Solar Carports: Pros & Cons for Installers
- Austin Brentley
- Mar 15
- 9 min read
Updated: May 13
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) aims for solar power to generate 30% of U.S. electricity by 2030. As part of this growth, solar carports are becoming an increasingly popular solution for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
For solar installation companies, expanding into solar carport installations can be a strategic move. With solar panel prices remaining low and EV adoption surging, the demand for solar panel carports with EV charging is expected to rise in the coming years.
In this article, we’ll explore what a solar carport is, how it works, and the key advantages and challenges of offering carport solar solutions.
What Is A Solar Carport?
A solar carport is a covered parking structure equipped with photovoltaic (PV) panels, allowing for both solar energy generation and vehicle protection. This dual-purpose design optimizes space, making it a practical solution for homeowners, businesses, and organizations looking to adopt renewable energy while providing shaded parking.
Many solar panel carports integrate EV chargers, enabling electric vehicle owners to charge their cars using clean solar power. Residential solar carports range from single-vehicle structures in driveways to large-scale commercial solar carports covering entire parking lots.
For homeowners interested in DIY solar carport kits, some manufacturers offer pre-engineered solutions that reduce installation costs and simplify the process. Whether for residential or commercial use, carport solar systems provide a sustainable energy solution while enhancing property functionality.
How Does A Solar Carport Work?
A solar carport operates similarly to a ground-mounted PV system, but with the added function of providing covered parking. Instead of installing solar panels on a rooftop, solar panel carports use an elevated steel or aluminum canopy structure to support photovoltaic (PV) panels above a parking area.
Unlike traditional rooftop solar systems, carport solar structures allow for optimal panel tilt and orientation, maximizing solar energy generation. These structures are designed to provide adequate clearance for vehicles while incorporating weather-resistant materials to withstand environmental conditions.
Why Choose a Solar Carport?
For homeowners and businesses with limited roof space or shading issues, a solar carport system is a practical alternative. A solar PV carport is ideal when:
Trees or buildings cast excessive shade over the property.
Chimneys, vents, or gables reduce available rooftop space.
Small or complex roof designs make solar panel installation impractical.
The roof’s orientation isn’t optimal for solar energy production.
Also, commercial solar carports can integrate EV charging stations, making them an efficient solution for businesses looking to support electric vehicle adoption while reducing energy costs. With solar carports, properties can achieve higher energy output, better system accessibility for maintenance, and increased renewable energy adoption without roof limitations.
How Much Does A Solar Carport Cost?
The cost of a solar carport in the U.S. typically ranges between $3.75 and $4.50 or more per watt, depending on factors like location, materials, labor, and system size. This price includes solar panels, the carport structure, wiring, permitting, and installation.
A 5-kilowatt (kW) residential solar carport costs between $18,750 and $22,500 before the federal solar tax credit.
Larger commercial solar carports benefit from economies of scale, bringing costs down to around $2.75 to $3.50 per watt for larger installations.
Why Are Solar Carports More Expensive Than Rooftop Solar?
Carport solar panel installations typically cost more than rooftop solar due to the added expense of the steel or aluminum canopy structure and foundation work. Additionally, residential solar carports tend to have a higher cost per watt than commercial installations because smaller systems don't benefit from bulk material purchasing and streamlined labor costs.
Despite the higher upfront cost, solar panel carports provide additional benefits, including vehicle protection, better panel orientation, and the potential for integrated EV charging stations, making them a valuable long-term investment.
Pros & Cons Of Solar Carport Installations
Solar carports, whether residential or commercial, offer unique benefits and challenges compared to rooftop and traditional ground-mounted PV systems. Below is a breakdown of the key advantages and drawbacks of installing a solar panel carport.
Pros | Cons |
Lower energy bills – Generates solar power to reduce electricity costs. | Higher costs – Solar carport structures add material and labor expenses. |
Optimized space usage – Transforms parking areas into energy-producing assets. | Longer installation times – Requires more labor than standard rooftop solar installations. |
Vehicle protection – Shields cars from sun, rain, and snow. | Land or space requirements – Needs dedicated space for installation. |
EV charging integration – Solar carports can include electric vehicle charging stations. | Permitting challenges – Local zoning and regulations may add complexity. |
Higher solar capacity – Often allows for larger PV system sizes than limited roof space. | Engineering complexity – Structural and electrical designs can be more involved than rooftop PV. |
The Benefits of a Solar Carport
A solar carport is a smart dual-purpose solution, providing vehicle shade while generating clean solar energy. Unlike ground-mounted systems, a solar panel carport efficiently utilizes parking spaces, making it ideal for residential and commercial applications.
