The KC area and all of Kansas and Missouri, in general, has some unique architecture and some very unique homes, and the owners of some of these unique homes might consider installing a solar panel on carports to avoid roof work. Sometimes, a home simply has a roof that isn’t oriented in a way that gives enough space for panels to face south, and they need to find another solution. In cases like these, it’s not uncommon to wonder about putting panels on the carport.
We’re going to dig into whether solar panels can be installed on carports. If it’s possible, we’ll look at what it might require for a company to be able to do the installation properly. We’ll also find out the other popular ways that residents in our area commonly install solar panels, and what the pros and cons are. In the end, we’ll help you find a local resource for flawless solar installations and ongoing maintenance.
Can I Install Solar Panel on Carports?
The good news is that solar panels can be installed on carports with relative ease. There are a few things that need to be considered, but when you have a resource like Barrett Solar at your disposal, the process can be quick, and easy, and leave you with low-cost energy that your own home produces.
Suitability
The first thing that needs to be considered is the orientation and solar suitability of the carport itself. It might be a great way to avoid installing solar panels on your roof, but if your carport roof faces due north there isn’t a lot that even the best installation is going to be able to do for you. The best way to ensure your carport roof is going to be a good location for your solar panels is to call an expert to perform solar exposure mapping. Using software like Aurora, your solar installer can make sure the roof your panels are going on has sufficient solar exposure to make it worthwhile.
Structural Soundness
The other big factor that needs to be taken into account when considering installing solar panels onto a carport roof is whether or not that roof is structurally sound enough to support the weight not just of the solar panels, but of the crew needed to safely install them. This is an important consideration for those whose carports may be beginning to age.
If the crew can safely navigate and operate on the roof, the additional weight of the solar panels is often negligible. In fact, the weight of the solar panels is minimized once they are spread out and installed, and the additional load applied to the roof is often no more than 2 or 3 pounds per square foot.
Other Mounting Methods
Asphalt & Metal Roof Mounting
Roofing is the most common way to install solar panels, and the most common roofing materials in our area, by far, are asphalt shingles and metal roofing. These are often the ideal places to install the panels since they are out of the way and free of obstructions.
Ground Mounting
For situations where no suitable roof is available, or where roof mounting is to be avoided for whatever reason, it may be possible to use a ground mount. This allows your panels to be mounted on a freestanding rack mounted on a pole.
Barrett Can Is Ready To Be Your Solar Installation Partner
Whether you’re ready to get started on your solar system, or need more information about solar panel use on carports, don’t hesitate to reach out to Barrett today to discuss your needs and how we can best help you meet those needs.