Benefits of Solar Panels on Carports

On occasion, a rooftop solar installation isn’t necessarily the right plan for a business. However, that doesn’t mean adding solar should be off the table. When companies don’t have enough roof space or acreage to install ground-mounted solar systems, solar panels on carports can be the solution. The space is practically already set for the installation — all you have to do is decide if solar is right for your business.

What are solar carports?

Solar carports are essentially roof-mounted solar panels installed above parking lots. This form of installation is one of the fastest-growing trends in the commercial solar industry, primarily because the advantages are too good to pass up. Solar carports require no additional land since the solar panel installation occurs on an existing parking lot.

These are the same type of solar panels you’ll see in a residential installation, though these will be a little larger. The only difference is the where they’re installed. With increasing incentives to help businesses add solar energy, solar carports seem to be on the agenda of every business, regardless of their size.

Real benefits of solar carports

The solar carport combines a power generation facility with a parking facility, saving the land space required to install solar panels alone. It provides protection from the sun and rain for vehicles while utilizing the space on top of the carport to generate clean energy. There are other unique advantages that come with this type of installation:

Minimize energy expenses

With energy costs continuously rising, solar carports can help defend your business against rising utility costs by lowering your energy bills and making them more predictable in the future. This will help stabilize your business’ cash flow and allow you to invest these savings in other areas of your organization.

Reduce parking lot maintenance

The design of your solar carport can help channel rain and snow to certain areas, which can reduce the cost of removal and overall maintenance. It also will help your parking lot be safer during certain seasons.

Efficient use of space

Since there’s no additional space needed to install the carport, you’re basically turning your parking lot into a savings machine. By turning your carport into an electricity-producing area, you can use the space around your business more efficiently.

Reduce carbon footprint

Employees and customers are paying close attention to what businesses are doing to reduce their carbon footprint. By installing a solar carport, you’re making a commitment to your community and the greener energy cause. It’s also a fantastic way to create awareness about the environment in your area.

What do I need to know when building a solar carport?

First of all, you need to make sure that the structure of the carport is solid and can withstand natural forces such as wind and snow pressure in the local climate conditions. At the same time, you can reasonably choose the orientation and tilt angle of the solar panels according to the local latitude and climatic conditions to maximize the efficiency of solar energy absorption.

It may be important to arrange greenery around your company, but this is not suitable for a solar carport. Shadow shading from trees will affect the power generation efficiency of these PV modules.

The design of a solar carport should consider how it can harmonize with its surroundings to avoid it polluting the streetscape. This will also effectively publicize your business and show everyone that you have a green and low-carbon business philosophy. Additional features such as charging piles and LED lighting can also be added according to actual needs.

Are solar carports costly to maintain?

The maintenance costs of solar carports are relatively low, but not completely absent. Here are some relevant considerations regarding the maintenance cost of a solar carport:

1. Solar panels need to be cleaned regularly to remove dust, bird droppings, and other dirt to ensure optimal power generation. The frequency of cleaning depends on the weather and pollution in your area. Cleaning can be done by the business party itself or professional services can be hired.
2. Regular inspections of the battery panels and carport structure are necessary to ensure that all components are in good condition. If the panels are found to be damaged or have deteriorated in performance, they may need to be repaired or replaced, which will incur additional costs.
3. Some solar carports are equipped with monitoring systems for power generation efficiency and system status. Maintenance and calibration of these systems may require specialized technicians.
4. Although solar carports have a relatively low failure rate, as an investment it is recommended that they be insured against possible risks such as natural disasters, theft or accidental damage.
5. If the solar carport is equipped with an intelligent management system, regular software and system updates may be required to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

Whether small or big, businesses everywhere can benefit from installing solar panels on carports. If your business is ready for solar, speak with PowerHome today to learn more about the benefits and incentives available for companies like yours adding solar.