Solar Carports: Know All There Is To Know

What is a solar carport?

A solar carport is a type of overhead shade that generates energy while protecting vehicles from weather conditions like rain, snow, and the sun. It is usually built on top of a parking lot to power electric vehicles, building systems, or to sell energy back to the grid.

Solar carports offer the unique opportunity of converting existing surface parking lots into renewable energy powerhouses.

Hence, they help parking providers in offsetting energy costs, generating revenue by selling electricity to the grid, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This article will cover everything you need to know about solar carports!

How does a solar carport work?

Solar carports collect sunlight and convert it into usable energy. They function similarly to rooftop or ground-mounted systems.

However, carports are dedicated structures to produce energy and provide weather protection for vehicles.

A typical carport is a pre-engineered structure made up of beams, posts, and braces. The structure is designed to cover one or more rows of parking spaces, and the panels are mounted on top.

The primary energy-producing component of a carport system is the solar modules, which are usually mounted on rails. The module racking allows for easy installation and replacement of panels.

“High Desert Montessori Charter School array” by Black Rock Solar is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The angle at which they face is generally adjustable to maximize energy production throughout the day.

Modules are wired together to form a solar panel array. The array is connected to a combiner box, which routes power through an inverter.

Typically, electrical distribution equipment is housed in a metal cabinet. To protect the combiner box, inverter, and controller from weather damage, they are enclosed within the cabinet.

The solar panels generate direct current (DC) power, which is routed through an electrical conduit into the control panel and converted into usable alternating current (AC).

Metering equipment is installed at the inverter output to measure produced energy, voltage, current, and power.

If the client so desires, additional features such as sub-metering systems and remote access to real-time data can be added to carport installations. A solar carport installation can be customized with an almost limitless number of features.

The framing material is typically made of steel or aluminum and comes in the form of round tubing or I-beams. The size, shape, configuration, color scheme, style design are only limited by the imagination.

The solar panels are attached to a structure that is supported by framing, which is typically made of metal or concrete.

What are the benefits of solar carports?

Here are the most important benefits of solar carports:

Keeps vehicles safe & clean

Installing a carport will protect your vehicle from weather damage such as paint fading, weathering, and hailstones by providing an efficient and effective protective cover.

Shading provided by carports significantly reduces the temperature of the vehicle in the sun, protecting it from sun damage such as paint damage or cracked and warped interiors. As a result, the value of the car depreciates less over time.

A lower internal temperature also provides greater comfort for drivers who enter their vehicle after being exposed to the sun. Almost all drivers will consider shade to be a significant parking lot benefit.

EV Charging

The combination of EV Chargers and Solar Carports can increase revenue for businesses by offering customers the opportunity to charge their vehicles while they are shopping or visiting a business.

Benefits can be both direct and indirect because the EV-PV connection benefits more than just vehicle owners. For example, because EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, air quality improves and health risks decrease.

Perfect space usage  

Solar carport canopies can be built on parking lots without taking up valuable space that could be designated for vehicles or other structures. 

Versatile uses

A carport can be used for a variety of purposes if needed. For example, you can store items under a residential solar carport that are prone to wear and tear, have BBQs, and have family gatherings with friends.

Increases property value

Carports can increase your home's curb appeal and help you sell your house faster than if it didn't have an outdoor cover for vehicles, storage, or other purposes.

With that said, buyers will be more interested in purchasing homes with carports so they won't need to make any additional investments to ensure their vehicles are protected.

Offers good ROI

A typical solar carport investment has a payback period of around 12 years. However, this time frame varies depending on the initial investment, energy efficiency, cost of electricity, and project location.

Offered incentives can also reduce the time it takes to get a return on your initial investment.

For example, if you plan to build a solar carport in California, there are multiple incentives available from both the state of California and the U.S. government.

The government offers up a 30% solar Investment Tax Credit (please check how much it is when you read this post) and it has proven to be a major driver in the solar sector for both residential and commercial buildings.

If you live in California, you can use the California Solar Initiative Calculator to see how much tax credit your project qualifies for, and you can also look at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables Efficiency to see how much incentive is available from the federal government.

Environmental benefits

Solar carports emit practically no direct GHG emissions or pollutants. Furthermore, they produce no noise or pollution while in operation, making them unobtrusive to people close.

