Solar carport - The advantages of a carport with a solar roof

Have you ever thought about a solar carport? The installation can be worthwhile. In this article, we tell you what you need to know.

Why is a solar carport worthwhile?

A carport with photovoltaic system in short (PV) has many advantages:

1. You generate your own electricity
2. You can power your home and your electric vehicle
3. The solar system finances your carport
4. You make yourself independent of the electricity supplier
5. During installation, you are independent of the structural specifications of the house
6. You have the possibility to expand an existing PV system in a simple way.

How expensive is a solar carport?

How expensive a solar carport is depends on various factors. On the one hand, these are the characteristics of the carport, such as material and size, and on the other hand the photovoltaic system itself.

However, to give you an idea of the approximate costs involved, here is a rough overview.

For a wooden carport construction, the prices for the simplest models are around 350 euros. Metal constructions start at around 1500 euros, so they are generally more expensive, but also more durable and of better quality. Then there are the prices for the actual system. Here, however, it gets a little more complicated.

Of course, the size of the system also plays a role - just as with the carport scaffolding. However, the costs for the installation, the inverter and the operating costs of the system must also be taken into account. The meter cabinet may also have to be replaced and a PV storage tank installed. Of course, only if you want to use the generated electricity at night.

In total, you must therefore expect the following costs:

1. The carport: from 350 euros wood / from 1500 euros for PV metal carports.
2. The photovoltaic modules: Inexpensive PV modules for the carport cost around 160 to 230 euros. They have an output of 300 to 350 watts. To make the installation worthwhile, a seven kilowatt peak system is recommended. The bottom line is about 4,000 euros for the modules alone.
3. The power optimiser: This costs 60 euros, but is worthwhile for temporary shading.
4. The inverter: It reduces the conversion losses and costs between 1,200 and 2,500 euros.
5. Installation: The installation system is priced between 500 and 1,300 euros. Differences exist in the type of installation. If it is to be an in-roof installation, this is usually more expensive.
6. Operating costs such as maintenance, insurance and costs for the meter.
7. If necessary, a PV storage tank: The costs for this are around 4,000 to 13,000 euros.
8. In addition, there are the costs for the installation of the system. Depending on the effort, these services are 800 and 1,000 euros for the electrical installation and 800 to 2,000 euros for the assembly.

Tip: The additional installation of a smart meter costs around 300 euros for smaller systems, but increases self-consumption. This makes the investment worthwhile and contributes to a faster amortisation of the carportPV system.

In total, a high-quality photovoltaic system as a carport roof in the most favourable variant is therefore 7,960 euros, with PV storage at 11,960 euros.

Thus, the solar carport has its price, but the purchase is worth it. Once installed, a carport with Solar modules constant power. For example, to fuel an electric vehicle or to use the energy in the house. This is particularly important if we expect a sharp rise in the price of electricity over the next few years.

Tip: KFW banks also offer favourable models for financing, especially in combination with an electric vehicle.

How much electricity can a solar carport generate?

Thegreatest yield is achieved by installing on a flat roof that slopes slightly to the south. This is usually not shaded by buildings or trees. However, how much solar energy can actually be harvested also depends on the PV modules used. It also depends on the region in which the system is installed. For example, if you often have bad weather conditions, the yield is lower than if the sun shines 365 days a year.

Inconcrete terms, this means that theoretically there are about 1000-1300 kWh of solar energy per m2 of surface area. However, with a PV system, only about 130 to 200 kWh of electricity per m² are actually harvested. That is 8,000 kWh to 12,000 kWh per 60 m2 per year, depending on the region.

Retrofit a solar system on the carport?

That's no problem at all! Of course, a solar system on the carport can also be retrofitted. The PV modules for the carport are then usually attached to the existing roof with a mounting system.

Such an installation makes the most sense if a carport has a roof facing south, south-east or south-west. If the roof faces north, a conversion may be necessary. After that, nothing stands in the way of installing your PV car port. In general, make sure to avoid gross mistakes during the PV installation.

The perfect combination: Solar Caport and e-car

Photovoltaics as a carport roof is particularly suitable as a combination with an electric car. Not only do you receive attractive Subsidies from the KFW Bank benefits, it also makes the charging of your e-vehicle more independent. Do you intend to purchase a PV storage unit, for example? Then you can temporarily store the electricity generated during the day and use it to refuel your vehicle overnight. In this way, the Solar Caport and the e-car support each other in amortisation.