Solar Carport Costs: Complete Installation Guide & ROI Analysis

Solar carports cost between $3.15 and $4.50 per watt in 2026, with a typical 5 kW residential system running $15,750 to $22,500 before state and local incentives. That is approximately 20% to 75% more than rooftop solar ($2.56 per watt) because the price includes both the solar energy system and the structural carport frame, foundation, and engineering.

Solar carports are worth the investment for property owners who need covered parking and want to generate clean energy from the same structure, especially when the existing roof is unsuitable for solar panels. Most homeowners recover their investment within 9 to 13 years through electricity savings alone, with net savings of $14,000 to $29,000 over a 25-year system lifespan depending on local utility rates.

Important for 2026: The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit for homeowner-owned solar systems expired on December 31, 2025. Homeowners can still access federal tax credit savings by financing through a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), where the system provider claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (Section 48E) and passes savings through as lower monthly payments. State incentives including rebates, SRECs, property tax exemptions, and net metering programs remain widely available.

The global solar carport market is projected to grow from $531 million in 2025 to $905 million by 2032 according to Fortune Business Insights, driven by electric vehicle adoption, rising electricity costs, and demand for dual-purpose renewable energy structures. Solar carports require building permits ($200 to $800), electrical permits ($100 to $300), and utility interconnection agreements, with total installation timelines of 8 to 16 weeks.

This guide covers solar carport costs, ROI analysis, battery storage integration, the best solar carport manufacturers for residential and commercial use, DIY feasibility, and the permitting requirements property owners need to know in 2026.

Data current as of February 2026. Solar pricing, incentives, and regulations vary by location. Verify current costs, tax credits, and permit requirements with local installers, tax professionals, and your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before making investment decisions.

What Is a Solar Carport?

A solar carport is an overhead canopy structure equipped with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that generates electricity while providing covered parking for vehicles. Unlike traditional rooftop solar installations, solar carports are standalone structures built over driveways, parking areas, or open spaces, allowing property owners to generate clean energy without modifying their existing roof.

Solar carports function identically to traditional rooftop solar systems in terms of energy generation. The key components include solar panels mounted on top of the carport structure to capture sunlight, inverters that convert DC electricity from panels to AC electricity for home use, a mounting system that secures panels to the carport frame, electrical components including wiring, breakers, and monitoring systems, and a grid connection that ties the system to the property’s electrical panel and utility grid.

The electricity generated flows directly to the property’s electrical system, reducing utility bills and providing clean, renewable energy. Any excess power can be fed back into the grid through net metering programs where available, earning credits on the electric bill.

Solar Carport Types and Configurations

Solar carports come in various configurations to suit different needs and spaces.

Residential carports typically accommodate 1 to 3 vehicles with 5 to 25 kW systems. These are designed for driveways and standalone parking areas at single-family homes.

Commercial carports are large-scale installations covering dozens or hundreds of parking spaces. These are common at shopping centers, corporate campuses, hospitals, and government facilities.

Cantilever designs use single-column support structures that maximize parking space and provide easier vehicle access. The panels extend outward from one side of the support columns.

Traditional designs use multi-column structures offering enhanced stability. These are better suited for areas with high wind loads or heavy snow accumulation.

Single-row configurations cover one row of parking spaces, while double-row configurations span two rows of parking with a central support structure, making them more cost-effective per parking space for larger installations.

Structural Materials

Solar carports are typically constructed using engineered structural materials designed for long-term durability and weather resistance.

Aluminum frames are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective. They are well-suited for residential installations and coastal areas where salt air can degrade other materials.

Steel frames are stronger and more durable, making them ideal for larger commercial installations that must support heavier panel arrays and withstand higher structural loads.

Galvanized components provide enhanced weather resistance and longevity through a protective zinc coating that prevents corrosion over the system’s 25 to 30 year lifespan.

Polycarbonate panels are an optional translucent roofing material that allows partial light transmission beneath the carport while still providing weather protection.

Solar Carport Cost in 2026

Understanding the true cost of solar carports is essential for making an informed investment decision.

Based on EnergySage Marketplace data from the second half of 2025, solar carport systems cost approximately $3.15 per watt on average. However, industry sources including GreenLancer report fully installed costs ranging from $3.75 to $4.50 or more per watt when the complete structural build, foundation work, and engineering are included. The variation depends on system size, structural materials, geographic location, labor costs, and project complexity.