Protection against theft and vandalism

Theft and vandalism are common threats faced by car owners across the world.

Solar carports provide a solution to this problem because they may be equipped with additional security features to protect your vehicle from theft and vandalism, offering convenience for you as well as your vehicle.

What are the drawbacks of solar carports?

More expensive

Solar carports or canopies are more expensive than the traditional roof or ground-mounted systems.

Because they must be installed on parking lots tall enough to allow vehicles to park beneath them while withstanding potential vehicle impacts, wind loads.

Requires additional permits

Since carports are considered as structures, they require structural design and engineering hence will require additional permitting than an on-grid home solar PV system.

What to consider choosing a solar carport?

Solar carports are a good choice for those who want to harness solar energy and provide shading at the same time.

However, choosing one that is well designed, made of high-quality materials, and serves the intended purpose for years can be a challenge.

Here are the most important considerations choosing a solar carport.

Budget

Budget is always the first factor before buying anything. You need to know how much you are willing to spend on a solar carport. You can find affordable options that are made of high-quality materials but you need to make thorough research.

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of the solar carport is the number one factor to consider. The higher the watts per square foot, the better it is for your electric bill and energy needs.

The ROI of a solar carport depends on many factors such as the price of electricity, tax credits, rebates, etc.

Calculating how much energy you will get from installing a solar carport will help you know whether it is worth the investment or not.

Durability and Design

This is also an essential factor to consider when choosing a solar carport. How many years of service you can get from a solar carport depends on the durability of your chosen product.

Generally, solar carports are made with high-quality materials that may cost higher than other alternatives but it is worth investing if they last longer and serve their purpose effectively for years.

There are many different design options to choose from. Clearly define what your project's needs are to find the type of design that is perfect for your project.

Certain design options like additional submetering you may compromise but others like a good drainage system you may not want to.

Make sure the system components can have a longer outdoor lifespan that doesn't require frequent maintenance services.

If you have the budget, you can work with companies that provide premium designs that can generate energy while increasing the resale value of your residential or commercial property.

Net metering

The energy produced by your solar carport can be used to offset your energy costs for the building by selling back to the local utility company.

If you plan to participate in net metering, the solar carport should be designed to meet the specific requirements of the local utility.

Therefore, you may need to work with your local utility company to ensure that the carport meets its standards.

Available land to cover

The larger the land you want to cover with your solar carport, the higher your solar carport will cost.

However, if you have limited space and higher energy demand, you may look for solar carports that offer higher wattage while maximizing your available space.

There are numerous types of solar carports available in various materials, shapes, and sizes. The most common are canopy-style solar carports with a roof and ground mounts.

Carports must be strong enough to withstand their own weight as well as heavy snow and high winds. Therefore, they must be made of materials that are designed to withstand these conditions.

Solar carports can be classified based on their design, built material, and function. Depending on the model and manufacturer, carports are typically made of steel, aluminum, concrete, or wood. But, more often than not, they are made of steel.

Premanufactured models vs Custom Designs

There are premanufactured or prefabricated models as well as custom designs. Premanufactured solar carports are preferred by manufacturers because they require less labor to install.

Premanufactued models usually will have integrated photovoltaic panels, whereas custom designs will allow users to place or mount photovoltaic panels on the carport.

Premanufactured carports will have power specs provided by the manufacturer that determine how much power the solar carport can generate.

Because manufacturers produce and sell various sizes of carports with calculated electricity output, you can choose a size that corresponds to the electricity demand of your project.

You will have the option of customizing your PV system using your preferred panel brand and desired energy consumption if you use a custom design. In this case, you will need to perform design calculations yourself or hire a professional to do so for you.

Premanufactured carports with integrated solar panels can be more expensive than custom carport designs that require the installation of solar panels separately.

However, they can be more useful for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of installing their own panels.

Even premanufactured models will typically have either a 60-cell or a 72-cell solar panel. 72-cell solar panels are usually preferred for commercial applications where there is more space available for the carport.

However, 60-cell solar panels work even better in tight spaces like homes.

Avoid premanufactured models with large gaps

No matter what you do, a solar carport will never be fully waterproof. Installing multiple panels on a large surface area means there will be gaps between the panels where water can seep in.

To keep water from pouring on the cars, use a downspout or a gutter to direct the flow of water. It's fine as long as the water runs away from the vehicles, as shown in the video below.

