US Patent 8387318 Open-air parking shelter with photovoltaic elements and improved airflow characteristics

An open-air parking shelter comprises a canopy structure, photovoltaic elements, a power output, and a support structure. The canopy structure comprises a plurality of elongated shading members arranged in spaced apart relation. The spaced apart relation being such that airflow is permitted between the elongated members. The photovoltaic elements are provided on the elongated shading members for receiving solar radiation and converting the solar radiation to electricity. The power output is coupled to each of the photovoltaic elements for outputting the electricity converted by the photovoltaic elements. The support structure is provided for supporting the canopy structure in spaced relation above a ground surface.