarb recycled steel |
| Holz (BSH) | –639,34 kg CO₂/m³ | EPD Binderholz |
| Aluminium | 2.000 kg CO₂/1000 kg | metagreen Alumero |
| Stahlblech | 1.500 kg CO₂/1000 kg | XCarb recycled steel |
Project Manager PV-Carports, AEP
DI Fabio Rockenschaub
„Bei der Entwicklung unserer PV-Carports legen wir nicht nur Wert auf Energieeffizienz, sondern auch auf ökologische Nachhaltigkeit. Dass unsere Carports bereits bei der Errichtung eine negative CO₂-Bilanz aufweisen, ist das Ergebnis sorgfältiger Materialwahl und durchdachter Planung. Damit zeigen wir: Klimaschutz beginnt bereits bei der Unterkonstruktion – und endet erst bei der letzten Kilowattstunde Sonnenstrom.”
Conclusion: Those who rely on AEP solar carports not only protect themselves from the sun and rain - they also protect the climate.
The carbon footprint shows in black and white: our solar carports are not only energy-efficient in operation, but also make a sustainable contribution to reducing greenhouse gases. Even before the first kilowatt hour of solar power is generated. Solar carports from AEP are the right choice for companies and municipalities that focus on real sustainability.
📢 Stay informed! Visit our website regularly for updates on construction progress and other exciting projects.
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8.5 MWp PV project in Ferschnitz
The energy transition is progressing – and AEP is setting a strong example! In Ferschnitz, a state-of-the-art photovoltaic plant with an output of 8.5 megawatts (MW) is being built on an area of 9 hectares. This corresponds to around 13 soccer pitches full of solar energy and marks the largest PV project in the history of AEP H2 GmbH.
A milestone for sustainable power supply
The construction of this plant is an important step towards a climate-friendly and independent energy supply. Once completed, the PV system will supply thousands of households and businesses with renewable electricity. By using state-of-the-art solar technology, the energy generated will be efficiently fed into the grid and help to stabilize the regional supply.
The AEP contracting model - solar power without acquisition costs
A project of this magnitude requires not only innovative technology, but also a well thought-out financing model. Thanks to the proven AEP contracting model, municipalities, companies and businesses can benefit from this sustainable source of energy – without having to make any investment costs of their own. AEP takes care of the entire financing, planning and implementation of the project, while customers benefit from low-cost, clean energy in the long term.
Project start and schedule
The official go-ahead for the project was given at the beginning of April 2025 and the detailed planning, sourcing of components and official approvals will be finalized in the coming weeks. Construction work is expected to begin in six weeks and should be completed within four to six months – depending on the availability of the required transformers.
Successful collaboration with the municipality and partners
A large-scale PV project of this size requires numerous official approvals and expert opinions. Thanks to the close and cooperative collaboration between AEP, the municipality of Ferschnitz, landowner Rudolf Mayerhofer and the responsible public authorities, it was possible to obtain all the necessary approvals without any problems. Mayor Michael Hülmbauer also actively supports the project and emphasizes the positive effects on the community:
The electricity remains in the region thanks to an energy community
Another key aspect of the project is the planned regional energy community that is to be created once the PV system in Ferschnitz is completed. The aim is not simply to feed the solar power generated into the general grid, but to make it directly usable in the region – for households, businesses and public institutions.
The energy community will be open to everyone who is connected to the substation. This will enable a large proportion of the local population to benefit from sustainable, affordable electricity from the region in future – and the added value will remain where it is generated.
Mayor Ferschnitz
Michael Hülmbauer
“This project not only strengthens the regional economy, but also makes a significant contribution to a sustainable energy supply. We are proud to be able to realize this innovative project in our community.”
Outlook: Further expansion already in planning
Following completion of the first construction phase, further expansion of the plant is already planned. AEP plans to further increase the capacity of the plant and thus feed even more clean energy into the regional power supply.
With this project, AEP H2 GmbH is once again sending a strong signal for the future of renewable energies and demonstrating that sustainable energy supply and economic success can go hand in hand.
📢 Stay informed! Visit our website regularly for updates on construction progress and other exciting projects.
