A Solar Carports Guide: Are They Worth The Money?

Solar Carports are kinds of canopies with photovoltaic panels installed above. These canopies do not only shade your vehicle and protect it from, dust, debris, or extreme weather but also serve as an intelligent space to generate solar energy.

Solar Carports are becoming increasingly common because they are used to charge EVs and homes alike. In case, your roof does not have enough space to install solar, you can always go with solar carports as they have many benefits which we will explore in this article.

How do Solar Carports Work?

Solar carports have a similar function as a ground-mounted PV system because the racking structure is anchored to the ground. The only difference is that solar panel carports have a taller structure so that they can cover the parked vehicles.

Also, the carport with solar panels has module racking, which means it allows easy installation and replacement of solar panels. Moreover, the modules within the solar panel array are wired together and connected to a combiner box. The solar portion of the carport works to collect sunlight and convert it into energy.

Note: Solar carports can be dangerous in snowy seasons because of slanted edges, so including a snow guard on a carport can protect from the risk. 

Solar Carport Vs. Traditional Solar: Which is Better?

If you are confused about which type of solar system suits your home, this little comparison can save you time. Although both have great potential as sun energy generation systems, some might find one more beneficial than the other.

Traditional solar panel installation takes place on your existing roof so it reduces some upfront cost of labor because carports with solar have to be built from scratch.

Solar roofs might feel safer to some people than carports. However, a solar carport does serve as a multi-purpose structure.

For instance, if you need a garage for your vehicle and also want to go green, you can solve both problems with one solution. Solar carport will not only provide shelter for your vehicle but will also help you generate solar energy.

Moreover, some people are very conscious about the look of their homes and do not want to install solar panels, having carports with solar panels can help them reduce energy bills while keeping the look of their homes.

Therefore, if solar carports fit your current needs, they are definitely better than rooftop solar installation.

What To Look For In A Solar Carport?

While choosing carports with solar is not rocket science, you should still consider a few things before opting for one.

1. Design: Always choose the design that serves your needs. The size of the carport and the quality of the material must be selected carefully so that you can get an early return on investment.
2. Solar Buyback or Net Metering: If you want to sell the generated electricity back to the city grid, consider having a solar buyback or net metering plan for your utility company and ensure it meets their requirement.
3. Energy Efficiency: More efficiency means more output, so have panels with more watts per square foot.
4. Custom or Pre-manufactured: You can order a pre-manufactured carport or have a custom built. Having custom-made is better because you can choose a brand panel and customize your energy expenditure.

What Solar Carports Cost?

Solar powered carports cost a bit more than rooftop solar installation. A rooftop solar system may cost an average of $2.81 per watt while a solar carport will get you roughly around $3.31.

This means a carport with solar panels will cost you about 18% more than a rooftop installation assuming both systems have the same capacity. For example, you can end up paying $19860 for a 6-kW solar panel carport while the same panel costs $16860 on the rooftop.

One of the reasons for this added cost is, that you have to build a carport structure to support solar panels which is not the case with roof installation.

Additionally, residential solar carports can cost more than Commercial solar carports because businesses often need multiple solar carports which can give some discount on total purchase.

If so much money is terrifying you, we have good news. The federal tax credit also applies to solar carports so it can reduce 30% of your total carport cost.

Other incentives in the US can further reduce the cost of carports with solar panels, such as Sales tax exemptions, property tax exemptions, state tax credits, and cash rebates.

Some states are also considering exclusive incentive programs for solar carports such as the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Program in New York and the SMART Program in Massachusetts. As the concept of going solar becoming more popular, California is also considering tax incentives for solar carports.

Pros and Cons Of Solar Carports

Solar carports do cost a little more than traditional types of solar energy systems, they also have various benefits.

Pros of Solar Carports

1. Muli-purpose

Carports with solar panels are a canopy and a charging station for your EVs. You can power your home and vehicle from one station while saving the expensive car from any environmental harm.  You can also use these carports to store other items or just have summer panties underneath.

2. No Rooftop Damage

Installing solar panels on rooftops is a bad idea if your roof is new because it will risk the shingles. It is also a bad idea if your roof is very old and you are planning on replacing it near future. Therefore, having solar carpots can provide a separate energy production system with no impact on your home whatsoever.

3. More Return On Investment

Solar carpots bring a return on investment in 5 to 15 years with federal incentives and other credits. It also increases the price of your home if you want to sell it because the new owners would not have to go through the carport installation from scratch.

4. Take Up Little Space

Car carports are very thin so they take literally no space. You can have them on any small part of your property.

Cons of Solar Carports

While there are many advantages of carport solar, it also has a few disadvantages.

1. Building New Structure

Carports with solar have to be according to the solar panel requirement. Even if you have an existing carport it might not be suitable for installation because the roof has to be at a certain angle to maximize the output. Therefore, building a new structure can be hectic.

2. High Upfront Cost

Solar carport can be very expensive. The upfront cost of $17000 to $18000 can be a deal breaker for many. However, the cost difference can be overcome within two to three years.

3. Regular Maintenance

Carports with solar require regular maintenance and it can add an annual cost of $150 or more. If you do not keep it maintained, its capacity will be reduced but this is the case with all types of solar panel installations.

Final Analysis

Solar carports are becoming a real deal and can be a great investment in green energy. Having a sun powered carport or rooftop solar is totally up to the user’s requirement.

 If you have an EV going for a solar carport is wise because you can use it as a battery charging station as well as power your home when needed.

Lastly, always look for available incentives that can reduce the upfront cost and make carports a good long-term investment for your green project.

FAQS