Looking for a way to keep your car or boat safe from the elements? Buying a carport might be just the ticket! They’re affordable, they work, and they’re easy to set up. And these days, there’s a new kind of carport on the market – the solar carport.
More and more folks are turning to solar energy. It’s a great way to save on those pesky utility bills and do your part to keep the planet clean.
But what exactly are solar carports, and how do they work?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into this topic. We’ll cover everything you need to know about solar carports, from the different types and how they work to the costs and whether they’re a good fit for you.
What Is a Solar Carport?
A solar carport is a parking space canopy with solar panels fixed on top.
Since this type of structure covers your vehicles and parking area, it functions just like a typical carport. The key difference is that it also generates clean energy from the sun. You can use this energy to power your home, charge an electric vehicle, or even sell it back to the grid.
Both commercial and residential solar carports are increasingly popular, especially now that electric cars and cleaner energy are in high demand.
Types of Solar Carports
Solar carports come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few ways to categorize them:
By Design
- Cantilever: This solar design has panels mounted on one side with a single row of support posts. This design provides an open feel and easy parking.
- Single-post: These use a single row of support posts in the center, with panels angled on either side.
- Double-post: These have two rows of support posts, offering extra stability under heavy snow loads and allowing for a wider span.
By Materials
- Steel: Steel carports are strong and durable, making them excellent for supporting the weight of solar panels. They can withstand tough weather and are a good long-term investment.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is resistant to corrosion and lightweight, making it a good choice for solar projects in areas with high humidity or salty air.
By Size
- Residential carports: Small home units with smaller module sizes, typically designed for 1–4 cars.
- Commercial carports: Larger installations designed to generate solar power at scale and often integrated with energy storage systems.
How Do They Work?
Just like a rooftop solar panel, a solar parking canopy harnesses the sun’s power and converts it into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. When sunlight hits PV cells, it knocks electrons loose from atoms, creating a flow of direct current (DC power). This electricity is then sent to the inverter, which converts it into usable AC power for your home.
You can use that electrical energy as an emergency backup during power outages or to create a charging station for your electric vehicle (EV). You can even sell it back to the utility company if your state allows it. This process, called net metering, can help you save even more money on your energy bills.
Solar Carport Components
A typical solar canopy or carport system has several key components:
- Solar modules: These are the panels with PV cells that turn sunlight into electricity.
- Racking system: This is the basic carport structure. It’s the framework that supports the solar modules.
- Inverter: This device converts the DC electricity the solar panels generate into AC electricity, which is what your home uses.
- Electrical components: These include wiring, fuses, and other parts that connect the panels to the inverter and your home’s electrical system. They also include EV charging hardware.
- Battery energy storage system (BESS): Some carports include a battery and its control systems to store excess solar energy.
Solar Carport Pros and Cons—Are They Worth It?
Now, let’s weigh the good and the bad about solar panel carports.
Pros
Cons
Let’s look at these pros and cons more closely.
Pros
- Lower electricity bills: Since solar carports supply energy from the sun, you’ll use less electricity from the power grid, which can significantly reduce your bill. It’s also cheaper to charge EVs with solar power since power grids charge kilowatts by the hour.
- Reduces carbon footprint: Traditional power grids emit greenhouse gases that are harmful pollutants to the atmosphere. Solar power is a renewable energy source and, therefore, an eco-friendly alternative.
- Tax credits: The U.S. government’s Residential Clean Energy Credit allows you to claim a percentage of the solar panels cost to receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction.4
- Vehicle protection: These carports function as any carport or canopy cover, providing shade and protection for your car and other vehicles.
- Convenience: Solar carports are easier to maintain than rooftop panels. They also come in handy if your home’s roof isn’t suitable for solar panel installation.
- Increased property value: A solar canopy can increase your property’s value. It’s a feature many homebuyers look for, especially those who are environmentally conscious.
Cons
- High upfront costs: Though they can help save money in the long run, complete construction and installation can cost as much as $32,000.
- Difficult installation: Like other electric sources, wiring for solar carports can be challenging and hazardous if not properly installed by a professional.
- Location limitations: You’ll need enough space or real estate on your property to accommodate this parking structure. Solar panels must also be installed at specific angles to get enough sunlight. Depending on where you live or the position of your property, this may not provide enough shade or protection for your vehicle.
- Complex permit requirements: Solar carport installations require more permits from different authorities than pre-engineered carports.
- HOA restrictions: Some homeowners’ associations (HOAs) may restrict solar installations, including carports. Be sure to check with your HOA before you start planning your project.
Overall, the pros of solar panel carports often outweigh the cons, especially if you want to save on energy bills, reduce your environmental footprint, and add value to your property.
Solar Carport vs. Traditional Carport
It’s clear that carports sporting solar panels are different from conventional carports, but how different are they? The following table provides the answer to help you choose the one for you.
| Feature | Solar Carport | Traditional Carport |
|---|---|---|
| Energy generation | Produces clean energy | Does not produce energy |
| Environmental impact | Reduces carbon footprint | No impact on carbon footprint |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost | More affordable |
| Return on investment | It offers long-term savings on energy bills and adds value to your property, eventually paying for itself | It only provides a small increase in property value |
| Functionality | Provides shelter for vehicles | Provides shelter for vehicles |
Solar Carport vs. Traditional Solar Panels
Another question you may be asking yourself is, why buy a solar carport if I can just install PV panels on my roof? How does this type of carport compare to a traditional residential solar installation?
| Feature | Solar Carport | Traditional Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Installation location | Ground-mounted | Typically roof-mounted |
| Aesthetics | It can be more visually appealing | It may not be as aesthetically pleasing |
| Flexibility | More flexible placement options | Limited placement options |
| Maintenance | Easier to access for maintenance | More difficult access |
| Cost | It can be more expensive | Generally less expensive |
| Efficiency | It can be more efficient due to better ventilation | It may be less efficient due to heat buildup |
As you can see, depending on your particular situation, you may prefer choosing one option or the other.
How Much Does a Solar Carport Cost?
The cost of a solar carport solution can vary, depending on several factors. These include:
- The type of solar panels (mono- or polycrystalline panels).
- The available space and amount of power you use.
- Professional installation costs.
- Your location.
- The complexity of the installation.
Solar Panel Costs
The average cost per watt of residential monocrystalline solar panels is $1–$1.5/watt, according to Solar.com. Therefore, you can expect to pay roughly $300–$450 for an average 300-watt panel.
| Carport size | 1-Car Carport | 2-Car Carport |
|---|---|---|
| Number of panels | 10 | 20 |
| Cost per panel | $300–$450 | $300–$450 |
| System size | 3 kW system | 6 kW system |
| Total cost of panels | $3,000–$4,500 | $6,000–$9,000 |
Installation Costs
Installation costs vary greatly by location and can make up a significant chunk of what you pay. For example, just the labor for installing the panels runs about $0.75–$2.50 per watt, according to Sunbase. That works out to:
- $2,250–$7,500 for a 1-car carport with a 3 kW system.
- $4,500–$15,000 for a 2-car carport with a 6 kW PV system.
Updating Carport vs. Building From Scratch
Cost also depends on whether you’re installing solar panels on an existing carport or building the entire structure from scratch.
After accounting for the rest of the hardware, permitting, and other costs, installing solar panels on a pre-built carport costs about $9,000–$18,000 for a typical 3kW to 6kW system size.
However, the full construction of a solar carport from scratch can cost around $19,000–$32,000, including permits, building materials, and labor for the carport itself.
How To Save Money on a Solar Carport
Want to go solar without breaking the bank? Here are a few ways to make your solar carport project a little easier on your wallet:
DIY the Installation
While solar carports can be an expensive home addition, you can save money by building the carport structure yourself and having a professional install the panels.
Building the carport structure yourself can help cut overall costs. However, it’s best to have a professional install the solar panels. The panels require electrical work, which can be dangerous if you’re not skilled in handling wiring.
A professional solar installer will ensure the panel system is attached safely and correctly and offer a warranty, saving you time and money in the long term.
Take Advantage of Incentives for Solar Parking Canopies
Solar technology also qualifies for certain tax credits, which can help you save money. Here’s a general view of how much you can save.
| Incentive Type | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Federal Tax Credit | Up to 30% of the total system cost, according to NerdWallet |
| State Rebates | $500–$5,000, according to SolarReviews (Varies by state) |
| Local Incentives | It varies by location and can include property tax exemptions or expedited permitting |
| Net Metering | It can reduce or even eliminate your energy bills (Varies by state) |
Sources: NerdWallet and SolarReviews
Solar Panel Carport Installation Process
If you decide that a solar panel carport is for you and you have the budget, here’s a rundown of what you can expect once you make your purchase.
- Site assessment: A solar installer will visit your property to assess whether it’s a good spot for a solar carport. They’ll examine factors such as the amount of sunlight your property receives, the size and shape of your parking area, and any potential shading obstacles.
- Design and engineering: Once they finish the site assessment, the installer will design a solar panel carport system that meets your needs and complies with local building codes. This may involve working with structural engineers to ensure the carport is safe and sound.
- Permitting: Before starting construction, the installer will obtain necessary permits from your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
- Foundation installation: A solid foundation is key for any carport structure. The installer will typically install concrete foundations or foundation piers to support the carport posts.
- Carport construction: Next, you build the carport structure, including the posts, beams, and roof. Alternatively, you can have professionals install it for you. The process often involves using prefabricated components for faster and more efficient construction.
- Solar Panel Installation: The solar panels are then mounted on the carport roof using a racking system. The installer will ensure the panels are correctly angled to capture the most sunlight.
- Electrical Connections: The installer will connect the solar panels to the inverter and your home’s electrical system. This involves wiring, grounding, and other electrical work.
- Inspection and Commissioning: Finally, technicians will inspect the installed solar carport to ensure it meets safety and performance standards. Once it passes inspection, it’s ready to start generating clean energy!
Solar Carports and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
If you’ve got an electric car or are considering getting one, a solar panel carport is a match made in heaven. You can charge your EV right at home using clean energy from the panels.
This means you’ll drive on sunshine, reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and saving even more on gas. Many solar carport systems can be integrated with EV charging stations, making it easy to plug in and power up your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does a solar carport produce?
Domestic to residential solar carports can generate enough power to cover 88% of your electricity bill.
Larger commercial carports installed on parking lots, on the other hand, can produce enough to power a stadium. These solar parking lots act like renewable energy projects, giving huge swaths of frequently empty real estate a second use.
What is the typical lifespan of a solar carport?
Solar panel carports are built to last. With proper maintenance, yours can generate electricity with minimal loss in capacity for 25 years or more. The solar panels themselves often come with warranties of 25 years or even longer.
How do solar carports perform in different climates?
Although they can work well in various climates, solar panel carports perform best where there’s plenty of sunshine. They can still generate much power even in colder climates or places with occasional snow.
That said, ensuring your carport is designed and installed correctly for your specific climate is important. For example, in areas with heavy snow, you might need a more robust structure or snow guards to prevent snow buildup on the panels.
Do solar panel carports require a permit?
Most likely, yes. You’ll usually need to obtain a permit from your local building department or Authority Having Jurisdiction before installing a solar carport.
Can I install a solar panel carport on agricultural land?
That depends on your local zoning regulations and land-use restrictions. Some areas may allow solar installations on agricultural land, while others may have restrictions. It’s best to check with your local planning department or zoning board to see what’s permitted in your area.
Customize Your Next Carport Addition
Save time and money on carport construction by using our prefabricated metal carports. Not only are they durable and faster to assemble, but our team will also install them for you for free. Use our 3D tool below to easily customize your carport roof style to your liking.*
* Alan’s Factory Outlet carports are not designed for solar panel installation. Alterations and additions to the structure would be at the customer’s discretion.
Sources
- Hyder, Zeeshan. “Are Solar Canopies and Carports Worth It?” Solar Reviews, February 10, 2022. https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/are-solar-canopies-worth-it.
- SEIA. “What Rebates and Incentives Are Available for Solar Energy? | SEIA,” n.d. https://www.seia.org/initiatives/what-rebates-and-incentives-are-available-solar-energy.
- Energy.gov. “Solar Energy, Wildlife, and the Environment,” n.d. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-wildlife-and-environment.
- Energy.gov. “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics,” n.d. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics.
- Metaye, Romain. “Solar Carports (Everything You Need to Know).” Climatebiz, May 24, 2022. https://climatebiz.com/solar-carports/.
