Adam-GlickGetting the most from your solar energy investment

By Adam Glick, Sr Consultant, NATiVE Solar

Here at NATiVE Solar, we’re being asked to design and build more and more solar carports and really any other type of covered vehicle parking/charging spaces, much like our Texas State Bank and Cedars International Academy projects. We’re seeing increased demand for these structures in both the residential and commercial/institutional (C&I) solar spaces.

So, what exactly is a Solar Carport?
A solar carport is a free-standing, covered parking structure equipped with solar PV panels, which may serve as the roof itself. Solar panels can be integrated into new carports or added to existing ones. These structures, often open-sided, support load-bearing and wind-lift requirements. They typically provide electricity for lighting, 120V AC, and EV chargers.

During the day when the sun is in the sky, the solar panels harvest energy and turn it into 240volt power identical to that received from the utility grid. Any electricity generated and not instantaneously used for EV charging or other electrical loads is instantaneously “exported” (i.e. sold) back to your electrical utility’s grid or else stored on-site in battery storage (BESS) arrays for use at night or in the case of grid interruptions and outages.

solar carport

Here’s a Few of the Benefits of Solar Carports to Consider, dear readers:

  1. Dual Purpose Functionality
    • Provide shelter for vehicles from weather elements like rain, snow, and UV rays.
    • Generate renewable energy for household use or EV charging.
  2. Energy Savings
    • Lower electricity bills by reducing reliance on grid power.
    • Maximize energy production by optimizing panel orientation and tilt.
  3. Sustainability Impact
    • Contribute to reducing carbon footprint.
    • Align with eco-friendly lifestyles and green building initiatives.
    • Get 30% Tax Credit for the *ENTIRE COST OF BUILDING THE CARPORT STRUCTURE PLUS ALL ANY SOLAR-RELATED equipment, labor and any other associated costs
  4. Increased Property Value
    • Enhance aesthetic appeal and functionality of the property.
    • Solar installations can increase property resale value.
  5. Convenience and Comfort for Electric Vehicle Owners
    • Discuss seamless integration with EV charging stations.
    • Emphasize the independence from external charging infrastructure.

Both residential property and business/commercial property owners are taking advantage of these designs to enhance their built spaces and lower their reliance on the electricity grid.

Design and Construction Considerations
Because these structures don’t typically fall under the same stringent building codes as do residential or other commercial structures, some flexibility can be had as to solar panels design, installation, and commissioning processes. This said, structural integrity does come into play here.

In some cases, a structural analysis by a registered professional engineer (PE) may be required to assess the carport’s load-bearing and wind resistance characteristics to align with area building code requirements. Code compliance for solar carports ensures structural integrity, electrical safety, fire prevention, and adherence to local zoning laws. Regulations require carports to withstand environmental loads, meet electrical standards like the NEC, and use fire-resistant materials. Permits and zoning rules govern placement and design to ensure safety, reliability, and community alignment.

solar carport

For solar harvesting purposes, carport structures’s roofs should have unobstructed (or at least mostly unobstructed views of the Southern, SouthWesterly or SouthEasterly sky.

A connection – typically via underground trench- to the property’s electrical service is also typically required.

Why Choose NATiVE Solar for your Solar Carport?

Having started as a green home construction firm in 2007, NATiVE has been here to help both our residential and commercial-scale clients design and build many solar carports and covered parking structures.

Our highly-competent and well-trained staff utilizes only best-in-class tools and process/project management methodologies -along with careful, consultative requirement discovery engagement -to help ensure every NATiVE project exceeds our customers’ best expectations.