Solar Carport: Costs, Permits, Disadvantages

A solar carport generates solar power and also offers protection from the weather. This article informs you about the costs, permits and possible advantages and disadvantages of a PV carport.

First things first

• A solar carport serves either as a charging station for an electric car or to supply the household with solar power.
• The total cost of a PV carport is up to €25,000.
• Solar carports often consist of semi-transparent glass-glass modules.
• In most cases a building permit is required.

What is a solar carport?

A solar carport is a covered parking space for vehicles whose roof is equipped with solar modules. Glass-glass modules, which are semi-transparent, are particularly suitable. They let some light through, but also provide cool shade. 

Solar carport in front of a single-family house (stock.adobe.com / imlane)

How much does a solar carport cost? 

The cost of a solar carport is around €2,000 per kWp. A single carport therefore costs between €5,000 and €15,000. The price for a double solar carport is around €25,000. Optionally, you can add a wallbox for €500 to €2,500.

How much electricity can I generate with a solar carport?

With a solar carport in Germany you can generate 900 to 1,300 kWh per installed kWp. The yield generated by the PV system depends mainly on the orientation and inclination of the PV modules as well as the location. For example, a solar carport with 10 kWp produces 9,000 to 13,000 kWh per year.

Here is a Overview the possible returns:

How much electricity do I need to charge an electric car?

On average, an electric car requires 15 kWh per 100 km. For an annual mileage of 15,000 km, that would be 2,250 kWh. 

Is a photovoltaic carport worthwhile?

A photovoltaic carport saves electricity costs in the long term and provides environmentally friendly electricity. It increases the value of the property and offers independence from rising electricity prices. We show this with the following example.

Let's assume that the photovoltaic carport serves as a charging station for an electric car. The annual electricity consumption is 2,500 kWh. The PV output of the solar carport is 5 kWp.

With a solar carport you can reduce your electricity costs by €285. In this case, that corresponds to a saving of around €45 million. 

Is a solar carport with storage worthwhile?

A solar carport with storage means that you can use the electricity generated during the day at night. This increases your own consumption and further reduces your electricity costs. For a storage system to be worthwhile, the costs must not exceed €600 per kWh of storage capacity. 

The following Example shows that the annual savings are slightly higher with a storage system. However, the investment costs are higher. In this case, however, you only need a PV system with 4 kWp and can charge your electric car exclusively with solar power.

Are solar carports subsidized? 

The KfW supports the construction of solar systems in the form of grants and low-interest loans. The KfW program 270 - Renewable Energy Standard - also provides funding for solar carports. Federal states and municipalities also sometimes provide funding for PV systems regionally.

Do I need a permit for a solar carport? 

Solar carports require a building permit in most cases. They are classified as structural works subject to local regulations. Obtaining a permit ensures that the carport is built safely and meets requirements such as structural integrity, fire safety and aesthetic integration into the surrounding area.

How does solar work on a carport?

Solar modules on a carport convert solar energy into electricity. They are installed on the roof of the carport and firmly anchored for a safe and stable attachment. You can either mount the PV modules on a metal structure or integrate them directly into the roof, depending on the design of the carport.

Semi-transparent and glass-glass solar modules are particularly suitable for solar carports. These allow light to pass through and at the same time offer protection from the weather such as rain and hail. The semi-transparent modules provide shade while generating electricity at the same time. In addition, glass-glass modules also use reflected light, which leads to a higher yield.

An essential component of the PV system is the inverterThis converts the direct current (DC) generated by the solar modules into alternating current (AC). If you want to charge your electric car with solar power, you need a wallbox. If the car is not connected, you can use the electricity in your home, store it in a storage unit or feed it into the grid.

Can I retrofit a PV carport?

You can retrofit existing carports, provided they are stable enough and the roof pitch and orientation are suitable. However, retrofitting is often more expensive than building a new solar carport and is usually only worthwhile if the carport is well aligned and can bear the additional load. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Solar Carport

A solar carport offers numerous advantages, including generating environmentally friendly electricity and protecting the vehicle from the elements. However, there are also some disadvantages, such as higher initial costs and the need for a permit. 

Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of overview: