The Financial Breakdown of Solar Carports: Are They Worth It?

As energy bills continue to climb and households look for sustainable solutions, solar carports are emerging as a compelling option for generating renewable energy. With the ability to save money, power homes, and charge electric vehicles, these structures offer a unique alternative to rooftop solar panels. But are they worth the investment?

Let’s break down the costs of solar carports and determine whether they’re the right choice for your home.

What Are Solar Carports?

A solar carport is a covered parking structure equipped with solar panels on its roof, unlike traditional carports, these generate electricity by sunlight. Solar carports are particularly appealing to homeowners who may not have the option of installing rooftop solar panels due to shading, structural issues, or aesthetic concerns. They’re also ideal for those looking to expand their existing solar capacity or power an electric vehicle with clean energy.

The Costs of Solar Carports

One of the most significant factors to consider when evaluating solar carports is the upfront cost. Installation costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the structure:

• Single-car solar carports: Typically generate 4kW of energy and cost around £10,000 or more to install.
• Double-car solar carports: Offer 8kW of energy generation but come with a higher price tag, starting at £20,000.

These costs include not only the solar panels but also the structure itself, which provides weather protection and adds value to your property. While solar carports are more expensive than rooftop panels (which range between £4,000 and £6,000 for similar capacity), they may be the better option for homes with unsuitable roofs or those looking for additional solar power generation.

Potential Savings with Solar Carports

The savings generated by a solar carport depend on factors such as sunlight exposure, energy consumption, and whether excess energy is fed back into the grid. Here’s a rough estimate of potential savings:

• Single-car carport: Saves £1,100 to £1,200 annually, thanks to lower energy bills and payments from grid feed-in tariffs.
• Double-car carport: Saves up to £2,100 per year, offering more substantial returns.

Over time, these savings can offset the initial investment, with a typical payback period of 8 to 10 years. However, with energy prices expected to remain high, the long-term financial benefits could prove even more appealing.

Comparing Solar Carports to Rooftop Panels

For many households, rooftop solar panels remain the first choice due to their lower cost and straightforward installation. However, solar carports offer distinct advantages:

1. No scaffolding required: Installing rooftop panels on tall houses often involves expensive scaffolding, adding hundreds or even thousands to the overall cost.
2. Versatility: Solar carports are suitable for homes with south- or west-facing driveways that receive ample sunlight.
3. Dual functionality: In addition to generating energy, solar carports protect vehicles from weather and can integrate an electric vehicle charging point.
4. Scalability: Households with existing rooftop panels can use solar carports to increase their solar energy capacity.

Financial Considerations for Electric Vehicle Owners

For homeowners with electric vehicles, solar carports offer a unique advantage. By generating clean energy directly on-site, you can reduce reliance on grid electricity, which may still come from fossil fuel sources. Charging your car with solar energy not only cuts costs but also reduces your carbon footprint. Additionally, solar carports provide shade for parked vehicles, keeping them cool and potentially extending battery life.

Barriers to Adoption

While the benefits of solar carports are clear, there are some barriers to widespread adoption:

• High initial cost: The upfront investment may be prohibitive for many households, even with the promise of long-term savings.
• Limited availability: Solar carports are still relatively rare, and options may be limited in certain areas.
• Space requirements: Homes without suitable driveways or with significant shading may find solar carports impractical.

The Growing Market for Solar Carports

Despite these challenges, interest in solar carports is growing, with the European market projected to expand from approximately £175 million in 2024 to £382 million by 2032. This reflects a compound annual growth rate of around 10.3%. In the UK, the rapid adoption of solar energy solutions suggests a positive trend for solar carports, offering significant potential for households with suitable driveways.

While specific data on the number of residential solar carports in the UK is limited, the overall growth in solar installations and the expanding market for solar carports in Europe and the UK suggest a positive trend.

It’s also worth mentioning that the UK government’s renewable energy strategy also includes encouraging solar installations. This also includes carports, to help households reduce their energy bills and fight climate change. While the technology is still niche, experts believe there is significant room for innovation and cost reductions as the market matures.

Are Solar Carports Worth It?

The answer depends on your individual circumstances. If your roof isn’t suitable for solar panels or you’re looking to expand your renewable energy capacity, a solar carport can be an excellent investment. Electric vehicle owners, in particular, will benefit from the ability to generate clean energy on-site while protecting their vehicles.

However, the higher upfront costs mean that solar carports may not be the best option for everyone. Careful consideration of your budget, driveway suitability, and energy needs is essential. With energy prices projected to stay high for the foreseeable future, solar carports offer a sustainable and financially viable solution for those ready to invest in renewable energy.

At ESS, we specialise in tailored solar solutions, including solar carports, designed to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to explore how you can take the next step towards energy independence and sustainability.