Solar carports are not just ordinary parking structures. They are innovative solutions that combine the functions of shade, shelter, and renewable energy generation. Solar carports are designed to support solar panels on their roofs, which can produce electricity from sunlight and power electric vehicles or buildings. In this blog post, we will examine the multifunctional benefits of solar carports for both vehicles and renewable energy generation. We will also look at the current and future trends of the global solar carport market size, which reached a value of about USD 558.30 million in 2023 and is expected to grow further in the coming years.
The Concept of Solar Carports
A solar carport is a parking structure that incorporates solar panels into its roof or canopy. Solar carports can vary in size, shape, and design, depending on the location, budget, and purpose of the project. However, the basic structure of a solar carport consists of three main components: solar panels, support structures, and charging infrastructure.
Solar panels are the key element of a solar carport. They are usually mounted on the roof or canopy of the structure, facing the optimal direction and angle to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. Solar panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert light into electricity. The electricity generated by the solar panels can be used to power electric vehicles, buildings, or the grid.
Support structures are the frames or columns that hold the solar panels in place. They are typically made of steel, aluminum, or wood, and can be customized to fit the site and aesthetic preferences of the project. Support structures also provide stability and durability to the solar carport, especially in areas with high winds or snow loads.
Charging infrastructure is the equipment that connects the solar panels to the electric vehicles or the grid. It can include inverters, batteries, controllers, meters, cables, and connectors. Charging infrastructure can also enable smart features, such as monitoring, metering, and management of the solar carport system.
Solar carports differ from traditional parking structures in several ways. First, solar carports generate electricity from a clean and renewable source, while traditional parking structures consume electricity from fossil fuels. Second, solar carports can provide additional income or savings for the owners or users, while traditional parking structures only incur costs. Third, solar carports can enhance the value and attractiveness of the property, while traditional parking structures may detract from it.
Providing Shade and Shelter
One of the main benefits of solar carports is that they provide shade and shelter for vehicles parked under them. Shade and shelter are important for protecting vehicles from the harmful effects of sun exposure and inclement weather.
Sun exposure can cause damage to the exterior and interior of vehicles, such as fading, cracking, peeling, or warping of the paint, plastic, rubber, or leather. Sun exposure can also increase the temperature inside the vehicle, which can affect the performance and comfort of the engine, battery, air conditioning, and passengers. According to a study by the Arizona State University, the average temperature inside a car parked in the sun can reach up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, while the temperature inside a car parked in the shade can be 40 degrees lower.
Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, hail, or wind, can also damage vehicles in different ways. Rain can cause rust, corrosion, or mold on the metal, glass, or fabric parts of the vehicle. Snow can accumulate on the roof, hood, or windshield of the vehicle, which can impair the visibility and safety of the driver. Hail can dent or crack the surface of the vehicle, which can reduce its value and appearance. Wind can blow debris or objects onto the vehicle, which can scratch or break the windows, mirrors, or lights.
Solar carports can help prevent or reduce these damages by providing shade and shelter for vehicles. Solar carports can block or reflect the sun's rays, which can lower the temperature and UV exposure of the vehicle. Solar carports can also shield vehicles from rain, snow, hail, or wind, which can prevent or minimize the impact of these weather elements. Solar carports can also extend the lifespan and performance of the vehicle, as well as the comfort and satisfaction of the driver and passengers.
However, not all solar carports are equally effective in providing shade and shelter. Some design considerations that can affect the shade and shelter effectiveness of solar carports are:
The size and shape of the solar panels and the support structures. Larger and wider solar panels and support structures can cover more area and provide more shade and shelter than smaller and narrower ones. However, larger and wider solar panels and support structures may also require more materials, space, and cost.
The orientation and tilt of the solar panels. The orientation and tilt of the solar panels can affect the amount and direction of the sunlight that reaches the vehicle. Ideally, the solar panels should be oriented and tilted to face the sun at the optimal angle for maximum electricity generation, while also providing adequate shade and shelter for the vehicle.
The spacing and arrangement of the solar panels and the support structures. The spacing and arrangement of the solar panels and the support structures can affect the amount and distribution of the shade and shelter that the solar carport provides. Too much or too little spacing between the solar panels and the support structures can create gaps or overlaps that can reduce the shade and shelter effectiveness. A uniform or staggered arrangement of the solar panels and the support structures can also create different patterns of shade and shelter.
Renewable Energy Generation
Another major benefit of solar carports is that they generate electricity from a renewable and environmentally friendly source: sunlight. Solar carports can produce electricity onsite, which can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the grid. Solar carports can also provide multiple options for using or storing the electricity that they generate, such as powering electric vehicles, buildings, or the grid.
Solar carports can power electric vehicles directly or indirectly. Directly, solar carports can charge electric vehicles through charging stations or plugs that are connected to the solar panels. Indirectly, solar carports can store the excess electricity that they generate in batteries or feed it to the grid, which can then be used to charge electric vehicles at a later time or location. Solar carports can also enable smart charging features, such as scheduling, pricing, or load balancing, which can optimize the efficiency and convenience of charging electric vehicles.
Solar carports can also power buildings that are adjacent or connected to them. Solar carports can supply electricity to buildings through wires or cables that are linked to the solar panels. Solar carports can also integrate with the building's electrical system, which can reduce the building's electricity consumption and cost. Solar carports can also complement the building's design and architecture, which can enhance the building's aesthetic and functional value.
Solar carports can also power the grid by exporting the surplus electricity that they generate to the grid. Solar carports can participate in net metering or feed-in tariff programs, which can allow the owners or users of the solar carports to receive credits or payments for the electricity that they provide to the grid. Solar carports can also contribute to the grid's stability and reliability, which can prevent or mitigate blackouts or brownouts.
The potential energy production capacity of solar carports depends on several factors, such as the size and efficiency of the solar panels, the amount and intensity of the sunlight, the location and climate of the site, and the electricity demand and consumption of the vehicles, buildings, or the grid. However, some estimates suggest that a typical solar carport can generate between 10 and 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day, which can power between 3 and 9 electric vehicles or between 1 and 3 households.
