What Are Solar Carports?
Solar carports are raised steel canopies with photovoltaic (solar) panels that produce renewable energy while sheltering parked vehicles. For businesses and other properties with large parking lots, these solar canopies can transform the open space into a multi-purpose financial asset. If your facility’s roof is too old, shaded, or structurally unable to support a traditional solar array, a solar carport offers an ideal alternative.
An aerial view of East Terrace Apartments, with solar on the roof and a solar carport over the parking lot.
What Are the Main Benefits of Commercial Solar Carports?
Installing solar parking canopies delivers operational, financial, and environmental advantages for commercial and industrial facilities:
- Maximized Land Use: Parking lots occupy large amounts of land and commonly don’t generate revenue. Solar carports turn underutilized space into an on-site power plant while keeping every parking stall open.
- Lower Utility Bills and Peak Demand Charges: Generating electricity on-site directly offsets your facility's daytime power consumption. This protects your bottom line from rising utility rates.
- All-Weather Vehicle Protection: Canopies shield your employee, customer, and fleet vehicles from intense summer heat, heavy rain, and Wisconsin snowstorms. Covered lots also reduce snow removal and salting costs during winter months.
- Built-In Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Solar canopies provide the structural framework and electrical pathways needed to easily integrate commercial EV charging stations, allowing staff and fleet vehicles to run on clean, renewable energy.
- Optimal Panel Orientation: Unlike flat roofs or fixed-pitch buildings, carport steel structures can be engineered at the exact tilt angle needed to capture maximum sunlight year-round.
How Do Solar Carports Compare to Rooftop and Ground-Mount Solar?
Choosing the right solar mounting strategy depends on your property layout, roof condition, and energy goals.
| Feature | Solar Carports | Rooftop Solar | Ground-Mount Solar |
| Space Required | Existing parking lots | Suitable roof | Open, undeveloped land |
| Dual Functionality | Generates power & shades cars | Generates power only | Generates power only |
| Roof Impact | Zero roof penetrations | Requires sound roof condition | Zero roof penetrations |
| EV Charger Integration | Seamless canopy wiring | Requires trenching to lot | Requires trenching to lot |
Can Solar Carports Integrate with Battery Storage?
Yes, pairing a commercial solar carport with battery energy storage creates resilient energy management for your facility! During peak hours when utility demand charges spike, your building can draw stored solar power from the batteries instead of the grid. In the event of a severe storm or grid outage, your battery backup keeps critical industrial machinery, lighting, and fleet chargers running smoothly.
Energy storage batteries installed under a solar panel canopy.
Why Partner with Arch Solar for Your Solar Canopy Project?
Designing and building a solar carport requires expertise in structural engineering, electrical interconnection, and local zoning codes. With decades of combined engineering experience, we handle every phase of your project in-house—from initial feasibility studies and 3D canopy shading models to installation and long-term operations and maintenance.
Ready to see how much clean energy your parking lot can produce? Contact us today to schedule a complimentary site assessment and custom financial analysis.