The per-watt cost includes several components: the solar panels and inverters, the structural carport frame and foundation, electrical wiring and conduit, mounting hardware and racking, permitting and engineering fees, and installation labor.

For a typical 5-kilowatt residential solar carport, property owners can expect to pay approximately $15,750 to $22,500 before any state or local incentives. Homeowners who finance through a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) may access lower effective costs because the system provider can claim available commercial tax credits and pass savings through as reduced monthly rates.

Important Update on Federal Solar Incentives for 2026

The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) for homeowner-owned solar systems expired on December 31, 2025, after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act accelerated the original phase-down schedule set by the Inflation Reduction Act. This means homeowners who purchase and own their solar carport systems outright in 2026 can no longer claim the federal residential tax credit.

However, federal incentives are still available through other paths. Homeowners who finance through a solar lease or PPA can benefit because the system provider claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (Section 48E) and passes savings through as lower monthly payments. The commercial ITC remains at 30% for solar projects that begin construction before July 4, 2026, or are placed in service by December 31, 2027.

Battery storage systems installed through third-party ownership (leases or PPAs) continue to qualify for the ITC through 2032.

State and local incentives remain widely available and vary by location. These include state rebates, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions on solar equipment, and net metering programs. Property owners should research incentives available in their state through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).

For commercial properties, the financial picture remains strong. Businesses can claim the 30% commercial ITC (Section 48E) for projects that begin construction before July 4, 2026, plus accelerated depreciation through the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). US-made solar carport structures, panels, and inverters may qualify for an additional 10% Domestic Content Bonus Credit, potentially reducing commercial project costs by up to 40%.

Cost Comparison: Carport Vs. Rooftop Vs. Ground-Mount

When evaluating solar installation options, property owners should compare the three primary system types based on cost, energy production, and additional benefits.

Solar carports cost approximately $3.15 to $4.50 per watt and are typically sized between 5 and 25 kW for residential applications. They provide dual functionality with vehicle protection, allow optimal panel orientation, and are ideal for properties with unsuitable roofs or limited roof space. The higher cost is primarily due to the structural frame and foundation required.

Rooftop solar systems cost approximately $2.56 per watt and are the most cost-effective option for properties with suitable roofs. They require no additional land or structures but are limited by roof size, orientation, shading, age, and condition. Rooftop systems typically cover 90% or more of a household’s electricity needs.

Ground-mount solar systems cost approximately $3.15 to $3.30 per watt and are well-suited for properties with available open land. They allow optimal panel orientation and are easy to maintain and access. Ground-mount systems require dedicated land area that cannot be used for other purposes.

Solar carports cost approximately 20% to 75% more per watt than rooftop solar but provide additional value through vehicle protection, flexible positioning independent of roof conditions, and potential for EV charging integration. When the value of covered parking is factored into the analysis, solar carports become more competitive with alternative installation types.

Are Solar Carports Worth It?

Solar carports are worth the investment for property owners who need covered parking and want to generate clean energy from the same structure. While the upfront cost is higher than rooftop solar, the dual functionality, long-term electricity savings, and added property value make solar carports a strong financial decision when evaluated over a 25-year system lifespan.

A 5kW residential solar carport costs approximately $15,750 to $22,500 before any incentives. With average electricity savings of $1,200 to $1,800 per year depending on local utility rates, most homeowners recover their investment within 9 to 13 years through reduced electricity bills alone. Over a 25-year system lifespan, net savings typically range from $14,000 to $29,000 depending on local electricity rates, annual rate increases, and available state or local incentives.

Homeowners who finance through a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) can often reduce the effective cost because the system provider claims available commercial tax credits and passes the savings through as lower monthly rates. State-level incentives including rebates, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), property tax exemptions, and net metering programs can further improve the financial return. Property owners should research incentives available in their state through the DSIRE database.

Key factors that determine whether a solar carport is worth it include:

Electricity rates in the area. Homeowners in states with high electricity costs like California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York see faster payback periods. Properties paying $0.20 per kWh or more typically recover their investment within 9 to 10 years even without the federal residential tax credit.

