The Washington Post raved about the benefits of solar carports earlier this year. It said aesthetics, environmental benefits and ability to use a paved area – rather than green land – to create energy are reasons why the carport market is increasing in size, despite added costs.
The annual installed capacity of carports tripled from just shy of 50 MW in 2010 to 157 MW in 2013, according to GTM Research, and is expected to hit 318 MW in 2016. The growth is in line with the rest of the solar industry. And while solar canopies and carports are more expensive – the increased material, engineering and labor adding to the bottom line – they possess a distinct advantage over rooftop systems that drives their success: people can see them.
“Solar carports scream, ‘We’re green!’” said Mike Stevens, a sales executive with Ohio-based Dovetail Solar and Wind. The company is finishing a 335-kW solar canopy on a car dealership along a main road in Cleveland. More than 100 cars will fit under the canopy, protected from summer sun and winter snow, letting people shop comfortably under an alluring and brightly lit green-energy structure.
“Public perception aids tremendously to the sale of solar carports,” said John Sarantakes, executive vice president of business development at Texas-based Meridian Solar. “Positive public perception is a draw proving demand is there, justifying the investment.”
The carport market resides largely in the commercial, government and educational spaces. School parking lots outfitted with solar carports proved to be a boon for the business in 2012, providing nearly half of the projects, and in 2013, contributing 39%, according to GTM. California has been the main state for carport installations, followed by New Jersey and Arizona.
As for how contractors could best take part in the market, coordinating with construction companies early on in the process is one way.
“There are considerable cost savings when carport foundations and electrical raceways are installed during the process of constructing new buildings,” said Bennett Ford, senior engineer at Meridian Solar. “As developers and architects become familiar with PV energy systems, they are increasingly engaging with PV design professionals early enough in the development process to incur those savings.”
bullardrr says
It does not take long for the drips to produce a sea salt stain that can not be removed with soap and water, rather requiring professional buffing with an aluminum oxide or other polishing compound. Dew and fog type mist are especially bad, due to the salt being at solute concentrations close to saturation in the repeated drops striking the paint surface.
Urban air pollution may present the same problem with what settles on the panel surface(s) during the dew development process. Being able to produce a dependable water tight seal around the abutting edges of panels is important, not only for protection of shaded surfaces, but also for the longevity of the panel’s backside electronics.that may be downstream (or down drift) from upper panels.
pensimmon says
It’s a good idea, especially as parking lots are unattractive anyway, so nothing is lost. What happens in snow? Are they tilted enough so it slides off? Or are they warm enough so it immediately melts?
bullardrr says
Are they leak proof (no staining drips on vehicles) and hail proof (golf ball size hail)?
Steven Bushong says
They would be as resistant to hail as any other solar installation. Panels are surprisingly strong against hail. Here’s one example from JA Solar: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2015/03/ja-solar-modules-passes-tuv-high-grade-hail-test/
Regarding the staining drips — I’m not sure what would stain a car specifically. Can you elaborate, and I’ll look into it?