Comprehensive Guide to Solar Carports: What You Need to Know
Comprehensive Guide to Solar Carports: What You Need to Know
The rise of solar technology has led to both innovative advancements and practical uses, with solar carports being a prime example of this evolution.
Solar carports are a modern upgrade of traditional carports, which are primarily used to provide shade and protection for vehicles. However, solar carports differ significantly, as they require specialized equipment and a distinct installation process.
These carports use technology similar to ground-mounted solar panels, meaning their installation follows a similar approach. Here's a comprehensive look at what solar carports are and how they work.
What Are Solar Carports?
Unlike traditional carports with attached solar panels, solar carports don't depend on an existing roof or structure for panel installation. Instead, they are designed specifically to integrate solar panels into their framework from the start. The panels perform two functions: providing shade for vehicles while simultaneously generating clean energy.
Essentially, solar carports are elevated versions of ground-mounted solar panels, lifted just high enough to allow vehicles to park underneath.
Advantages of Solar Carports
One of the main benefits of solar carports is the flexibility they offer when designing your solar energy system. Roof-mounted solar panels are often limited by factors like roof size, shape, or orientation, which can restrict panel placement.
A ground-mounted system like a solar carport can be installed anywhere on your property, giving you greater freedom in terms of size and configuration. If your roof isn't suitable for a full solar setup, a solar carport can bridge the gap and help maximize your energy production.
Additionally, solar carports allow for optimal panel orientation and tilt, ensuring the panels capture maximum sunlight—something that can be harder to achieve with roof installations.
Another key advantage is their easy integration with other systems, such as home batteries or electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
The electricity generated by a solar carport can be used just like any other solar power—it can be directed to your home, stored in batteries, sold back to the grid for credits, or used to charge your EV. This flexibility makes solar carports a versatile energy solution.
Solar Carports in Commercial and Public Spaces
Solar carports are becoming a common sight in parking lots of commercial and public spaces across the country. From corporate headquarters to schools, churches, and stadiums, large-scale solar carports are transforming unused parking spaces into energy-generating assets.
For organizations, solar carports represent a strategic investment in long-term energy savings. Parking lots offer a perfect opportunity for solar installations, benefiting the organization by reducing energy costs and providing additional value for employees, customers, and visitors.
For example, Intel has built two of the largest solar carports in the U.S. at its Folsom, California, and Chandler, Arizona campuses. The Folsom carport generates 8.7 megawatts (MW) of electricity, while the Chandler system, with 30,000 solar panels, produces around 7.7 MW. Large companies in solar-friendly regions are increasingly following suit by investing in their own solar carports.
For businesses and nonprofits, solar carports offer two main advantages: 1) they reduce energy costs, and 2) the savings can be reinvested in other projects, such as adding EV charging stations in parking lots.
Solar carports with integrated EV chargers are especially appealing to electric vehicle owners, providing both a convenient and cost-effective way to recharge.
A Practical and Efficient Solution
Solar carports are a practical and efficient option for anyone looking to adopt solar power. These structures serve a dual purpose—offering vehicle shelter while generating renewable energy.
Their simple design, consisting of solar panels mounted on a ground-supported frame, sets them apart from traditional carports with roofs. For those seeking flexibility in how they design their solar energy system, solar carports offer a smart and adaptable solution.