Available roof space and condition. Solar carports are particularly valuable when the existing roof is too small, shaded by trees, has an unfavorable orientation, or is nearing the end of its lifespan. Building a carport avoids the cost of a roof replacement before solar installation.

Electric vehicle ownership or plans. Solar carports paired with Level 2 EV chargers allow property owners to fuel their vehicles with solar electricity. This can save an additional $500 to $1,200 per year in fuel costs compared to gasoline vehicles, significantly accelerating the overall return on investment.

Net metering availability. In states with full retail net metering, excess solar energy generated by a carport system earns credits on the utility bill at the full retail electricity rate. This maximizes the financial return and can reduce annual electricity costs by 80% to 100%.

Property value increase. A 2015 study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory analyzed nearly 22,000 home sales across eight states and found that homes with owned solar PV systems sold for a premium averaging approximately $4 per watt in California and $3 per watt in other states studied. For a 5kW solar carport, this could translate to a $15,000 to $20,000 increase in property value. A 2019 Zillow analysis also found that homes with solar sold for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.

Permitting and design complexity. Solar carports require both structural building permits and electrical permits, which vary significantly by jurisdiction. Working with a permitting specialist like Solar Permit Solutions streamlines the approval process and prevents costly delays. Solar Permit Solutions handles solar carport permit design and engineering across all 50 states, ensuring each project meets local AHJ requirements, NEC code compliance, and structural load specifications from the start.

For commercial properties, solar carports remain one of the strongest renewable energy investments available in 2026. Businesses can still claim the 30% commercial Investment Tax Credit (Section 48E) for solar projects that begin construction before July 4, 2026, or are placed in service by December 31, 2027. Combined with accelerated depreciation through MACRS, reduced operating costs, demand charge reduction, and visible sustainability commitments, commercial solar carports often achieve payback periods of 5 to 8 years. Commercial carport projects involve more complex permitting requirements including fire code compliance, ADA accessibility reviews, and utility interconnection agreements. Solar Permit Solutions provides commercial solar carport design packages that include site plans, structural calculations, electrical single-line diagrams, and engineering stamps to keep large-scale projects on schedule.

Solar Carport With Battery Storage

Adding battery storage to a solar carport costs approximately $10,000 to $20,000 depending on battery capacity and brand, bringing the total system cost for a 5 kW solar carport with 13 to 15 kWh battery to between $26,000 and $35,000 before incentives.
Pairing a solar carport with battery storage creates a more resilient and financially efficient energy system. Battery storage allows property owners to store excess solar energy generated during peak sunlight hours and use it during the evening, at night, or during power outages. This combination is especially valuable in areas with time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates, reduced net metering programs, or frequent grid outages.

With the expiration of the residential solar tax credit for homeowner-owned systems at the end of 2025, battery storage has become an even more important strategy for maximizing the financial value of a solar carport. Storing and using solar energy on-site rather than exporting it to the grid at potentially reduced credit rates increases the direct savings from every kilowatt-hour produced.

How Solar Carport Battery Storage Works

Solar panels on the carport generate electricity during daylight hours. A battery storage system, typically installed near the main electrical panel or at the base of the carport structure, captures surplus energy that the property does not use immediately. When electricity demand exceeds solar production or during grid outages, the stored energy discharges to power the home or business.

Cost of Adding Battery Storage to a Solar Carport

Adding battery storage to a solar carport system increases the total project cost by approximately $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the battery capacity and brand. Here is a general cost breakdown for popular residential battery options in 2026:

Tesla Powerwall 3 costs approximately $15,400 to $17,000 installed before incentives, with 13.5 kWh usable capacity and 11.5 kW continuous power output. The Powerwall 3 includes a built-in solar inverter, which can eliminate the need for a separate inverter and reduce total system costs. Tesla backs the Powerwall 3 with a 10-year warranty.

Franklin aPower S costs approximately $13,000 to $17,000 installed, with 15 kWh usable capacity, 10 kW continuous output (15 kW peak), and a 15-year warranty. The aPower S uses DC-coupled hybrid architecture and offers universal generator compatibility and meter collar technology for streamlined whole-home backup.

Enphase IQ Battery 5P costs approximately $10,000 to $14,000 installed, with 5 kWh per unit that is stackable up to 80 kWh total capacity. Enphase batteries require Enphase microinverters for compatibility.