Water pouring on the vehicles will reduce the parking experience. Therefore, it is always a good idea to opt for models that don't have large gaps in between their solar panels.

If you're looking for a full-service solution to generate solar electricity, then a premanufactured model with integrated panels can be the right choice for your application.

However, custom designs will help reduce costs while maintaining flexibility over time as energy demand changes or technology improves.

Prefer models offer leveling and height adjustment

Although you should install your solar carport at a height that is appropriate for your needs, you may want to change the height in the future.

As a result, choose models with leveling and height adjustment so you can change them in the future without having to buy a new one.

For most businesses and homeowners, a solar carport is a significant initial investment. Therefore, plan ahead of time and consider your future needs.

Plan for Lighting

Lighting is necessary to illuminate parking spaces, especially if they are located away from other sources of light. Solar carports may need to be constructed in a way that allows for fitting the carport with lights.

There are a few ways to do this.

The first is to use a pole-mounted light that can be adjusted to fit the height of each parking space and then connected to a circuit with other poles and the carport.

This method ensures that no matter what time it is or how high up you park your vehicle, lighting will always cover every spot under the solar array.

The other option is to use a light that is directly connected to the carport's circuit.

If only one or two lights are required for each space, this should be less expensive than using pole-mounted lights because it eliminates the need for poles and wires to be run all over the place.

It's also a good idea to go with LED lights rather than traditional lights. LED lighting lasts far longer than traditional lighting. It has a lifespan of 25,000 to 50,000 hours, compared to 1,000 to 2,000 hours for standard incandescent bulbs.

They not only last longer, but they also require less maintenance, which saves you money because LEDs provide more bang for your buck than traditional lamps.

Furthermore, LEDs use much less power than other traditional bulbs, allowing you to save more of your clean energy.

Also Read: How to illuminate solar carports.

Plan for Parking Spaces

You'll need a solid parking plan in place if you're going to build a solar carport.

It's critical to understand the number of parking spaces, entry and exit directions, and parking permits in order to build a carport that doesn't obstruct traffic flow or how vehicles use the lot.

Surfaces, where the carport is attached to the ground, should not obstruct vehicles entering and exiting the lot. People will enter and exit their vehicles, so there should be sufficient space between them and the carrying structure.

Plan for wiring

When planning your project, you should also think about how your carport will be wired.

You have to have a plan in place for routing electrical wiring, which may necessitate the assistance of an electrician.

Otherwise, you could end up with cables are running all over the place and look very messy.

To prevent this from happening, you can bring cables from the solar panels to the batteries or inverters through a cable management system either from underground or right under the solar panels but inside a conduit.

Here are some key questions to ask when planning your wiring:

• Where will the batteries or inverters be installed?
• What kinds of cables would work best for my project, depending on how much power is required to run everything?
• How can I route electrical wiring so that it does not disturb any other aspects of my project?

Wiring will almost certainly be completed in accordance with local and national electrical codes, which may include grounding and bonding.

To meet those requirements, you may need to hire a professional electrical contractor to install wiring.

If desired, you can include electrical outlets in the carport design that are easily accessible at all times in case additional electricity is required on site.

It's critical to always plan ahead of time so that any problems can be avoided rather than dealt with later.

Plan foundation

Every structure requires a solid foundation. The same is true for solar carports. A solid foundation required for a solar carport can be determined only by considering the region and soil conditions.

If the soil is hard and rocky, it will be easier to lay the foundation. However, if it is soft and muddy then things will be more complicated.

If you are unsure what to do with your soil conditions, consult with a professional geotechnical engineer who can assist you in determining the best method for laying down the foundation that will ensure the stability of your carport.

The majority of solar carport manufacturers are also installers. They will also have an engineering team to assist you with the foundation work. They can choose the type of foundation, the size, and the shape of the foundation slab as your project needs it.

If you decide to install a solar carport yourself to save money on installation costs, make sure that your soil conditions are suitable for laying down a concrete foundation.

Choosing the wrong type of foundation can lead to serious problems later on when moisture begins to seep into the foundation and causes metal parts to corrode.

An incorrect foundation support design or application can cause significant structural damage, especially if the foundation is too weak or cannot support the weight of a carport.

This issue becomes much more critical when the carport is installed on a slope, as it can lead to serious accidents if not handled properly.

