Can I Install Solar Panels on My Pergola?
If you are short on space on your roof, placing solar panels on top of your pergola can be a great use of extra space, whether you want to support your household energy needs or simply power your outdoor living space.
Installing solar on a pergola is an efficient way to collect solar power—and the best part? It won’t impact your home’s aesthetics. Yes!
Read our guide to learn more about installing solar panels on your pergola!
What are Solar Pergolas?
A pergola is an outdoor living space that consists of a roof on top of four or more pillars. A wooden pergola is usually tall and narrow and made up of slats of wood laid horizontally. They are a beautiful way to shade your outdoor living space.
Solar pergolas incorporate solar panels on a pergola for the bonus of energy production.
Benefits of Solar Panel Pergolas
Here are some of the advantages of installing solar panels on pergolas:
- They increase solar power even if you have minimal space.
- Pergolas are beautiful and can enhance the look of your home.
- Solar pergolas offer dual benefits as both power generators and shade.
Can a Pergola Carry the Weight of Solar Panels?
A solar pergola consists of two parts:
- The pergola structures
- Solar panel system
You will need to decide if you want a freestanding pergola or one that is attached to your home.
Pergolas can carry the weight of solar panels, with a caveat. Since the weight of solar panels varies, you must consider both the size of your pergola and the weight of the panels before installation.
A 300W solar panel weighs about 40 pounds, which may be too much weight for a small pergola. Even if it can support the weight, it might not be very durable as a wind gust or storm could send the panel flying off.
It is important to remember that solar panels should only be installed on large pergolas that offer robust support.
Installing Bifacial Solar Panels on a Pergola
Bifacial solar panels are double-sided panels that can generate power on both sides. If the surrounding area around your pergola is composed of light colors, they can reflect light onto the backside of your bifacial panels and generate electricity.
Another added benefit is that bifacial solar panels are more attractive than traditional solar panels as they allow sunlight to pass through.
What Can a Solar Pergola Power?
The power generated by a solar pergola can power anything that uses electricity, including:
- Lighting
- Televisions
- Appliances
- Air conditioners
- Heaters
- Pool pumps
- EVs
- And more!
But remember, it all depends on the size of the solar system that you choose to install. A small system with around 200W can power a few lights and charge a phone, but a larger system with 8kW can power an entire home.
Additional Solar Pergola Tips
It is important to consider both the function and aesthetics of installing a solar pergola, so make sure that the design supports not just the solar panels, but also your home’s design.
If you want to get the most out of your solar panel pergola, it should face south, and the panels should be inclined at an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees.
Finally, when designing a solar panel pergola, all safety recommendations as well as construction requirements in your region should be followed.
Florida Solar Pergolas
If you want to install solar panels on your pergola to take advantage of the sun’s output, it’s time to call Solar Bear Orlando! We can help you decide what size system you need so you can enjoy the benefits of going solar!
Ready to get started? Call Solar Bear Orlando for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!