SolarEdge Home Battery costs approximately $10,000 to $13,000 installed, with 9.7 kWh usable capacity. SolarEdge batteries integrate with SolarEdge inverter systems.

Important note on battery incentives for 2026: The 30% federal tax credit for homeowner-owned battery systems expired on December 31, 2025, alongside the residential solar credit. However, homeowners who install battery storage through a solar lease or PPA arrangement may still benefit from the commercial ITC claimed by the system provider. Battery storage under third-party ownership continues to qualify for the ITC through 2032. Additionally, many states offer separate battery storage incentives. California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), New York’s NYSERDA storage rebate, and programs in Massachusetts, Oregon, and other states can significantly reduce battery costs. Property owners should check their state’s current battery incentive programs.

Benefits of Combining Solar Carports With Battery Storage

Backup power during outages. Battery storage provides essential backup electricity during grid failures. Properties in areas prone to severe weather, wildfires, or rolling blackouts benefit from having stored solar energy available when the grid goes down.

Time-of-use rate optimization. In states like California, Arizona, and Hawaii where utilities charge higher rates during peak evening hours, battery storage allows property owners to use stored solar energy instead of purchasing expensive grid electricity. This strategy can save an additional $300 to $800 per year compared to a solar carport without storage.

Maximized self-consumption. In states where net metering credits have been reduced or eliminated, battery storage ensures that more of the solar energy produced is consumed on-site rather than exported at a lower rate. Maximizing self-consumption improves the financial return of the entire system.

Reduced grid dependence. A solar carport with battery storage can cover 70% to 90% of a household’s electricity needs, significantly reducing reliance on the utility grid and providing insulation against future rate increases.

EV charging flexibility. Solar carports with battery storage enable EV charging at any time, including overnight. The battery stores daytime solar production and delivers it to the EV charger after sunset, eliminating the need to charge from the grid during expensive peak hours.

Design and permitting considerations. Adding battery storage to a solar carport increases the complexity of the permit package. The electrical single-line diagram must account for the battery inverter, transfer switch, and critical load panel in addition to the standard solar equipment. Battery installations also require compliance with NEC Article 706 (Energy Storage Systems) and may trigger additional fire code setbacks depending on the jurisdiction and NFPA 855 requirements. Solar Permit Solutions designs solar carport systems with battery storage integration, producing permit-ready plan sets that include updated electrical diagrams, equipment specifications, and code-compliant layouts for faster AHJ approval.

Who Should Consider Solar Carport Battery Storage?

Battery storage makes the most financial sense for property owners in the following situations: the utility charges time-of-use rates with significant peak and off-peak price differences, net metering credits have been reduced or are unavailable, the property experiences frequent power outages, the homeowner owns or plans to purchase an electric vehicle, the property is located in an area with high electricity rates exceeding $0.20 per kWh, or state-level battery incentive programs are available to offset costs.

For commercial properties, battery storage combined with a solar carport can reduce demand charges, which often represent 30% to 50% of a commercial electricity bill. Commercial battery installations can still qualify for the 30% commercial ITC (for projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026) plus MACRS depreciation, making the economics significantly more favorable than residential battery installations in the current incentive environment.

Best Solar Carport Options for Residential and Commercial Use

The best solar carports for residential use in 2026 include Carport Structures, Brooklyn Solar Canopy, and Lumos Solar for custom installations, while Kern Solar Structures and Schletter lead in commercial applications.

Choosing the best solar carport depends on the property size, budget, intended use, and whether the installation will be professionally designed or assembled from a kit. Below is a breakdown of leading solar carport manufacturers and options available in 2026.

Best Solar Carport Manufacturers

Carport Structures specializes in custom solar carports for residential and commercial applications using steel and aluminum frames. Their systems include optional EV charging stations, integrated LED lighting, and custom powder coatings. Carport Structures offers engineering support and quick turnaround on installations.

Kern Solar Structures focuses on commercial and utility-scale solar carport projects. Their carports include optional GaskeX waterproofing, EV mounting brackets, lighting, and battery storage integration. Kern typically completes carport structure installation in approximately 5 days per unit.

