Commercial properties typically have two major sun-exposed assets: rooftops and parking areas. For many years, solar development focused primarily on rooftops because they were simpler and less expensive to engineer.

In recent years, solar carports have become a more widely considered option for commercial sites with large parking areas. This shift is driven by improvements in solar economics, stronger federal incentives for commercial systems, and increased demand for EV charging infrastructure at workplaces, retail centers, and institutions.

This guide explains what solar carports are, how they work, typical costs, engineering requirements, energy production, and when they may be a good fit compared to rooftop solar.

What Is a Solar Carport?

A solar carport is a parking structure designed to support solar panels as its roof system. Instead of mounting panels on an existing building, the system is built over parking spaces using a dedicated steel structure and foundation.

Vehicles park underneath while the system generates electricity that can be used on-site or exported to the grid depending on system design and utility interconnection agreements.

Unlike rooftop solar, carports are standalone structures. They typically require:

• Engineered steel framing

• Concrete foundations or piers

• Underground electrical infrastructure

• Utility interconnection upgrades in some cases

Because of these structural requirements, carports generally involve higher upfront costs than rooftop systems, but they can also provide additional functionality such as shaded parking and EV charging readiness.

How Solar Carports Work

From an energy perspective, solar carports operate in the same way as rooftop solar systems.

Solar panels mounted on the canopy convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. Inverters convert this electricity into alternating current (AC), which is then used on-site or exported to the grid.

The main system components include:

• Solar panels (modules)

• Inverters (string or microinverters)

• Mounting structure and steel canopy

• Electrical wiring and conduit

• Monitoring systems for performance tracking

Energy Production from Solar Carports

Solar carports generate electricity at similar rates to rooftop solar because they use the same photovoltaic technology.

Typical U.S. production estimates range from:

• 1,200 to 1,500 kWh per kW per year

Example Production Estimates

• 100 kW system → 120,000–150,000 kWh/year

• 500 kW system → 600,000–750,000 kWh/year

• 1 MW system → 1.2–1.5 million kWh/year

In some cases, carports may produce slightly more consistent output than rooftop systems because parking lots often allow for more optimal panel orientation and fewer shading obstructions.

Solar Carports vs Rooftop Solar

Both systems can be effective depending on site conditions.

Rooftop solar may be more suitable when:

• The roof is structurally sound and relatively new

• There is minimal shading

• There is sufficient available roof area

• Lower upfront cost is a priority

Solar carports may be more suitable when:

• Parking areas are large and underutilized

• Roof space is limited or already in use

• The roof requires replacement in the near future

• EV charging infrastructure is being planned

• Covered parking adds value for tenants or customers

Combined systems

Many commercial properties use both rooftop and carport solar to maximize total site generation capacity.

EV Charging Integration

Solar carports are frequently paired with EV charging infrastructure because both systems share electrical and civil components.

Key advantages include:

• Shared trenching and conduit installation

• Reduced duplication of electrical infrastructure

• Alignment of solar generation with daytime charging demand

• Improved site readiness for future EV adoption

When planned together, solar and EV infrastructure can often be designed more efficiently than when installed separately.

Maintenance and System Lifespan

Commercial solar carports are generally designed for long-term operation.

Typical lifespan:

• Structural system: 25–30+ years

• Solar panels: ~25-year performance warranty

• Inverters: 10–15 years (replacement expected once during system life)

Routine maintenance may include:

• Periodic visual inspections

• Electrical system checks

• Occasional panel cleaning depending on environment

• Structural inspections at scheduled intervals

Overall maintenance requirements are generally low compared to many other commercial building systems.

When Solar Carports May Be a Good Fit

Solar carports are typically most relevant for:

• Commercial properties with large parking lots

• Facilities with significant daytime electricity use

• Sites with limited or unsuitable rooftop space

• Organizations planning EV charging infrastructure

• Long-term property owners seeking asset improvement strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do solar carports last?

Structural systems typically last 25–30 years, with solar panels designed for long-term performance over similar timeframes.

Do solar carports qualify for incentives?

Commercial solar carports may qualify for federal incentives such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), as well as applicable state and utility programs depending on location.

Can solar carports support EV charging?

Yes. Many systems are designed with EV charging infrastructure in mind, often sharing electrical and trenching components to improve installation efficiency.

Are solar carports more expensive than rooftop solar?

Yes, generally on a per-watt basis, due to additional structural and civil engineering requirements. However, they may provide additional functional and site-level benefits depending on use case.

Final Note

Solar carports are one of several ways commercial properties can utilize available space for solar generation. Whether they are appropriate depends on site conditions, energy goals, infrastructure needs, and long-term planning considerations.

For many properties, they are most effective when evaluated alongside rooftop solar as part of a broader site energy strategy rather than as a standalone solution.