If you’re looking for ways to maximize your use of sustainable energy sources? Moreover, lower your overall home’s energy costs? Then, solar carport residential can be a great option to research to begin incorporating solar in your energy plan. And with the availability of both federal and state tax incentives, residential solar carports can be even more cost-effective than ever before.
Solar Carport Residential: What Is a Solar Carport?
A solar carport is a type of solar canopy. Solar canopies are designed to provide functional space below the solar panel structure. This is a key distinction compared to rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels. Although solar carports are the most popular, some other types of solar canopies are gazebos, pergolas, arbors, and patio covers.
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What Are the Advantages of Installing a Solar Carport?
Residential solar carports are an innovative way of utilizing solar power to reduce home energy costs. They can be either custom-built, freestanding structures or a solar panel installation onto a pre-existing carport structure.
Charging Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Solar carports are particularly appealing to electric vehicle (EV) owners. Not only do they provide both a covered parking space and a charging station, they also help to further reduce overall carbon emissions. The use of EVs eliminates the need for gasoline and oil, while using solar panels for charging eliminates the need for grid energy, which comes primarily from natural gas and coal.
But that’s not all… In most cases charging an EV with solar energy is cheaper than using energy from the grid as well as from public charging stations. And even when the price of grid energy increases, solar energy keeps producing at no additional cost. When the solar panels are not in use for charging, the power that is generated can be sent back to the home or exported to the power grid for energy credit.
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A Better Alternative to Installing Rooftop or Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
Many homeowners simply don’t have the land area to install ground-mounted solar panels. So installing a solar carport can be a more efficient use of space. And others may not want to install rooftop panels to an aging roof or can’t even install solar panels at all due to structural limitations.
In these cases, installing a solar carport may be a great solution for homeowners who would like to take advantage of the energy savings and renewable energy that solar power provides.
Also, it’s possible that residential solar carports could produce even more electric power than rooftop solar panels. A rooftop installation is limited by the design and orientation of the home. And there may be trees, chimneys, and other structures which could shade the panels. A solar carport has the potential to optimize the angles of the panels to maximize sun exposure.
Some homeowners may also be concerned about spoiling the curb appeal of their homes, too. With a solar carport, there may be more flexibility for integrating solar panels into the home’s design or minimizing the prominence of the panels. A custom-built solar carport can match the exterior style of the home from modern to traditional.
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Will Solar Carport Residential Be Eligible For Solar Tax Credits?
The cost of a solar carport can vary depending on the type of solar panels you choose, whether you choose a custom or pre-built structure, how much power you want to generate, etc. With that said, most 5kWh solar carports can run anywhere between $18,000 to $25,000.
That may seem expensive, but homeowners may be eligible for federal and/ or state rebates that can lower costs. And many solar panel companies offer a variety of financing options that can soften the financial blow.
Federal Incentives
The Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) is a credit you can claim on your federal returns for investing in renewable, clean energy. At this time, the federal solar tax credit is currently valued at 30% of your system’s installation cost. This tax credit rolls over year after year, too.
In August of 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act extended the phasing out of the federal solar tax credit. This means that homeowners will have several years to enjoy the federal tax saving for installing solar panels.
- 2022 – 2032: 30% of the solar system’s installations cost
- 2033 26% of the solar system’s installations cost
- 2034 22% of the solar system’s installations cost
- 2035 – Phased Out –
California’s Incentives
Without a doubt, California leads the United States in beneficial incentive programs for investing in renewable, clean energy. These make converting to solar energy and upgrading solar systems much more affordable. Here’s a list of what the state offers:
- Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
- Rebates for installing batteries with your panels
- Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program
- Affordable financing based on income
- Equity Resiliency Program
- Additional rebates for installing batteries
- Active Solar Energy System Property Tax Exclusion
- Prevents property tax increase due to solar conversion
- California FIRST (PACE Financing)
- Affordable financing based on solar system value – Reduced interest rates & down payment requirements
- CA Solar Rights and Easement Laws
- Provides guaranteed access to solar panel installation and solar energy
(EcoWatch)
For an in-depth look at both the federal and California tax incentives, Click Here.
And don’t forget … you have until April 13, 2023, to file your interconnection application for any installations or upgrades as outlined in NEM 3.0. To get the best solar export rates and the highest return on your solar investment under NEM 2.0, you need to act ASAP!
Key Takeaways …
Installing a residential solar carport can provide a covered and protected parking space as well as a means for generating renewable energy.
A solar carport is an excellent idea for homeowners who drive EVs
- It can serve as a charging station providing clean, renewable energy.
- It’s cheaper to charge an EV with solar energy than with grid energy.
- Excess power can be sent to your home or to the grief for energy credit.
A solar carport can provide solar energy to homeowners who aren’t able to install rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels.
Solar carports can be custom designed to match the style of your home and enhance its value.
Both the Federal Solar Tax Credit and multiple California tax incentives are available to make converting to solar energy much more affordable.
Please feel free to reach out to us for a FREE CONSULTATION or FREE QUOTE if you’re interested in adding a solar carport or any solar installation to your home or property.
Is the backup battery provide with your solar carport? I really don’t want to use my roof for solar. I think a carport would be a great addition and easier for me to maintain.