Brooklyn Solar Canopy offers modular residential solar carport systems with a modern industrial design. Their prefabricated components allow for flexible configurations that adapt to different driveway sizes and layouts. Brooklyn Solar Canopy systems are designed for easy panel integration with standard residential solar equipment.

Schletter manufactures solar mounting systems including residential and commercial carport racking that is compatible with most solar panel brands. Schletter carports come with a 10-year durability warranty and require minimal ongoing maintenance.

Lumos Solar produces frameless solar panel carport systems that double as architectural features. Their transparent solar modules allow partial light transmission, creating a modern aesthetic while generating electricity. Lumos systems are popular for high-end residential and boutique commercial installations.

Solar Carport DIY: Can You Build Your Own?

DIY solar carport kits cost between $2,000 and $6,000 for the structure alone, with total project costs of $10,000 to $16,000 when adding a 5 kW solar panel system, electrical components, and permitting.
DIY solar carport kits are available for homeowners who want to reduce installation costs by handling some or all of the construction work themselves. A typical DIY solar carport kit includes the structural frame, mounting hardware, and assembly instructions, with the solar panels and electrical components purchased separately.

DIY solar carport kits generally cost between $2,000 and $6,000 for the structure alone, not including solar panels, inverters, wiring, or permitting. When adding a 5kW solar panel system, the total DIY project cost ranges from $10,000 to $16,000 before any state or local incentives.

Important considerations for DIY solar carport installations:

Permitting requirements still apply. Most jurisdictions require building permits for carport structures and separate electrical permits for solar panel systems. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will review structural plans and may require stamped engineering drawings even for DIY projects. Solar Permit Solutions provides permit design packages for DIY solar carport builders who need professionally drafted site plans, structural calculations, and electrical diagrams to submit to their local AHJ. This allows homeowners to save on installation labor while still meeting all code and permitting requirements.

Electrical work requires a licensed professional. While homeowners can often assemble the carport frame themselves, the solar panel wiring, inverter installation, and grid interconnection must be performed by a licensed electrician in most states. Improper electrical work can void warranties, create safety hazards, and prevent utility interconnection approval.

Structural engineering may be required. Depending on the local building code and the AHJ, a licensed professional engineer may need to review and stamp the carport structural design. This is especially common in areas with high wind loads, seismic activity, or snow load requirements. Solar Permit Solutions works with licensed professional engineers across all 50 states who can provide stamped structural calculations and engineering reviews for solar carport projects, ensuring the design meets local load requirements and building code standards.

Warranty limitations. Self-installed carport structures may not carry the same warranty coverage as professionally installed systems. Some solar panel manufacturers also require professional installation to maintain their product warranties.

When a DIY solar carport makes sense: Homeowners with construction experience, properties in jurisdictions with straightforward permitting processes, and situations where the primary goal is cost savings on the structural component while hiring professionals for the electrical and solar work.

When professional installation is recommended: Properties in areas with strict building codes, complex permitting requirements, high wind or snow load zones, or when the homeowner wants full warranty coverage and turnkey project management.

Whether choosing a DIY approach or full professional installation, the permitting and engineering requirements remain the same. Solar Permit Solutions simplifies the most complex part of any solar carport project by handling permit design, structural engineering, electrical diagrams, and utility interconnection applications nationwide. Property owners and installers can request a free quote to get started on their solar carport permit package.

Financing a Solar Carport

Even without the federal residential tax credit, multiple financing options make solar carports accessible for property owners at various budget levels.

Solar loans offer $0 down options with competitive interest rates typically ranging from 3% to 8% APR. The property owner owns the system outright and retains any applicable state incentives, SRECs, and net metering credits. Monthly loan payments are often offset partially or fully by electricity savings.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) require $0 down. The system provider owns, installs, and maintains the solar carport, and the property owner pays for the electricity generated at a set per-kilowatt-hour rate that is typically lower than the utility rate. Because the provider owns the system, they can claim the commercial ITC and pass savings through as lower rates. This is currently one of the most effective ways for homeowners to access federal tax credit value in 2026.

Solar leases involve fixed monthly payments with no maintenance responsibility for the property owner. Like PPAs, the system provider owns the equipment and can claim available commercial tax credits, reducing the lease cost.

Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow against their property equity, and the interest may be tax-deductible. These loans often offer lower interest rates than unsecured solar loans.

