The term carports finds its roots in the French word porte-cochère which refers to a covered portal. Said term was first used by Frank Lloyd Wright, an architect, when he designed a home in Wisconsin in 1936. However such design has been used for years before the coinage of the term.
What’s a Carport?
A carport is simpler in design, smaller, and has no walls, unlike a garage. It has a roof which protects the car from rain and sun. It is easier to build and costs significantly less compared to a garage.
They may not provide the same security as a garage does but carports are an effective option to ensure that one’s car is protected against rain and sun. Not to mention, they still add value to one’s property value, but there are still buyers or renters who are not keen on the idea.
Turning Your Carports into a Solar Canopy
With the rise of solar energy and technology, if you wish to harness the power of the sun you can turn your carport into a solar canopy. By installing solar panels on your carport roof you can generate electricity for home use. This is a great start on lessening your energy bill while also making a positive impact on nature no matter how small it may be.
In the Netherlands, a solar-powered carport with 90,000 solar panels has been launched in May 2022. It is located in Biddinghuizen where the Lowlands music festival is happening yearly. Through this project, the festival aims to be fully powered by solar energy in the coming years. The energy produced during downtime is being supplied to the grid, ensuring that no electricity is wasted.
The Cost of a Residential Carport With Solar Panels
It is understandable why solar carports are a good idea for electric vehicle (EV) owners since they rely on electricity for their cars to run. But the energy produced from the solar carport can also be used in other parts of the home. So it’s still a win-win situation.
How much can it cost to build a DIY solar carport?
Well — it depends. It depends on how big the structure will be and the materials that will be used. This can cost between $1,000-$5,000. And, the solar generation system you’re going to use. The installation cost and the solar system kit can range from $3,500-$9,000. So, it’s going to cost you between $ 5,000 - $14,000.
You can check with your local government if you're eligible for any federal tax credit after installing a solar system.
Are Solar Panels Durable?
It is easy to be skeptical about the durability of solar panels especially when they are installed on the roof. One can’t help but ask if they can withstand being exposed to harsh elements such as heat, wind, and rain.
Worry not.
According to the Solar Energy Industries or SEIA, solar panels are designed by manufacturers to last for decades. They can last between 20-30 years. Well-made and well-maintained panels can last up to 40 years.
A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory or NREL has shown that solar panels have an average degradation rate of 0.5% / year. This means that if you have a 20-year-old solar panel, its energy efficiency decreases by 10%.
Features of a Good Solar Panel
A good solar panel efficiently converts sunlight into electricity. And, its efficiency is a good indicator of how well it will perform.
According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, Center for Sustainable Systems, commercial solar panels have 17% to 20% efficiency when it comes to converting sunlight into electricity.
Additionally, durability is an important factor to take note of when choosing a solar panel. A good solar panel should be able to withstand nature’s harsh elements without an extreme reduction in its efficiency.
Furthermore, the materials used in producing a solar panel play a role in its overall quality. High-quality solar panels are commonly made with either monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells, which are known for their efficiency and longevity. Their cheaper alternatives may use thin-film technology, which produces less energy over time and can degrade faster.
Lastly, an important aspect of a good solar panel is its warranty and reliability. It is essential to choose a solar panel from a trusted manufacturer with a proven track record to ensure that you are investing in a reliable and high-quality product.
A good example of this is Nature’s Generators 410W Solar Panel Bundles. Depending on your power needs you can go as low as 2 solar panels or as high as 10 solar panels.
The 410W Solar Panels are made and designed from three industry-leading solar technologies. They are:
- 10 Busbars - this design works to reduce electrical resistance within the cell and improve current collection, resulting in better performance and efficiency.
- PERC Cell - this technology works to better cell efficiency by having a passivation layer on the solar cell’s rear side.
- Half-cut Cell - works to improve the panel’s efficiency by minimizing resistive losses.
Last words on Solar Carports and Solar Panels
Solar carports are a good investment to have in one's home. They help increase one’s property value while keeping cars protected against the harsh elements of nature. But, installing it with solar panels is killing two birds with one stone.
Not only do you get cars protected, but you get to have a sustainable and alternative source of energy that can supply one’s household needs.
Remember that a good solar panel is one that is efficient, durable, made with high-quality materials, and backed by a reliable warranty. By keeping this in mind, it ensures that one can have a solar panel and system that is worth investing in.
* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Cris Ilao, contributed research and content to this blog titled: Solar Panel Carport Thank you, Cris, for your contributions!
