About the Project
KPFF Consulting Engineers project MassDOT Solar Carports, located in Plymouth, MA, involved a comprehensive effort to install a ground-mounted PV canopy structure. This project is part of a broader initiative to incorporate renewable energy solutions into public infrastructure, showcasing the commitment of Massachusetts Department of Transportation to sustainable development. The PV canopies were designed to harness solar energy efficiently while providing shade and protection for parked vehicles.
The structural design featured primary elements composed of wide flange (WF) sections for both beams and columns, ensuring robust support for the solar panels. The PV modules were mounted on cold-formed steel purlins, which spanned between the beams. This arrangement not only optimized the structural integrity but also facilitated the effective distribution of the panels. The lateral force-resisting system was defined as Steel Ordinary Cantilevered Columns in accordance with ASCE 7 Chapter 13 standards, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety norms. The columns were secured using bolted connections to helical piles, providing a stable foundation that could withstand environmental stresses and load variations.
IDEA StatiCa’s capability to model and analyze complex connections accurately and efficiently allows us to provide superior and efficient designs for our clients. IDEA StatiCa is versatile, does not build-in unnecessary conservatism, and is able to summarize results in a way that is easy for designers and reviewers to understand.”

Benjamin Hicks
Associate | Project Manager – KPFF Consulting Engineers
United States