Get in touch now & find out more!
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AEP supports young tennis talents: Jonas Gundacker on his way to the top
Passion, perseverance and determination – these are values that not only count in the energy sector, but also in top-class sport. That is why AEP is particularly pleased to sponsor the up-and-coming tennis player Jonas Gundacker. The 22-year-old from Königstetten in Lower Austria is pursuing his dream of a career in the international tennis world with impressive discipline.
From Königstetten to the big stage
Jonas begann seine sportliche Laufbahn bereits mit sechs Jahren in der Tennis Akademie Fellner (TAF), wo er bis zu seinem 19. Lebensjahr intensiv trainierte. Ab Mai 2025 setzt er seinen Weg bei der Danubis Pro Academy in Mauthausen fort – unter der Leitung von niemand Geringerem als Andreas Haider-Maurer, einem der erfolgreichsten Tennisspieler Österreichs.
A clear plan - and a strong will
Sein Weg ist klar vorgezeichnet: Kurzfristig will Jonas möglichst viele ATP-Punkte sammeln, mittelfristig strebt er eine fixe Teilnahme an den Hauptbewerben internationaler ITF-Future-Turniere an. Langfristig hat er ein großes Ziel vor Augen – den Sprung unter die Top 200 der ATP-Weltrangliste. Um das zu erreichen, trainiert er täglich und nimmt in der Turniersaison beinahe jedes Wochenende an Bewerben teil. Seine Entschlossenheit, sein Fleiß und seine professionelle Einstellung machen ihn zu einem der spannendsten Nachwuchsspieler im österreichischen Tennis.
Successes that speak for themselves
Auch sportlich kann Jonas bereits eine beeindruckende Bilanz vorweisen. In seiner Jugend wurde er Staatsmeister im Doppel, gewann mehrfach den Landesmeistertitel und holte sich einen Turniersieg auf der ITF J5-Tour. Bei den Herren gelangen ihm unter anderem ein Achtelfinaleinzug bei einem Future 15k-Turnier in Oradea – was ihm seinen ersten ATP-Punkt einbrachte – sowie ein dritter Platz bei den Staatsmeisterschaften. Zudem war er Teil einer Mannschaft, die den zweiten Platz in der 1. Bundesliga erreichte – und das mit einer makellosen Einzelbilanz. In der ÖTV-Rangliste klopft Jonas mittlerweile bereits an die Top-50 an – ein weiterer Beweis für seinen konstanten Aufwärtstrend.
A strong educational path as a foundation
Alongside his sporting career, Jonas has not lost sight of his education. After all, a solid education is an important foundation – at least in life. With our solar carports, however, AEP ensures that it works even without a foundation. After graduating from the commercial academy in Amstetten, he completed his basic military service at the Army Sports Center in Linz. A tennis scholarship then took him to the renowned Texas Tech University in the USA, where he was able to gain valuable international experience – both athletically and academically.
Sustainability is also an important topic for Jonas
Als junger Sportler beschäftigt sich Jonas nicht nur mit seiner Karriere, sondern auch mit den Herausforderungen unserer Zeit. Die Energiewende liegt ihm besonders am Herzen – auch weil er im Zuge seiner Reisen und Turniere erlebt, wie wichtig ein bewusster Umgang mit Ressourcen ist. Nachhaltigkeit ist für ihn mehr als nur ein Schlagwort – und genau deshalb interessiert er sich auch für Technologien wie die Photovoltaik, mit denen jeder Einzelne einen Beitrag leisten kann.
Tennis player
Jonas Gundacker
„Mir ist wichtig, dass wir auch als junge Generation Verantwortung übernehmen. Die Energiewende ist keine Option mehr, sondern eine Notwendigkeit – und ich finde es großartig, dass Unternehmen wie AEP mit innovativen Lösungen vorangehen.“
Warum die AEP H2 GmbH Jonas unterstützt
Jonas’ dedication, down-to-earth attitude and clear focus immediately impressed us at AEP. His attitude towards sustainability and his commitment to a future worth living fit in perfectly with our values. Whether with our photovoltaic systems, solar carports or in the area of e-mobility and charging infrastructure – we pursue a clear goal with our solutions: to make clean energy for tomorrow accessible today.