✅ 1. Lower Energy Bills
A solar carport turns underutilized space into a mini power plant, allowing property owners to generate on-site renewable energy instead of relying on the grid. By reducing electricity consumption from the utility, a carport solar system helps lower energy costs.
If the system produces excess electricity, homeowners and businesses may benefit from net energy metering (NEM), selling surplus solar power back to the grid for credits on their utility bills.
✅ 2. Maximizing Land Use Efficiency
Unlike standard ground-mounted solar systems, which require dedicated land, a solar carport optimizes space by integrating solar panels into parking areas. This is especially beneficial for commercial properties where parking lots become renewable energy generators without sacrificing usable land.
Expanding commercial solar carports in parking lots can also help preserve agricultural land by reducing the need for large-scale solar farms.
✅ 3. Protecting Vehicles From The Elements
A solar panel carport does more than produce energy—it shields vehicles from harsh weather. In hot climates like California, Arizona, and New Mexico, solar carports reduce interior vehicle temperatures, making commutes more comfortable. In colder regions, they offer protection from rain, sleet, hail, and snow, helping prolong vehicle lifespan.
✅ 4. EV-Charging & Solar Carports
Solar carports with EV chargers combine solar power and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, creating a sustainable charging solution.
Residential solar carports let homeowners charge EVs with solar-generated electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Commercial solar carports with EV chargers provide an added amenity for customers and employees, while businesses can monetize charging stations as a new revenue stream.
✅ 5. Solar Power Generation
A solar carport system is often more effective than a rooftop solar array when:
Roof space is limited or obstructed by vents, chimneys, or skylights.
Trees or nearby buildings create excessive shading.
The carport can be oriented for optimal sun exposure to maximize energy production and financial returns.
The Disadvantages of a Solar Carport
While solar carports offer significant benefits, there are technical and financial challenges to consider before installation.
❌ 1. Higher Material Costs
A solar panel carport requires a reinforced structural frame to support the added weight of solar PV panels, racking, and electrical components. Unlike rooftop solar systems, which utilize existing building structures, solar parking canopies demand a custom-built framework, increasing material costs.
Residential solar carports start at a few thousand dollars for small-scale installations.
Commercial solar carports, which span multiple parking spaces, can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on steel requirements, foundation work, and permitting fees.
❌ 2. More Labor-Intensive Installation
Compared to rooftop solar PV systems, solar carport installations involve more complex assembly and longer labor hours. Factors that contribute to the higher labor costs include:
Structural foundation work to secure the carport.
Custom racking installation for mounting solar panels at the ideal tilt and orientation.
Electrical trenching and conduit work, especially for solar carports with EV chargers.
Installation crew training, since solar installers with less experience in solar parking structures may take longer to complete projects.
❌ 3. Land & Space Constraints
Not all properties can accommodate a solar carport, as they require adequate clearance and footprint for installation. Urban areas with limited parking availability may struggle to allocate space for solar parking canopies.
Residential solar panel carports are best suited for driveways or standalone parking areas.
Commercial solar carports work well in large parking lots, making them ideal for businesses, shopping centers, and corporate campuses where land use efficiency is a priority.
❌ 4. Complex Solar Carport Design & Engineering
Solar carport structures introduce additional engineering and design challenges compared to rooftop solar or standard ground-mounted PV systems. The carport frame must be structurally engineered to:
Support the weight of solar panels, racking, and electrical components.
Withstand wind loads, seismic activity, and snow accumulation based on local building codes.
Provide adequate vehicle clearance while optimizing solar panel tilt and orientation for maximum energy generation.
A structural engineer is often required to verify that the solar carport foundation and anchoring system are sufficient. This may involve geotechnical studies, soil testing, and reinforced concrete footings to prevent structural failure.