Cash purchase provides the highest long-term savings because there are no interest charges or monthly payments. While the federal residential tax credit is no longer available for homeowner-owned systems, state and local incentives may still apply. Cash purchase also maximizes property value increases and provides full ownership of all energy production.

Permitting and Installation Timeline

Solar carports require multiple permits and approvals before installation can begin.

Building permits cost between $200 and $800 and cover the structural installation of the carport frame, including foundation, setback requirements, height restrictions, and structural load calculations. Most AHJs require stamped structural engineering drawings for carport structures.

Electrical permits cost between $100 and $300 and cover the solar panel wiring, inverter installation, conduit runs, and grid interconnection. Electrical permits ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically Article 690 for Solar PV Systems and Article 706 for Energy Storage Systems when battery storage is included.

Utility interconnection agreements are required before the system can connect to the grid and begin exporting excess power. The utility reviews the system design, confirms equipment compatibility, and installs a bidirectional meter. Processing timelines vary from 1 to 6 weeks depending on the utility.

HOA approval may be necessary if the property is in a homeowners association. Many states have solar access laws that limit HOA restrictions on solar installations, but approval processes vary.

The total installation timeline typically spans 8 to 16 weeks from contract signing to system activation. This includes 2 to 4 weeks for system design and engineering, 2 to 6 weeks for permitting and AHJ approval, 1 to 3 weeks for equipment procurement, 1 to 2 weeks for physical installation, and 1 to 4 weeks for inspection and utility interconnection.

Solar Carport Permitting and Design With Solar Permit Solutions

Solar carport projects involve more complex permitting and engineering requirements than standard rooftop solar installations. The carport structure itself requires a building permit with structural calculations that demonstrate compliance with local wind, snow, and seismic load requirements. The solar energy system requires a separate electrical permit with single-line diagrams, equipment specifications, and NEC code compliance documentation. Many jurisdictions also require a utility interconnection agreement before the system can connect to the grid.

Navigating these requirements across different AHJs can delay projects by weeks or months, especially when plan sets are rejected for missing information or code compliance issues. This is where professional permitting and design services become essential.

Solar Permit Solutions is a nationwide solar permitting and design company that operates across all 50 states. The company specializes in producing AHJ-ready permit packages for residential and commercial solar projects, including solar carport installations of all sizes.

Solar carport services provided by Solar Permit Solutions include:

Permit-ready plan sets. Every solar carport permit package includes a complete site plan, roof plan (for the carport structure), electrical single-line diagram, equipment specifications, and installation details formatted to meet local AHJ submission requirements.

Structural engineering and PE stamps. Solar Permit Solutions coordinates with licensed professional engineers in every state to provide stamped structural calculations for carport foundations, framing, and panel load specifications. This ensures the carport design meets local building code requirements for wind loads, snow loads, and seismic activity.

Electrical engineering. For larger or more complex solar carport systems, Solar Permit Solutions provides electrical engineering services including load calculations, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection design, and NEC Article 690 (Solar PV Systems) and Article 706 (Energy Storage Systems) compliance documentation.

Utility interconnection applications. Solar Permit Solutions prepares and submits utility interconnection applications on behalf of installers and property owners, ensuring the required forms, single-line diagrams, and equipment specifications are submitted correctly to avoid delays in system activation.

Battery storage integration design. For solar carport projects that include battery storage, Solar Permit Solutions designs updated electrical diagrams that account for the battery inverter, transfer switch, critical load panel, and any additional fire code setback requirements under NFPA 855.

EV charger integration support. Solar carport designs that incorporate EV charging stations require additional electrical capacity planning and may trigger separate EV charging permits in some jurisdictions. Solar Permit Solutions includes EV charger specifications in the permit package when applicable.

Why Solar Installers and Property Owners Choose Solar Permit Solutions for Carport Projects

Solar carports sit at the intersection of structural construction and solar energy, which means the permit package must satisfy both the building department and the electrical inspector. Many AHJs review carport permits more carefully than standard rooftop solar because the structure is new construction rather than an addition to an existing building. Having a professionally designed permit package that anticipates AHJ review criteria reduces the risk of plan corrections, resubmissions, and project delays.

