Solar Canopy
A solar canopy consists of an overhanging solar array and is a custom-built outdoor structure. It helps in distributed solar energy generation. You can describe different solar structures with the term solar canopy. These can be solar:
- Gazebos.
- Pergolas.
- Patio covers.
- Carports.
A solar canopy makes it possible to take advantage of the space underneath the solar panels. This is the purpose of having solar canopies and what makes them different from ground-mounted or rooftop solar panel installations. Solar canopies are affordable for business owners and homeowners due to generous incentives, which results in significant energy savings.
Solar Parking Canopies (Carports)
Solar parking lots are the most common type of solar canopy structure.
Commercial Solar Carports:
You’ll find most solar carports in outdoor parking lots of supermarkets, electric vehicle charging stations, malls, and shopping centres. These parking lots are useful because they:
- Show that the company is committed to producing sustainable, clean energy.
- Offer protection from the rain and shade from the sun, thereby improving the customer parking experience.
- Provide an alternative to installing on the rooftop, which could have been limited due to design or structural constraints.
- Don’t need extra space and can be built upon existing parking spaces.
Residential Solar Carports:
Solar carports are useful for EV owners since they can simultaneously serve as charging stations and parking spots. Even if the vehicle isn’t present, the power can be exported to the grid for bill credits or sent to the home.
However, the use of solar carports is not limited to EV owners. They are increasingly being used by homeowners who don’t need solar panels on roofs. This can be because they don’t want to ruin the look of their home or if they need a roof replacement soon. Other reasons for homeowners choosing solar carports could be because they:
- Are a great choice if your house isn’t compatible with rooftop solar.
- Can save money by charging EVs with solar rather than with electricity from the grid.
- Allow the charging of EVs with renewable energy.
- Provide a sheltered parking area if you don’t possess a garage.
We’ve been talking about solar parking canopies, but remember that they’re not the only solar canopy structure to think about. Other structures include solar gazebos, pergolas, and patio covers which can be used for outdoor spaces like backyard gardens and parks.
These structures are great for shading where people and pets can relax. It can also include seating like a barbeque, hot tub, or picnic spot. You can also have them in a place where you can’t install solar panels on a roof.
Pricing
There are many variables involved regarding solar canopies, and it’s impossible to give a single figure for their cost. However, we can say with certainty that the cost depends on a few factors:
- Quality of equipment used.
- Size of the solar system.
- Local installation prices.
- Your location.
- The size of the solar canopy structure.
DIY Solar Canopy
The cost will range from $5,000 to $14,000. The solar canopy installation is divided into two parts:
- The solar system.
- The canopy structure.
Zooming in on the solar system component of the solar canopy. The system will include:
- Wiring.
- Solar panels.
- Mounting equipment.
- Solar inverters.
Installing all of the above will take about $3,500 to $9,000. Then we move on to the canopy structure itself, which will cost around $500-$5000, depending on the materials used and the size of the structure.
Professional Installation With Pre-engineered Canopy
You can expect this to cost between $19,050 and $32,600. Like the previous job, this can also be divided into two parts:
- Buying the equipment for the canopy structure.
- Solar panel installation.
Hiring labour, permitting, and securing solar equipment all fall under solar panel installation. The price for the canopy structure will fall under the range of $10,500-$15,500, while the solar panel installation will cost around $9,000-$18,000.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Benefits:
Bifacial-friendly:
Solar canopies support bifacial solar panels. Bifacial solar panels help increase efficiency while offsetting the higher cost of the mounting structure.
Efficiency:
With custom-built solar canopies, you can adjust the angle and orientation of the solar panels to achieve maximum solar power generation, unlike with roof installations.
Flexibility:
They can be installed and used anywhere, like buildings, parking lots, backyards, and parks.
Multi-purpose:
Solar canopies can be utilised for many different purposes.
Drawbacks:
Permit Requirements:
After getting a permit for the solar installation, you’ll also require a building permit from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the solar canopy you’re planning to build.
Higher Price:
Extra labour and materials costs can make solar canopies more expensive than rooftop installations.