# Ingenious Solar Carports This Energy-Efficient Solar Carport is Designed for BMW Electric Vehicles By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-05-08 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-carport References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/bmw-designworksusa-solar-carport-i8/31961/) & [press.bmwgroup](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/pressDetail.html?title=in-tune-with-nature-–-and-with-the-bmw-i-design-idiom-bmw-group-designworksusa-develops-a-solar&outputChannelId=6&id=T0179413EN&left_menu_item=node__6728) [BMW](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-vision-amby)-owned design consultancy firm DesignworksUSA designed this ingenious solar carport to house and juice up BMW's [i3 and i8 electric vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2027-bmw-i3). The solar carport has an insect-shaped frame featuring heavy use of bamboo and complete with rooftop glass-on-glass solar modules. The system is designed to be compatible with BMW's i Wallbox Pro [car charging station](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-charging-1). BMW i3 and i8 owners can charge their vehicles directly using energy provided by the solar panels. The system can provide detailed reports on the amount of solar energy collected by the system and how much of it is used to charge the vehicle. Excess energy produced by the carport can be redirected into the owner's home for domestic use. Aside from being highly functional and energy-efficient, the solar carport is also designed to look aesthetically interesting and visually complement the i3 and i8 vehicles. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Solar-powered Carports:** The growing popularity of electric vehicles and the need for sustainable charging solutions is driving the trend of solar-powered carports. - **Bamboo Construction:** The use of bamboo in carport construction showcases the trend of eco-friendly and sustainable materials being integrated into architectural designs. - **Integrated Energy Systems:** The integration of solar carports with home energy systems highlights the trend of maximizing renewable energy generation and utilization. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Automotive:** Automotive companies can capitalize on the solar-powered carport trend by offering innovative charging solutions for their electric vehicle models. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can leverage the use of bamboo and other sustainable materials in constructing solar carports, promoting green building practices. - **Architectural Design:** Architectural firms specializing in sustainable design can explore the trend of integrating solar carports with home energy systems for more eco-friendly housing solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarbotanic-energy-tree.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Unwinding Multifunctional Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/better-energy-charge.md) - [Roof-Mounted EV Charging Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-sun.md) - [Solar-Powered eBike Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beambike.md) - [Immersive Solar-Powered Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8-minutes-and-20-seconds.md) - [Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-cladrus.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-van.md) - [Adaptive Parking Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/niels-bohr-car-park.md)