Of course it is worth it. We can often see parking sheds in shopping malls, residential areas, etc. If solar panels are installed on the top of these parking sheds, they can be used at any time for charging vehicles that use electricity, and also provide green power for shopping malls, etc., which not only saves on electricity bills effectively, but also reduces energy consumption.
In case of rural areas, the use of solar canopy system will be better than rooftop solar system if the economic conditions permit. Not only can it provide power to the user’s home, but the space under the shed can also be used for growing crops. Importantly, you no longer need to climb up on the roof to clean the dust, snow, etc. from the solar panels, and it provides you with easy access to both inspection and maintenance of the solar panels. Without considering the cost, a solar canopy is worth installing in every way.
Cost of Solar Canopy
Compared to traditional solar systems, solar canopies cost a lot more. A traditional solar system installed on a roof costs about $1 per watt, while a solar carport costs about $1.5 per watt.
So if you have a solar canopy with a 5KW solar panel, you will need to spend about $7500. But with a rooftop solar system, you only need to spend about $5,000. Moreover, the cost of the solar canopy you install is also related to the equipment you choose to install, the type of solar panels. If you have installed solar panels in your solar canopy system, then you are definitely spending a high cost.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar canopies
Advantages
(1) Multiple uses: It can be built as a solar carport for parking or as a gazebo to provide a place for people to relax.
(2) Installation locations: in shopping malls, parks, gas stations and other places can be installed.
(3) Suitable for installing bifacial solar panels: there is a lot of space left in the lower part of these solar panels after installation, which is very suitable for installing bifacial solar panels.
(4) Installation angle: Since its installation location is different from the roof, the installation angle can be flexibly selected so as to absorb and convert light energy with greater efficiency.
(5) Large space utilization: the lower part of the solar canopy has a lot of space for parking. If it is built in rural areas, the lower space can also be used to plant crops.
(6) Easier maintenance: If the solar panels are built on the roof, then every time the solar panels are inspected and repaired, you need to climb up to the roof, which is very dangerous. But solar canopy avoids this drawback, it does not need to climb very high to clean the dust or check the solar panels.
Disadvantages
(1) High cost: Compared to installing solar panels on the roof, the structure required for the installation of this type of solar panels is sturdier and therefore requires more material. Also, the labor cost for installation of this type of solar panel is higher;
(2) Space requirements: it requires a more open area for installation, and for areas with less available space, installing a solar canopy is a more difficult task.
(3) Consumption of resources: it is more technical than installing solar panels on the roof and requires more labor and material resources.
Conclusion
The solar canopy can also effectively utilize solar energy to generate green energy when playing the role of a parking shed, gazebo, etc. Whether it is for businesses or for individual homes, the solar canopy is a better choice.
