What is a Solar Carport?
A solar carport is a covered parking structure with solar PV panels incorporated into its roof. The structure is designed to serve two purposes, the canopy to provide shelter for vehicles and the solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity from sunlight.
Solar panels, contain photovoltaic cells that generate direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to sunlight. The electricity generated by the panels can then be converted into usable alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter. PV panels do not need direct, bright sunshine to generate electricity. They can still produce electricity on cloudy days, although their output is generally lower than under stronger sunlight.
This makes them particularly interesting for residential and commercial property owners who would like to make more use of their parking space areas in the UK. The energy generated from these structures can potentially be used within the property, to charge electric vehicles, stored in battery reserves or exported to the electricity grid, depending on how the system has been designed and connected.
The amount of electricity a solar carport generates does not only depend on the number of panels installed. Factors such as the orientation, panel angle, shading, panel efficiency, system size, local weather conditions and the amount of sunlight available all affect generation. Therefore, two solar carports with identical dimensions can still produce different amounts of electricity.
What Components Form a Solar Carport?
- A structural frame, usually manufactured from aluminium or steel
- A roof designed to accommodate solar PV panels
- Solar photovoltaic panels
- An inverter to convert the electricity generated by the panels into usable AC electricity
- Electrical cabling and protection equipment
- Mounting systems connecting the panels to the structure
- Optional battery storage
- Optional electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment
How Long Do Solar Carports Last?
A properly designed solar carport can provide many years of service, but there is an important distinction between the carport structure and the solar PV equipment, as they do not necessarily have the same lifespan.
Carport Structure
The structural frame can potentially last considerably longer than the electrical components when it is properly designed, manufactured and maintained, with an expected lifespan of 25-40+ years. Aluminium structures can be particularly suitable for outdoor applications because aluminium does not rust in the same way as conventional untreated steel. However, the quality of the design, materials and installation matters as much as the material specification itself.
Solar Panels
Modern solar panels are expected to last 25 years or more, although their performance gradually declines over time. This does not mean that panels suddenly stop producing electricity after 25 years. Instead, solar panels experience gradual degradation, meaning their energy output slowly decreases as they age. As a result, a panel installed today could therefore continue generating electricity well beyond its nominal 25-year design period, although at a lower output than when it was new.
Solar Inverter
The inverter generally has a shorter expected lifespan than the solar panels. It is estimated that it may need replacing after approximately 12 years. This is an important consideration when calculating the long-term cost of a solar carport. If a system is expected to operate for 25 years or more, it would be unrealistic to assume that every component will necessarily remain unchanged throughout that period.
Battery Storage
If the solar carport includes battery storage, the battery may also need replacing during the system’s lifetime. Most solar batteries last approximately 10 to 15 years or around 3,000 to 6,000 charge cycles, depending on the battery chemistry, usage patterns, operating temperature and manufacturer.
EV Charger
If an EV charger is incorporated into a solar carport, it should also be considered when assessing the system’s long-term lifespan. A good-quality residential or commercial EV charger can typically be expected to operate for around 10 years or more, although the actual lifespan depends on the manufacturer, model, frequency of use, exposure to weather and how well the unit is maintained.
Conclusion
A solar carport is a hybrid structural and renewable energy technology that turns open-air parking bays into distributed power stations. If you’re weighing up whether a solar carport makes sense for your home or business, a proper survey and itemised quotation will give a far more accurate picture than any general guide can.