Die Unterstützung von Jonas ist für uns kein Marketingprojekt, sondern eine Partnerschaft, die aus Überzeugung entsteht – weil wir glauben, dass Menschen wie er eine positive Entwicklung in der Gesellschaft mitgestalten können. Er verkörpert genau jene Werte, für die auch wir stehen: Einsatz, Verlässlichkeit und der Mut, neue Wege zu gehen.
We are proud to accompany him as a sponsor – and are delighted to be part of his journey.
📢 Stay informed! Visit our website regularly for updates on construction progress and other exciting projects.
Get in touch now & find out more!
Whether you would like a quote, have a question or would like to arrange a consultation – we are here for you! Simply send us your request and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
AEP H2 GmbH - Innovation and sustainability in photovoltaics
Welcome to the AEP H2 GmbH blog! We are your partner for sustainable energy solutions and are actively driving forward the energy transition with innovative photovoltaic projects. Whether for companies, municipalities or private individuals – our solutions are tailor-made, economical and future-proof.
Who we are
AEP stands for sustainable energy supply with a focus on photovoltaics, storage technologies, solar carports and energy communities. Our aim is to make the switch to renewable energies as easy as possible – with innovative financing models such as AEP contracting, which enables an investment without acquisition costs.
Our team consists of experienced experts in the fields of photovoltaics, electrical engineering, project development and financing. Thanks to our in-depth expertise and our close cooperation with companies, local authorities and energy suppliers, we can offer customized solutions that are both economical and sustainable.
What we offer
- Photovoltaik-Anlagen für Unternehmen und Gemeinden – nachhaltige Stromversorgung für Gewerbe, Industrie und öffentliche Einrichtungen
- Solar-Carports – Doppelte Nutzung von Parkflächen für Stromerzeugung und E-Mobilität
- Batteriespeicher – Maximale Eigenverbrauchsquote und Netzunabhängigkeit
- Energiegemeinschaften – Lokale Stromnetze für gemeinschaftliche Nutzung erneuerbarer Energie
- Wallboxen & Ladesäulen – Intelligente Ladeinfrastruktur für E-Mobilität
- Individuelle Finanzierungsmodelle – Contracting-Modelle ohne Anschaffungskosten
- Ganzheitliche Beratung & Planung – Von der ersten Idee bis zur schlüsselfertigen Umsetzung
Our mission: Sustainable energy for a better future
The world is facing the challenge of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energies – and we at AEP are convinced that photovoltaics will play a key role in this. Our mission is to promote the expansion of solar energy, offer companies and communities economically attractive solutions and thus actively contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.
Thanks to our comprehensive planning and modern technologies, our customers can not only reduce their energy costs, but also benefit from a sustainable energy supply in the long term. We rely on innovative solutions to create independent, decentralized energy systems that combine security of supply and economic efficiency.
CEO – AEP H2 GmbH
Gerald Wirtl
Unser Ziel ist es, erneuerbare Energie für Unternehmen und Gemeinden zugänglich zu machen – wirtschaftlich sinnvoll, nachhaltig und zukunftssicher. Mit unseren innovativen Lösungen bieten wir nicht nur sauberen Strom, sondern auch Unabhängigkeit von steigenden Energiekosten.
Successful projects and visions for the future
AEP has already implemented numerous successful projects – from large-scale PV systems on industrial buildings to innovative solar carport solutions and regional energy communities. Each of our projects is a contribution to a more climate-friendly future.
However, our vision for the future goes beyond individual projects: we want to revolutionize the energy supply by developing integrated concepts that optimally combine photovoltaics, energy storage and electromobility. With our solutions, we are helping companies and communities to become energy self-sufficient and benefit from stable electricity prices in the long term.
Stay informed!
In our blog, we report on current projects, technological developments and exciting topics relating to photovoltaics and renewable energies. Check back regularly and join us on the road to a green future!
Get in touch now & find out more!
Whether you would like a quote, have a question or would like to arrange a consultation – we are here for you! Simply send us your request and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.