Solar Permit Solutions has processed thousands of solar permit packages across every state and maintains up-to-date knowledge of AHJ-specific requirements, local code amendments, and utility interconnection procedures. This experience is especially valuable for solar carport projects where the permitting process is less standardized than rooftop solar.

Property owners and solar installers can request a free quote for solar carport permitting and design services at solarpermitsolutions.com.

Advantages of Solar Carports

The primary advantage of solar carports is their ability to serve two essential functions simultaneously.

Energy generation and cost savings. Solar carports produce clean electricity to power properties, reducing or eliminating monthly utility bills. In states with net metering, excess production earns credits that further offset costs. Over a 25-year lifespan, a residential solar carport can save property owners $14,000 to $29,000 in electricity costs.

Vehicle protection. Solar carports shield cars from weather elements including sun, rain, snow, and hail. UV protection prevents paint fading and interior damage, while shaded vehicles require less air conditioning, reducing fuel consumption and improving comfort.

Space maximization. Solar carports require no additional land beyond existing driveways and parking areas. They preserve yard space, avoid roof limitations, and allow flexible positioning for optimal sun exposure regardless of building orientation.

EV charging integration. Solar carports are perfectly positioned for EV charging stations. Direct solar-to-EV charging powers vehicles with clean energy, reduces transportation fuel costs by $500 to $1,200 per year, and supports the growing transition to electric vehicles.

Property value increase. Research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Zillow confirms that solar installations increase property values. The added functionality of covered parking combined with solar generation makes solar carports attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.

Optimal panel positioning. Unlike rooftop systems that are limited by existing roof angle and orientation, solar carports can be engineered with optimal tilt and azimuth angles to maximize energy production throughout the year.

Conclusion

Is a Solar Carport Right for Your Property?
Solar carports deliver long-term electricity savings of $14,000 to $29,000 over 25 years while protecting vehicles and preserving roof and yard space for other uses. At $3.15 to $4.50 per watt in 2026, the upfront cost is higher than rooftop solar, but the dual functionality, flexible positioning, and EV charging potential make carports the stronger investment for properties with limited roof space, aging roofs, or electric vehicle charging needs.

The expiration of the 30% federal residential solar tax credit at the end of 2025 changed the math but did not eliminate the opportunity. Homeowners who finance through a solar lease or PPA still access federal incentive savings through the commercial ITC, and state-level rebates, SRECs, property tax exemptions, and net metering programs continue to reduce costs across most of the country. For commercial properties, the 30% commercial ITC and MACRS depreciation keep solar carports among the highest-returning capital investments available through 2027.

The most common reason solar carport projects stall is not cost but permitting complexity. Carports require both structural building permits and electrical permits, and many AHJs review these applications more carefully than standard rooftop solar because the structure is new construction. A rejected or incomplete permit package can delay a project by weeks and add thousands in revision costs.

Solar Permit Solutions eliminates that bottleneck. With permit-ready plan sets, PE-stamped structural engineering, electrical diagrams, and utility interconnection support across all 50 states, SPS handles the most complex part of any solar carport project so property owners and installers can focus on installation and energy production. Request a free quote at solarpermitsolutions.com to get your solar carport permitted and built right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Solar Carport Charge an Electric Vehicle?

A solar carport can be designed to charge an electric vehicle. The solar panels on the carport generate electricity that can be routed to a Level 2 EV charging station, allowing the solar energy to charge the vehicle while providing shelter. When combined with battery storage, the carport can charge EVs overnight using stored solar energy produced during the day. This dual-purpose solution is ideal for homeowners and businesses looking to combine vehicle protection with clean, renewable transportation fuel.

Is a Solar Carport the Same as a Solar Parking Canopy?

The terms “solar carport” and “solar parking canopy” are often used interchangeably, as both refer to structures that combine a parking shelter with solar power generation. While there may be slight design variations, both solar carports and solar parking canopies feature a covered structure with solar panels that provides shade for vehicles while generating electricity. Related structures include solar pergolas, solar gazebos, and solar patio covers, which serve similar functions in outdoor recreational spaces rather than parking areas.

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Ready to explore solar carports for your property? Contact Solar Permit Solutions for professional permit design, structural engineering, and utility interconnection support for residential and commercial solar carport projects across all 50 states. Request a free quote at solarpermitsolutions.com.