GreenLancer specializes in solar engineering design services, including solar carport plan sets, structural calculations, and electrical engineering support. Our network of licensed and insured professional engineers provides coverage across all 50 states, ensuring compliance with local codes for residential and commercial solar carports.
❌ 5. Solar Carport Permitting Can Be Difficult
Obtaining permits for solar carports is often more complicated than rooftop solar permits, as they involve regulations for both energy infrastructure and parking structures.
Permit requirements depend on:
The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and local zoning laws.
Structural engineering approvals for load-bearing capacity.
Electrical permits for interconnection, conduit runs, and EV charger integration.
Fire code compliance, including proper setbacks and access points.
Incentives For Solar Parking Canopy Installations
Homeowners can qualify for the federal solar tax credit for a residential solar carport, which can reduce the total cost of the project by 30%. Some states also offer incentives for solar carports, including rebates and tax credits, so be sure to research state, local, and utility solar incentives. For the 5kW carport system we outlined above, this could mean savings of around $6,000 or more if the homeowner qualifies for the federal solar tax credit.
For commercial solar carports, businesses may qualify for the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) along with bonus depreciation under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). These incentives significantly lower upfront costs and improve the return on investment (ROI) for commercial solar parking canopies.
Solar Carport Manufacturers
Several companies specialize in designing and building high-quality solar carports for both residential and commercial use. These solar panel carports provide a convenient solution for generating solar energy while protecting vehicles from the elements.
Carport Structures specializes in custom solar carports for both residential and commercial applications, using durable materials like steel and aluminum for long-lasting performance. They offer a range of features, including EV charging stations, integrated lighting, and custom coatings, ensuring versatile solutions for various solar projects. With a focus on quick installation, their solar carports provide an efficient way to generate energy while protecting vehicles.
Kern Solar Structures specializes in solar structures, focusing on both commercial and utility-scale solar projects. They offer a wide range of additional accessories, such as GaskeX waterproofing, EV mounting, lighting, battery storage, and custom coatings. Known for their efficient installation process, Kern Solar Structures typically completes the installation of each solar carport in just 5 days, ensuring quick deployment of carport solar systems.
Parasol Structures designs and manufactures high-quality solar carports for residential and commercial applications, focusing on durability and energy efficiency. Their carports are built with strong materials like steel and are designed for easy installation, offering a reliable solution for solar energy generation. Parasol Structures also provides customization options, including EV charging integration and a variety of design styles to meet specific project needs.
These solar carport kits are available for both residential and commercial solar PV installations. Their pre-assembled components and durable design ensure quick installation, making them a good choice for aluminum alloy and carbon steel solar carports for parking areas.
This company offers a variety of solar mounting systems, including residential and commercial solar carports, that are compatible with most solar modules. The company offers a 10-year durability warranty on its solar carports, which offer little maintenance.
Can a Solar Carport Charge an Electric Car?
a solar carport can be designed to charge an electric vehicle. The solar panels installed on the roof of a solar carport generate electricity, which can be routed to an electric car charging station, allowing the solar energy to charge the vehicle while providing shelter. This dual-purpose solution is ideal for homeowners and businesses looking to combine vehicle protection with clean, renewable energy.
Is a Solar Carport and a Solar Parking Canopy the Same?
The terms "solar carport" and "solar parking canopy" are often used interchangeably, as both refer to structures that combine a parking shelter with solar power generation. While there may be slight design variations, both solar carports and solar parking canopies feature a covered structure with solar panels, offering shade for vehicles and generating electricity. These terms typically describe similar solar-integrated systems that serve the dual purpose of vehicle protection and solar energy production.
Offering Solar Carport Installations
Solar carports are becoming an increasingly popular and affordable option for both residential and commercial properties. Although solar parking canopies can be more expensive, solar carports provide an accessible alternative that offers multiple benefits, including energy generation and vehicle protection. Adding solar carports to your renewable energy services is a smart move to expand your offerings and attract more clients as demand for solar power grows.
GreenLancer can help your business find the best sites for solar carport installations, provide solar permitting services, and get engineering seals of approval. Work with us to bring scale, speed, and efficiency to your next solar energy project by making it easier to pass carport inspections and permitting requirements.
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