Solar Carports vs Solar Canopies: Which Is Better?
If you don’t have space in your yard or on your roof for a solar panel installation, you may be wondering if there is a way to still reap the benefits of solar on your property. The answer is yes! If you install a solar carport or canopy at your home, you can take advantage of everything that solar energy has to offer.
Our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando share the pros and cons of each style, and which might be better for your unique situation.
What Are Solar Carports & Canopies?
These structures are designed to provide shade as well as generate solar energy.
Generally, the idea behind solar carports and canopies is similar, but they can be used in different ways:
Purpose
Often, solar carports are installed over parking spaces and are made up of a supporting structure with solar panels mounted on the roof.
Solar canopies are also similar in that they provide shade, but they can also be installed over outdoor living spaces like a pergola.
Structure
Solar carports are built on top of areas where cars park, and usually have a hard roof that is fully enclosed except for on one side. Solar canopies are often open on all sides like a pergola as we mentioned above.
Materials
Generally, solar canopies are made from flexible silicon which is a type of plastic that’s embedded with silicon photovoltaic cells.
Solar carports are often made from high-quality aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or carbon steel.
Benefits of Solar Carports & Canopies
There are many benefits to installing either a solar carport or canopy at your Central Florida home or business including:
Energy Savings
Solar carports and canopies can reduce overall energy costs which can help offset rising electricity rates.
Protection from the Elements
Solar canopies and carports can shade vehicles on hot Florida days and can also protect parking areas from inclement weather, which is great during the rainy season here in Central Florida!
Electric Vehicle Charging
Both structures can provide shade and protection for electric vehicles while they are charging which can significantly prolong the life of the batteries.
Revenue Generation
Whether a residential or commercial property, solar carports, and canopies can be used to generate extra revenue by selling any of the excess energy generated back to the electrical grid.
The Pros & Cons of Solar Carports & Canopies
Both of these solar structures have many benefits but have pros and cons when buyers consider the cost, space efficiency, and adaptability.
Cost
Solar canopies can be more expensive due to their construction, but solar carports are becoming more affordable and are a great option for residential clients who want to charge their electric vehicles or for businesses who want to attract more customers.
Space Efficiency
Overall, both solar carports and canopies are more space efficient than ground-mounted solar panels because they can use existing carport or pergola-like structures or can be built over driveways or existing parking spaces.
Adaptability
Solar canopies can often be combined with other solar systems or electric vehicle chargers, while solar carports can be built in single, double, and larger span configurations depending on how large the buyer’s driveway is.
So, Which is Right for You?
As you can see, there are many benefits to installing either a solar carport or canopy at your Central Florida home or business. Ultimately, which option is best for you will depend on your needs. If you have an electric vehicle you want to charge, a solar carport might be the best option for you as it will protect your vehicle and charge it at the same time.
If you’d rather install solar panels above your patio or garden area, a solar canopy designed to look like a pergola is a great option as it is open on all sides so you have a 360-degree view.
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Go Solar in Central Florida
When deciding between a solar carport or a solar canopy, consider important factors such as cost, space, and adaptability to help determine which one aligns best with your needs. If you aren’t sure, that’s where we come in!
Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help you make the most of Florida’s ample sunshine and is ready to design the perfect solar carport or canopy for you. Ready to get started? Contact us for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!