Therefore, if you plan to do the foundation work by yourself rather than your carport manufacturer, it is still best to hire an engineer who knows exactly what kind of foundation support you will need.

But in any case, you will need the drawing and the calculations of your carport in order to get the necessary permits for your project.

Certain solar carport models do not necessitate foundation work. These may be suitable for residential use but not for commercial applications.

If you live in a windy area and your carport is not securely attached to a solid foundation, it can cause serious damage.

Therefore, if you want something that will last, make sure it has proper anchoring, such as concrete footings or metal tie-downs. Don't be fooled by models that promise quick installation at the expense of the foundation.

Choose the right materials

Solar carports are made up of a variety of different components, including panels, posts, beams, and more. These components must be made of high-quality materials to withstand constant exposure to elements such as sun, rain, and snowfall.

However, the material you choose will depend on your budget, design needs, and maybe even local availability.

If you have plans for later expansion or change, choose materials that can be easily replaced or removed. Solar technologies advance quickly, and you might want to install new panels in the future.

You should also consider your carport's maintenance and cleaning requirements, as well as its long-term cost and durability. If you can afford a higher-quality component that comes with an extended warranty, go for it.

You want your carport to be low maintenance and durable enough so you do not have to replace or fix anything too quickly after the installation. It is also important to look at what kind of warranties are offered by each manufacturer before buying one.

Before making a purchase decision, carefully examine all components. By doing so, you can ensure that they meet your quality and functionality standards.

I'm sure there are other considerations like safety (fire resistance, for example) or aesthetics that I may have missed here but those are the ones I feel to be most important. Know in advance the relevant local building codes if they apply to your installation.

For example, if your local building codes prohibit the use of aluminum as a structural material, you might prefer a steel carport. Before you buy one, make sure it complies with all applicable building codes.

Meet the maximum power restrictions

In certain cases, there may be a limit to how much power a solar energy system can generate before a special permit is required.

You may want to check in advance with your local energy authority and/or utility grid to determine if power restrictions are in place.

Plan for recycling

The whole point of solar carports is to use clean energy while saving money on utility bills.

Your solar carport will eventually reach the end of its useful life. It is critical to have a plan in place for recycling your solar carport in a way that preserves the materials and reduces waste.

Each component used in the manufacture of solar carports has an environmental impact in terms of its manufacture, use, and disposal.

It is critical to reducing this footprint over the life of the product by using recycled materials whenever possible.

You should check with the manufacturer(s) to see if they have a recycling plan in place or if they are a member of an association that does.

In addition, some manufacturers offer recycling services for solar carports if you want to recycle your carport while you can make some money back.

It is possible to recycle solar panels, steel beams, wood components, and even solar inverters.

Obviously, each component will reach the end of its useful life at a different time. Furthermore, because different materials and processes are used to manufacture them, different recycling processes will be used.

For instance, solar inverters may be recycled by disassembling separate components, removing hazardous parts (e.g., batteries) shredding metal frames, plastics parts, circuit boards, etc.

While steal beams need to be recycled by cutting them up, removing impurities, and separating the steel for reuse.

If your building project plans to pursue building certification programs like LEED or BREEAM, it is important to know that recycled content plays a role in these rating systems.

Pursuing these certifications you will look for every opportunity to reduce waste and increase recycling to earn points.

Avoid High Installation Costs

Solar carports can be expensive, but it's important to make sure you avoid paying more than necessary for installation costs.

Some installers take advantage of people who don't understand solar panels or how they work, charging thousands of dollars in labor fees. Be wary of anyone who tries to sell you an installation plan that appears to be too good to be true.

A reputable installer should offer clear estimates for both the materials and labor costs involved in installing your solar carport, along with information about warranties and guarantees. If you can find someone who offers a warranty on their workmanship, even better!

Don't Forget To Look At The Warranty

A guarantee protects your investment by ensuring that all of your materials are installed correctly from top to bottom so that you can enjoy a long-lasting, energy-efficient installation.

In addition to the written estimates you receive from solar carport companies, be sure to ask about the warranties and guarantees they offer on their workmanship.

A warranty can protect your panels against damage due to a faulty installation or poor materials used in construction. It's also important that you consider how long each of these is valid. Don't settle for a warranty of shorter than 20 years since that's how long the panels themselves should last.

