8 Major Benefits of Solar Carports

I. Solar Carport Efficiently Use Space

Our solar carports system are an innovative solution that utilizes existing spaces efficiently to generate clean energy. By installing solar panel canopy structures over parking lots and other areas that are already being used, solar carports are able to produce renewable power without taking up additional land.

Some key ways that solar carports leverage space efficiently include:

• Using unused real estate: Solar carports are mounted over spaces that are often underutilized.
• Parking lots
• Driveways
• Patios
• Sidewalks
• Maximizing horizontal spaces: The wide, flat canopy structures of solar carports are perfect for covering spaces used for parking and storage.
• Making double use of necessary structures: Solar carports shelter vehicles, equipment, and people from the elements while also collecting energy from the sun.

The next time you walk through a parking garage or outdoor lot, consider the potential to install solar canopies or carports. By embracing the available but overlooked real estate, businesses and towns can generate clean energy efficiently through solar technology that maximizes existing space usage.

II. Solar Carports Reduce Costs

Our installing process of solar carports delivers major cost savings in two key areas:

Energy Expenses

• Solar panels generate clean electricity, offsetting power that would otherwise need to be purchased from the grid
• Businesses can save thousands per year on electricity bills with an appropriately-sized solar carport system
• Solar carports can power adjacent buildings, electric vehicle charging stations, outdoor lighting, and other facilities

Infrastructure Costs

• Solar carports serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate structure investments just for power generation
• Building a solar carport over an existing parking lot costs less than adding a rooftop solar array
• Multi-capability design reduces need for other weather/UV protection measures

Additional financial benefits stem from:

• Lower maintenance needs than ground mount solar or traditional rooftop systems
• Increased productivity from shaded working/storage areas protected from elements
• Enhanced property value from improved generating capacity and modernized facilities

With lower overheads and generation capabilities that pay for themselves over time, solar carports enable substantial cost reductions. And as electricity rates rise, solar carports will provide increasing levels of savings each year.

III. Solar Carports are Customizable

One of the key advantages of solar carports is their high degree of flexibility and customization potential. Installers can tailor solar carport solutions to meet the specific needs of the property.

Customization capabilities include:

• Size: Carports can be small or cover expansive lots, with solar panels scaled appropriately
• Layout: Flow with angled parking spots or irregular shapes using creative structural designs
• Solar orientation: Panels can be tilted at ideal angles to maximize sun exposure and power generation
• Aesthetic options: Choose colors/finishes to match branding or surroundings
• Additional features: Integrate lighting, charging stations, storage, signage displays into the carport structure

This modular flexibility empowers property managers to create solar systems tailored to their sites. For example:

• Retail stores can match carport colors to their brand palette
• Fleet yards can install high-capacity carports to power maintenance facilities
• Agricultural facilities can orient solar panels for optimum energy generation across seasons

The adaptable nature of solar carports enables properties to establish renewable energy infrastructure that blends seamlessly with the space. Custom solar carport solutions meet generation needs while fitting aesthetically into the existing environment.

IV. Solar Carports are Easy to Maintain

One major advantage of solar carports compared to rooftop solar arrays is that they are much easier to access and maintain. Key factors that simplify upkeep include:

Convenient Access

• Installers can reach panels and electrical components from ground level
• No need for ladders, scaffolding or roof access
• Streamlined inspections, cleaning, repairs

Weather Protection

• Raised canopy structure channels rain, snow melt away
• Prevents to build up of leaves, ice, and other debris
• Prolongs equipment life by shielding from UV and temperature swings

Simplified Connection

• Wiring neatly converges to single interconnection point
• No complex routing through walls and ceilings
• Easy grid integration with net metering

Enhanced Safety

• Grounded access minimizes fall and electrocution risks
• Clearly visible electrical conduits per code
• Stable structures engineered for wind/seismic events

The ability to easily reach, assess, maintain, and protect all aspects of solar carports ensures reliable clean power generation over their lifespan. Streamlined upkeep translates into lower operational costs.

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V. Solar Carports Provide Protection

Solar carports safeguard vehicles, equipment, and inventory from exposure while also generating clean energy. Key elements of protection include:

Weather Shielding

• Roof structure deflects rain, snow, hail
• Prevents exterior damage, internal water incursion
• Reduces weather-related repairs/clean up

Temperature Control

• Shade cools interior temperatures by over 50°F
• Prevents overheating that strains mechanical parts
• Extends component life by limiting temperature swings

UV Ray Blocking

• Reduces interior fading, cracking, discoloration
• Shields electronics from solar disruption
• Protects tires, seals, plastic components

Shelter from Debris

• Captures falling leaves, airborne dust
• Reduces abrasion, exterior dulling
• Helps maintain asset appearance

Solar carports deliver essential weather protetion to improve durability and lifespan. Shielded assets will look better, require fewer repairs, and maintain optimal working order for longer under a solar canopy.

VI. Solar Carports Generate Clean Energy

Installing solar carports empowers properties to establish renewable energy independence using sun power. Key clean energy benefits include:

Lower Environmental Impact

• Solar carports produce zero direct emissions
• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels for electricity needs
• Support corporate sustainability commitments

Energy Bill Savings

• Lower or eliminate power purchases from utility
• Insulate against rising electricity rates
• Payback financing options often available

Grid Support

• Excess power generation can be sold back to grid
• Stabilize shared infrastructure during high demand
• Enable establishment of micro grids

Enhanced Public Image

• Highly visible sign of commitment to sustainability
• Strengthen community relationships
• Attract forward-thinking customers/partners

Transitioning a portion of power usage to solar carports helps properties minimize environmental impact in an economical way. And their visibility promotes an innovative, eco-conscious public image.

VII. Solar Carports Benefit Businesses

Installing solar carports Structura offers many tangible benefits for companies across sectors:

Cost Reduction

• Lower facility energy bills
• Leverage available parking/storage areas
• Minimize additional weatherproofing spends

Productivity Gains

• Protect inventory and equipment from elements
• Prevent overheating of sensitive materials
• Create comfortable outdoor working conditions

Sustainability Profile

• Highlight green commitment to customers
• Achieve environmental impact goals
• Qualify for related tax/rebate incentives

Grid Independence

• Establish micro grid from carpot output
• Reduce vulnerability to utility outages
• Store excess power in batteries for backup

Customer Experience

• Provide shaded parking for visitors
• Offer EV charging under carport awnings
• Create space for outdoor dining/retail

Forward-thinking companies can leverage solar carports in many ways – from cost and resilience to brand image. The benefits for business operations and the bottom line are substantial.

VIII. Solar Carports Support Communities

Installing solar carports delivers benefits that resonate across neighbourhoods and towns:

Clean Decentralized Power

• Reduce reliance on distant fossil fuel plants
• Establish locally-generated clean energy
• Increase community energy independence

Grid Infrastructure Resilience

• Distribute solar widely across parking lots
• Avoid centralized power failures from single points
• Maintain access to electricity during outages

Civic Collaboration

• Shared public carports in municipal lots
• Joint projects between local stakeholders
• