2023 Guide to Solar Carports: Are They Worth It?

Solar power is growing faster than all other electricity sources in the U.S., representing 50% of the generation capacity installed in 2022. According to the latest Solar Market Insight Report, the U.S. installed 700,000 home solar systems last year, and the country now has enough solar capacity to meet the energy needs of 25 million homes. High-quality solar panels come with a 25-30 year product warranty, and homeowners paying high electric tariffs can achieve a payback period of less than six years.

One of the most important decisions when going solar is deciding where to install the photovoltaic (PV) array and inverter. Many homeowners choose roof-mounted systems, since they can take advantage of unused space. However, a solar carport is also a viable option: you get both a clean energy system and shaded parking areas in the same piece of land.

In simple terms, a solar carport is a canopy with photovoltaic panels that is installed above a parking area. Solar carports accomplish a dual function, providing a roof for your vehicles while generating electricity for your home. If you own an electric vehicle, a solar carport can also be combined with an EV charging station.

Solar carports work just like ground-mounted PV systems, since the racking structure is anchored directly to the ground in both cases. However, solar carports use a taller structure than ground mounting systems, since they must provide enough space to park vehicles.

Traditional solar installations take advantage of existing roof areas, and their racking system is attached directly to your roof structure. On the other hand, a solar carport is an independent structure anchored directly to the ground, which generates electricity while acting as a roof for your vehicles. Each type of system has advantages and disadvantages.

A solar carport is slightly more expensive than a rooftop PV system of the same capacity, since you need a dedicated structure. However, solar carports also offer several benefits.

Rooftop solar panels are the traditional option for homeowners, and they offer the following advantages.

However, not all properties have a suitable roof area for solar panels. There are also properties with constantly shaded roofs, which are not suitable for solar generation.

According to EnergySage, a solar carport has an average cost of $3.31 per watt, while a traditional solar rooftop system has an average cost of $2.81 per watt. In other words, a solar carport is around 18% more expensive than a rooftop installation, assuming both systems have the same capacity.

Based on these price figures, you can expect to pay around $19,860 for a 6-kW solar panel carport, and $16,860 for a 6-kW rooftop PV system. However, solar energy systems qualify for several incentives in the U.S., which reduces their upfront cost. Remember that if you choose to add a solar battery to your installation, it will increase the total cost. Your cost will also vary based on the panels you choose, the installation company and other factors.

The 30% federal solar tax credit is available for all solar projects regardless of their location in the U.S., and this includes solar carports. The following table provides a list of typical solar carport costs before and after the tax credit, considering system sizes ranging from 5 to 10 kW:

Additional incentives may be available from your state government or utility company, and the following are some of the most common types:

Some states have dedicated incentives for solar carports. For example, the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Program in New York and the SMART Program in Massachusetts have bonus incentives for solar canopies. California is also considering a tax incentive for solar carports.

Solar carports make parking spaces more productive, generating electricity for home appliances and EV charging stations. They have a higher cost than rooftop solar systems, since they require an independent structure. However, the solar carport design can have an orientation that increases solar radiation on the PV modules, which results in a higher electricity output.

A solar carport is a viable option if you have an outdoor parking area that gets abundant sunshine, especially if your roof is constantly shaded. The required structure makes solar carports more expensive than traditional installations, but you can generate more electricity by positioning the solar panels optimally. Reputable solar companies can work with you to help you determine the right option for you.

Yes, as long as the carport structure is designed to bear the weight of a solar array. Generally, residential solar panels weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. If you plan to install solar panels on an existing carport, get a professional assessment of the structure.

According to EnergySage, a solar carport system has a typical price of $3.31 per watt (before subtracting incentives).

Solar carport installations qualify for the 30% solar federal tax credit, which reduces your net cost, and additional incentives may be available from the local government or power company.

Solar carports use unproductive parking lots to generate electricity, while providing a shade structure for your vehicles. Solar carports can also be designed with a pitch and orientation that faces the sun more hours per year, increasing their energy production.

Residential solar carports can be installed in less than a week, since they are relatively small projects. Large industrial and commercial solar carports require more time.

Leonardo David is an electromechanical engineer, MBA, energy consultant and technical writer. His energy-efficiency and solar consulting experience covers sectors including banking, textile manufacturing, plastics processing, pharmaceutics, education, food processing, real estate and retail. He has also been writing articles about energy and engineering topics since 2015.

Sabrina Lopez is an editor with over six years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she is not working on articles to help consumers make informed decisions, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.