Kia Partners with VPS on Solar Hail Protection Canopy in West Point

WEST POINT, GEORGIA — A collaborative team of engineering, construction, and technology leaders is delivering one of the largest dual-purpose solar hail protection canopy projects in the United States, designed to protect vehicles at Kia’s West Point, Georgia, assembly plant — while also generating clean, renewable power.

Initiated after a hailstorm in March 2023 that damaged more than 13,000 vehicles at the plant, and caused millions in damage, the creative and eco-friendly solution has been confirmed by Georgia Power to be the largest Behind-The-Meter system in the state of Georgia.

The project brings together Vehicle Protection Structures (VPS), SolMotiv, Ancora Systems, and ARaymond Energies, who have come together to address a critical need for vehicle protection following a severe hailstorm in 2023. The new carport system combines fixed-tilt solar arrays with a fabric canopy, covering more than 3.2 million square feet of parking area and generating approximately 10 megawatts of solar power when complete.

“This project is a true team effort,” said Keith Busam, Vice President of Business Development and Sustainability for VPS. “By integrating VPS’s proven hail protection systems with solar expertise from SolMotiv and Ancora, and fastening solutions from ARaymond, Kia is not only protecting its vehicles but also advancing its sustainability goals.”

Dual-purpose innovation

The solar carport delivers two essential benefits for Kia:

• Vehicle protection from hail and other severe weather events, ensuring uninterrupted operations and compliance with insurance requirements.
• Clean energy generation through bifacial solar modules strategically oriented over VPS’s reflective fabric, capturing sunlight from both sides to boost performance.

Engineering collaboration played a critical role in making the design possible. SolMotiv provided solar sales & engineering support and early feasibility analysis, while Ancora Systems designed and delivered its Patent Pending DuoRail™ racking system. DuoRail was engineered specifically to work with ARaymond’s PowAR® Cinch fastener, allowing solar modules to be mounted parallel to their long sides, keeping the rear glass unobstructed to maximize bifacial performance.

“ARaymond’s fastening technology was a key enabler of this project,” said Jonathan Fenoll, Director of Solar Utility-Scale Business Line for ARaymond Energies. “Our PowAR Cinch allows modules to be installed quickly, securely, and from below the array, which reduced installation time and improved safety on site. The collaboration with Ancora ensured the racking system and fasteners worked seamlessly together.”

Looking ahead

The Kia installation demonstrates how automakers and suppliers can collaborate to build dual-use infrastructure that reduces risk and advances sustainability. With completion expected in early 2026, the system will offset an estimated 10 percent of the plant’s annual energy consumption.

“Projects like this point to the future of automotive manufacturing,” said Christopher Klinga, SolMotiv’s Principal Engineer. “Protecting vehicles, reducing emissions, and using space more efficiently are priorities across the industry, and this installation shows how those goals can align.”

About the Companies:

• Kia’s West Point facility manufactures Kia’s most popular models, including the Telluride, Sorento, and EV9, with annual capacity of 350,000 vehicles.
• Vehicle Protection Structures (VPS) is a leader in hail protection and solar-integrated canopy systems for automotive OEMs.
• SolMotiv is a solar engineering consultancy supporting the country’s most innovative commercial & industrial renewable projects.
• Ancora Systems develops innovative solar racking solutions, including the Patent Pending DuoRail™ system.
• ARaymond provides innovative fastening technologies that simplify solar installations and optimize system performance, and employs more than 8,000 people in 25 countries.