By now, nearly everyone is familiar with rooftop solar panel arrays in various neighborhoods and on some commercial properties. However, one form of solar setup is becoming more common due to its innovative design. Solar carports are just what they sound like: Carports with solar panels attached that allow the owners to generate energy they can use, store, or sell. We’ll break down what you need to know about installing a solar carport.

How Does a Solar Carport Work?

Solar carports operate on the same principles as more common types of solar arrays, including rooftop or ground-mounted. Solar carports can be custom-built, and in many cases, you can install solar panels on an existing structure if the installer determines it meets the necessary criteria.

The greatest advantage carports have over roof-mounted solar energy systems is that the array will not be restricted to the fixed angle of a roof. That means you may be able to use the same number of panels to generate more energy than you would on a pitched roof, as you can adjust the angle to optimize sun exposure.

Residential Solar Carports

For homeowners, the main benefit of a solar carport is to make use of space that would otherwise go wasted, while generating more power to run their home. Adding solar panels to an existing structure is a popular retrofit that can increase the home’s value, and having a new solar carport constructed is another way to add value and function without the cost of constructing a new garage.

Commercial Solar Carports

Solar carports on commercial properties offer the same benefits in terms of power generation and energy savings, but there are also a couple of advantages unique to businesses. Customers appreciate covered parking, especially when it’s aggressively hot or there are weather conditions like snow and rain. Customers also tend to have more interest in companies that are good stewards of the environment, which solar panels clearly imply. Additionally, setting up solar panels on covered parking opens up opportunities to add further amenities that require electricity, such as charging stations for the convenience of electric vehicle owners.

Go Solar With Simply Solar

Simply Solar is here to help make the process of adding solar to your home or business easier than ever. As a leading solar provider in California, our team specializes in custom solar arrays. Plus, if you’re interested in a residential or commercial solar carport in California, there’s excellent news. Just like any other solar panel project, you can claim 30% of the cost of installing a solar carport thanks to the investment tax credit included in the Inflation Reduction Act. Together with local California incentives, you can save thousands on the cost of a new solar carport all while reaping the benefits.

To learn more about the benefits of solar carports and having one or more installed in California, turn to Simply Solar. We even have a recent solar carport installation project in Windsor, CA you can check out on our website! Call us today at (707) 285-7037 or contact us online for more information.