Inquire about warranties for all of the components in your solar carport, including the panels, inverters, and even the wiring. This is critical because it ensures that once everything has been professionally installed, you will be able to rely on it without issue.

When you are in the market for solar carports, it is best to look at all of your options carefully before making any sort of purchase.

While there may be plenty of companies out there who claim that they can offer you a great deal on their products or services, not every single one will live up to these claims.

Hail does happen

Solar carports are always subject to hail damage no matter how well they are designed or constructed.

Make sure your manufacturer can provide you with a warranty for hail damage at least up to a certain size of hailstones or hail events.

If this is not possible talk to your insurance company about the possibility of including hail damage as a part of your installations insurance coverage.

Speak with your friends

Another important thing that you should do when looking for solar carports is to speak with friends who have bought a solar carport before, as they will likely know which companies are the best ones out there.

This can help save a great deal of time since you won't need to look at tons and tons of companies and it will also help you to figure out which ones are worth looking into more closely.

Ask for referrals

Asking for referrals from the companies you're researching is also a good idea, as they should have no problem providing them.

This can save you time and effort because you can simply speak with these companies' customers to get their honest opinions on the carports themselves.

I would strongly advise driving around your neighborhood and looking for other properties or parking lots with solar carport installations.

These installations are not difficult to locate and may provide you with a better idea of what to look for when selecting a solar carport for yourself.

Request that your solar carport manufacturer show you a live demonstration of how the installation works and what you should expect.

If your solar carport manufacturer is not willing to or doesn't have any active installations to show you, consider switching companies since this is one of the most important decisions that will be made during your project.

Do you need a permit to install a solar carport?

Solar carports are considered structural properties or improvements if added after the construction.

Therefore they must adhere to building regulations. This specifies the applicable legislation pertaining to the foundation of structural design and loading, construction materials, labor, stability, and foundations.

In any case, you will need a permit from your local building department to add a solar carport to your building or parking lot.

To ensure that the solar carport is properly installed, your local building department may require you to submit engineering plans and calculations.

What are some important things to consider for solar carports?

There are several elements involved in designing a successful parking canopy including length, width, and pitch of each span; the number of spans required by your local building code; calculation of dead load plus live load plus uplift; calculation of deflection caused by live loads and wind or snow loads.

In addition to the structural requirements, your local planning board may have guidelines for parking garage design that you need to consider as well as any aesthetic concerns they might have about a new carport structure.

There are companies that design and install pre-engineered parking carports and canopies.

If you are considering a pre-engineered carport, it is important to make sure your local building department reviews the plans and approves them before they start construction on site as well as reviewing their insurance policy for any potential safety or liability issues.

Pre-engineered carports will come with a warranty and should be installed by professionals.

If you choose to build a carport by yourself, there are a number of considerations that you need to make and it’s important to do your research.

If you choose this route, be sure to have professionals review the plans as well as install them properly so they meet current building codes for safety purposes.

You will want to plan how much money and space you have and compare what types of materials or components can be used in order to determine which type of carport design would work best.

Frequently Asked Questions Aout Solar Carports

Modular vs Non-modular Carports

There are two types of solar carports in terms of the installation process.

Modular Carports

Modular solar carports can be assembled and disassembled as many times as you want, making them a good choice for a project that may want to relocate the carport to a different location.

They are usually easier to ship, so they're more practical in remote areas where transportation is hard or shipping restrictions apply.

Modular carports are great since they allow further customization of the carport, in terms of its length and configuration.

This is great if the project's needs change or if there are other factors that require the carport to be configured differently from how it was originally planned.

Non-modular Carports

Non-modular solar carports are generally one size fits all and will not be customizable in terms of their length or shape. 

They are made out of “permanent” pre-built sections that cannot be easily disassembled or moved after the installation.

Their components are manufactured in one or a few pieces, which can make the installation process easier. However, these types of carports are usually more difficult to ship, which can add to the overall cost.

In reality, there is no single brand or model carport that is fully modular or non-modular. Some models can be partially customized while others can be fully customized if needed sometime after the installation.

Some carports are built with integrated solar panels that are installed in a fixed position, while others can be customized after the installation to add more or different types of solar panels.

If you want to have a truly modular design you have to check each and every component (including beams, posts, etc.) to find a design that fits together like a puzzle and does not require any welding to be assembled.