What is a Solar Carport? How It Works – Its Pros & Cons

solar carport

What is a Solar Carport? How It Works – Its Pros & Cons

There are more than 326 million cars in India and the number is increasing. How many do you have at your home housing society or at the office? We need a place to park them! But traditional carports, while offering shade, don’t offer anything else.  However, the advent of solar carports has revolutionised this landscape. Solar powered carports are rapidly transforming parking spaces into efficient mini-power plants, making them particularly well-suited for India’s abundant sunlight and growing power demand.

A solar carport is a parking structure equipped with solar panels on its roof. Solar-powered carports offer dual benefits. These produce electricity that can be used for various purposes. At the same time, the carport protects vehicles from weather conditions. This makes them an eco-friendly alternative to conventional carports.

Solar Carports vs. Non-Solar Carports

Solar Carports vs. Non-Solar Carports

Solar carports and non-solar carports serve the fundamental purpose of providing shelter for vehicles, but they differ significantly in functionality and benefits. Non-solar carports are traditional structures that protect cars from weather elements such as rain, snow and UV rays, as well as bird drooping, and other dirt. While they effectively safeguard vehicles, they offer no additional advantages beyond basic coverage.

In contrast, solar panel carports transform the same parking space into productive energy-generating areas. These solar carport structures convert sunlight into electricity, providing a sustainable energy source. Solar panel carport not only protect vehicles from the elements but also contribute to renewable energy production. Solar panel carport designs can be optimised according to the location and specific geographic conditions at your place to maximise solar energy capture. 

While slightly more expensive than traditional carports due to the need for a dedicated structure and solar components, the long-term benefits make solar carports a valuable investment.

How Do Solar Carports Work?

Solar carports use photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight into usable electricity, providing an eco-friendly power source. Here are the key steps in their operation:

  • Electricity Generation: The roof of the carport has solar panels to capture sunlight. These panels convert sunlight into DC electricity.
  • Electricity Conversion: Solar inverter integrated with the solar powered carport converts DC into AC and sent it to the electric panel for your use.
  • Energy Storage for the Future: Integrated battery systems store excess energy, providing backup power during outages or cloudy days and nights.

The generated electricity can reduce energy bills and power various systems, including heavy machinery in industrial settings.

Solar Powered Carport Components

A solar carport consists of several critical components that work together to harness solar energy efficiently:

  1. Photovoltaic (PV) Cells: These cells are responsible for absorbing sunlight and converting it into direct current (DC) electric power.
  2. Mounting Structure: This framework supports the PV cells, ensuring they are firmly positioned and capture maximum sunlight.
  3. Inverter: The inverter transforms the DC energy produced by the PV cells into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power homes or commercial facilities.
  4. Energy Metering System: This system tracks the amount of green energy generated by the solar integrated carport. If the carport is on-grid, it comes with net meter to monitor whether your electricity system imports any electricity from the grid. Thus, it provides essential data so that you can track electricity import and export.
  5. Other Solar Carport Kits: Other than the main solar components mentioned above, you need to buy other kits as directed by the solar carport installer. These include:
  • AC and DC solar wires
  • Conduit pipes
  • Nuts & bolts
  • Rails
  • Flashings
  • Mounting brackets
  • Lugs
  • Wire clips
  • End caps
  • Braces
  • Tilt legs

Benefits of Solar Powered Carport Installation

Here are the advantages of installing solar system integrated carport at home, housing complex or commercial area:

  1. Reduced Energy Bills: Solar powered carports can significantly lower or even eliminate electricity costs by generating substantial amounts of energy. With only a 10 kW carport solar system, you can generate around 40 to 50 units of electricity. This makes them a good ROI-generating investment for both homes and businesses, providing long-term financial savings.
  2. Vehicle Protection: Solar carports provide shelter to vehicles from harsh weather conditions, thereby protecting vehicles. This added protection helps maintain the vehicle’s exterior and reduces damages related to climate heat up and rainfall 
  3. Easy EV Charging: Solar powered carport can be equipped with electric vehicle (EV) chargers. As a result, it promotes the use of clean energy and supports the growing EV market. 
  4. Avoiding Rooftop Damages: Installing solar panels on a carport avoids the potential damage and costly maintenance associated with rooftop installations, especially on older or less durable roofs. This solar system on a carport roof provides a safer and more practical alternative to solar energy generation.
  5. Space Efficiency: By converting existing parking areas into energy-generating spaces, solar carports make efficient use of available land without the need for additional space. This dual-purpose use of parking lots enhances the functionality of commercial and residential properties.
  6. Environmental Impact: Using solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. Thereby, it decreases greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Solar carports play a crucial role in advancing renewable energy adoption and mitigating climate change.
  7. Improving Corporate Image: Businesses can install solar powered carports at the commercial premises as their corporate social responsibility. It will help them make efforts to reduce carbon emissions. As a result, businesses can attract customers who are concerned for environment.

