According to Zillow, homes with solar panels are more expensive than those without them.
If your house or company is restricted by roof space, you have another option: solar carports.
We’ll be discussing what a solar garage is, how it works and how you can shop for one to get the best price.
What is a SOLAR CARPORT?
A solar carport is an overhead shade structure that protects your vehicle from sunlight, pollen, and inclement weather. It also generates electricity. You may also find solar carport structures that have electric vehicle charging stations.
WHAT DOES A SOLAR CARPORT DO?
The solar carports capture sunlight and convert it to energy, just like other solar panel installations. However, the solar panels are located on the roof of the carport. The difference between a solar and regular carport is how it is designed.
Module racking allows for easy replacement and installation of solar panels. Furthermore, the module arrays above the port have been wired together and connected via a combiner box. The combiner box transmits power to an inverter.
SOLAR CARPORT BENEFITS
Although solar carports are more expensive than other means of producing solar power, there are many benefits that you won’t find in other forms of solar energy.
SERVES MANY PURPOSES
Instead of plugging your electric vehicle into your home and paying more for electricity, your solar carport can supply electricity to your vehicle. It will also protect it from the elements. You can use any residual electricity that you don’t use to power your EV to power your home.
Carports can be used to store parked cars. They can be used as canopies to store items susceptible to weather damage. You could also use them for summer events.
SOLUTION TO UTILIZING SPACE
Because of their thin design, solar carports take up very little space. You can also use any space left for other structures or parked vehicles.
INCREASES YOUR RETURN ON INVESTOR (ROI).
The payback period for a solar carport installation ranges between 5 to 15 years. You can also get some federal incentives such as the solar credit and state and local incentives to help you recoup your initial investment.
Adding solar panels to your home will improve its curb appeal. If you intend to sell your house in the future, it is possible to increase its resale value. Potential buyers won’t need to make additional investments to build a carport. This partially accounts for the increase in value.
PROTECTS AGAINST VANDALISM
If you choose to add security features to your carport, you can continuously monitor and protect your vehicle. Your solar carport’s power-producing abilities can be used to power your security system.
SOLAR CARPORT DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Snow shedding from solar panels can be dangerous due to the carport canopies’ slanted edges. Solar carports can have snow guards that catch snow and reduce the risk. To control the accumulation of snow, you can adjust the structure’s geometry.
SOLAR CARPORT COST
You will need to purchase solar panels and a structure to support them. You will also need to purchase the hardware wiring and other components and the labour required to install your solar carport.
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR CARPORTS
Rooftop solar panels usually cost $2.81 per Watt to install. You may not be allowed to install a rooftop solar system due to rooftop restrictions. You’ll probably pay $4 per Watt to put up a solar carport.
COMMERCIAL SOLAR CARPORTS
Many businesses can use solar carports for different types of parking lots. This saves money in the long term. Because businesses can purchase multiple solar carports, the cost of commercial installations is around $3.45 per Watt.