Solar Carports - Innovative Way to Harness Solar Energy
In simple terms, Solar carports are an idea to turn your carport roof into a source of green energy.
It not only provides protection and shade to your vehicles but also it meets your power needs to some extent. The uniqueness of solar-powered carports is that they do not need a surface or a roof for attachment. Should you not invest in it, let's know about solar carports.
What Is a Solar Carport?
Solar-powered carports incorporate solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity and also provide shade for vehicles. They serve the purpose of traditional carports by offering protection from weather elements such as wind, rain, and more. This innovative solution, known as a solar canopy, eliminates the need for a surface or roof to install solar panels and can be installed in both residential and commercial areas.
How do solar carports work?
Where the carport's roof is made out of solar panels and generates electricity. It may meet all or part of your energy needs, depending on how many panels are installed. It is not only eco-friendly but also saves money on paying electricity bills for a long time.
Key takeaways
Installing solar panels on the designed structure provides usable space underneath.
These Solar powered carports generate power that you can store and use for your needs, and also charge your EV.
It may be forms like commercial solar carports, residential solar carports,
Installing cost will depend on the available space and your power needs, which you want to shift to green energy.
Solar Panels Should be Used as a Roof
In most cases, installing residential solar panels is worth it because of the long-term savings in energy bills that are rising regularly around the world. However, certain conditions and the structure of the roof decide.
Pros of a Solar Carport
Structure Versatility - Structures can serve various functions.
Save electricity Bills - Fully or partly, you can save your electricity bills by optimum use of solar power.
Protect your vehicle -Solar carports also play the role of carports to protect the vehicle in inclement weather like snow, rain, wind, etc. It provides shade to vehicles also.
Charge EV - Below a solar-powered carport, charging an electric vehicle becomes more convenient.
Cons of a Solar Carport
Installation Cost
Initially, the installation of a solar carport cost can go up to $25,000 or beyond, whereas non-solar carports are built between $5000 to $10000. But you may easily overcome the cost difference in a matter of two or three years whatever you are paying the electricity bills. Additionally, The cost can vary with the existing carport structure, whether it will support the solar panel for a long time or not.
Not Suitable For Everyone
Apart from available outdoor space, angle to sunlight, local weather conditions, and local laws and regulations are the key factors in deciding to set up a solar carport for residential or commercial usage.
Batteries for Backup
Either you can sell it back to your utility, or you can store solar energy for use at night and on electricity outages days. As a result, setting up a Battery backup storage system increases the solar carport installation cost.
Timely maintenance and cleaning
To operate at its maximum capacity, you will need to pay annually for solar panel maintenance and cleaning. But this annual inspection ensures it may generate electricity for a long period of 15-20 years.
In conclusion
As we think the energy needs to shift to renewable energy, Installing a solar-powered carport not only provides a parking solution but also can support your power needs partly or fully. By adopting this sustainable energy, we play a crucial role in advancing the worldwide transition to cleaner and more responsible energy practices.
