With the increasing market share of electric and hybrid vehicles, many businesses, communities, and industrial parks that had originally planned to install parking shelters are now retrofitting them into solar carport.

Solar carport, a straightforward integration of solar panels with existing structures, has gained popularity in recent years. These structures efficiently absorb sunlight, are easy to install, and come at a low cost. They not only make the most of available land but also provide green and sustainable energy, achieving a synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Advantages of Solar Carports

Lower Installation Cost: Solar carports installed on the ground are typically cheaper and simpler to install compared to rooftop solar systems.

No Additional Land Usage: They utilize existing parking shelter spaces, making efficient use of available real estate.

Charging for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Solar carports can charge electric and hybrid vehicles, reducing electricity costs.

Ideal Roof Space: Carport roofs provide unobstructed space for solar panel installation.

Low Maintenance: Solar carports often use durable rigid solar panels that require minimal maintenance and repair.

Disadvantages of Solar Carports

High Construction Costs: Solar carports have higher construction costs compared to traditional carports due to the procurement and installation of solar PV components, support structures, solar inverters, and other equipment.

Weather Dependency: Solar carport power generation is influenced by weather conditions, resulting in reduced electricity output on cloudy, rainy, or nighttime days, necessitating reliance on the grid for supplementary power.

Grid Dependency: When solar power generation is insufficient, solar carports may need to draw additional electricity from the grid, potentially reducing the proportion of renewable energy used.

Future Outlook for Solar Carport

The application of solar carports is expected to grow steadily with the increasing number of vehicles and the proliferation of carports. The dominant trends for the future include:

Technological Innovation and Cost Reduction

The solar carport industry is committed to enhancing the efficiency and durability of solar PV components while reducing product costs. The introduction and application of new materials and intelligent control systems contribute to the industry’s development.

Market Expansion and Diversified Demand

The solar carport market is expanding to cover various application scenarios, including commercial parking lots, community parking areas, and corporate parking facilities. As environmental awareness grows and renewable energy policies are implemented, the demand for solar carports is expected to increase.

Smart Technology and Internet Integration

The solar carport industry is moving toward smart technology, such as real-time monitoring of solar power generation through intelligent monitoring systems and remote management and troubleshooting. Additionally, some solar carports can interact with facilities like electric vehicle charging stations and energy storage systems, contributing to the concept of an energy internet.