Cons of Solar Powered Carport

Here are some of the possible reasons for which solar carport installation may not be a viable option for you:

  1. Building a New Structure: If you have an existing carport, its roof might not support solar panels effectively. This means you might need to build a new structure, adding to the overall expense and complexity of the project.
  2. Space Requirements: Solar carports require a considerable amount of outdoor space to accommodate the necessary solar panels. You need around 10000 square feet of rooftop area to install a solar powered carport with a capacity of 10 kW. It can be difficult for properties with limited space.
  3. Maintenance Fees: Regular maintenance is essential to keep solar panels operating efficiently. The panels need periodic cleaning to maintain their performance, adding to your expenses. However, the maintenance charge is not very high. You can opt for a solar annual maintenance contract or solar AMC from a reliable solar company to ensure timely cleaning and servicing.
  4. Complex Installation: Connecting a solar carport to the grid or a home battery system can be complicated. This process often requires additional infrastructure and professional installation.
  5. Relatively Expensive Shade: As a means of providing shade for vehicles, solar carports are relatively costly compared to non-solar options. The higher expense might not justify the investment solely for vehicle protection.

Types of Solar Powered Carport

Solar powered carport can be of three types:

Commercial Solar Carport

Commercial Solar Carport

Commercial solar carports serve as energy-generating structures for commercial properties like offices, malls, and showrooms. They provide convenient parking near entrances while producing electricity to power the building or serve as standalone energy sources. They are ideal for businesses.

Residential Solar Carport

Residential Solar Carport

Residential solar carports provide homeowners with sheltered parking while harnessing solar energy to reduce electricity bills. These carports are ideal for those looking to integrate renewable energy solutions into their homes, promoting sustainability and cost savings. A fantastic option for generating clean energy for your home, protecting your car from the elements and even pre-wiring for future electric vehicle charging.

Cost of a Solar Panel Carport

The cost of installing a solar powered carport in India varies based on several factors, including the size of the system, the type of solar panels used, and the installation company. On average, a solar carport costs approximately Rs. 110-200 per watt, depending on the features or facilities you want. 

For a 10-kilowatt (kW) solar carport, the total cost can be around Rs. 11,00,000 to 20,00,000. These figures include the expenses associated with building the solar carport structure and the need for specialised installation.

Despite the higher upfront cost, solar powered carports offer significant benefits in terms of energy generation and vehicle protection.

solar carport market

Will Solar Powered Carports Save Money - How Much?

While the initial investment in a solar carport installation may be higher compared to traditional solar installations, the long-term financial benefits make it a worthwhile investment. Solar powered carports can significantly reduce electricity bills by generating renewable energy, which can offset or even eliminate monthly electricity costs.

In India, with the average solar radiation being high, a well-optimised 6-kW solar carport can generate around 720 to 900 units of electricity per month. Given the average cost of electricity is around Rs. 7 per unit, the savings can amount to Rs. 5,040 to Rs. 6,300 per month. This translates to annual savings of approximately Rs. 60,480 to Rs. 75,600.

What to Consider While Buying a Solar Carport System

Before installing a solar carport, there are some important things to think about to ensure it works at its best:

Carport Size and Height

Evaluate the size and ground clearance of your carport to ensure it can accommodate the solar PV system. Solar panel carports are recommended to have a clearance of at least 14 feet for commercial applications involving large vehicles.

Positioning and Shade

Ensure the carport location is free from shading by trees or buildings, and away from exhaust fumes from nearby factories. Optimal positioning enhances energy efficiency and prevents potential damage to the panels.

Distance from Power Source

Consider the distance between the carport and the main power evacuation point (LT panel). Shorter distances reduce power loss and solar carport installation costs, making the system more efficient and economical.

Canopy Design

Choose a canopy design for the carport based on regional weather conditions. In areas with frequent rainfall, a tilted solar carport design prevents water accumulation on the panels, maintaining efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.

Energy Load Analysis

Assess your daily energy requirements and the number of electric vehicles needing charging. This analysis helps determine the appropriate size of the solar carport system to meet your energy needs effectively.

Battery Backup System

Compare your business’s energy consumption with the carport’s power generation capacity to identify potential surplus. Based on this, determine the size and structure of the battery backup system for reliable energy storage and usage.

Can You Charge an Electric Car at Solar Carport?

Yes, you can charge an electric car at a solar carport. Solar carports generate electricity from solar panels installed on the roof, which can be used to power electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This setup allows you to charge your EV using renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering your carbon footprint. 

In a normal condition, you had to build a regular carport. Why should you not add solar panels, inverters and other necessary items to enjoy returns in terms of electricity for years to come? With timely maintenance, you can get around 40 to 50 units of solar electricity daily for more than 25 years from a solar carport having 10 kW capacity.

FAQs about Solar Carport

A solar panel carport structure integrates into the building system by connecting its solar panels to the building’s electrical grid through an inverter. The generated solar power can be used directly or stored in batteries for later use, seamlessly supplementing the building’s energy needs.

Yes, solar carports are designed to be water leak-proof. They include waterproof roofing materials and proper sealing to ensure that vehicles and the area underneath remain dry and protected from rain.

It is essential to consider wind loads during the design and installation. The solar carport structures must be engineered to withstand local wind conditions, with appropriate anchoring and bracing to ensure stability and safety.

To install this within your facility, start by consulting with a professional solar carport installer. They will assess your site, design a suitable system, handle the necessary permits, and complete installation, ensuring it meets local regulations and standards.

Consider the size and height of the carport, positioning to avoid shade, distance from the power source, canopy design, energy load analysis and battery backup system.

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