Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-05-07 Origin: Site
Solar carports make parking spaces more productive, generating electricity for home appliances and EV charging stations. They have a higher cost than rooftop solar systems, since they require an independent structure. However, the solar carport design can have an orientation that increases solar radiation on the PV modules, which results in a higher electricity output.
A solar carport is a viable option if you have an outdoor parking area that gets abundant sunshine, especially if your roof is constantly shaded. The required structure makes solar carports more expensive than traditional installations. How To Save Money on a Solar Carport?
According to EnergySage, a solar carport has an average cost of $3.31 per watt, while a traditional solar rooftop system has an average cost of $2.81 per watt. In other words, a solar carport is around 18% more expensive than a rooftop installation, assuming both systems have the same capacity.
Based on these price figures, you can expect to pay around $19,860 for a 6-kW solar panel carport, and $16,860 for a 6-kW rooftop PV system. However, solar energy systems qualify for several incentives, which reduces their upfront cost. The cost will vary based on the panels you choose, the battery capacity you choose,the installation company and other factors.
Additional incentives may be available from your state government or utility company, and the following are some of the most common types:
Sales tax exemptions
Property tax exemptions
State tax credits
Cash rebates
Some states have dedicated incentives for solar carports too.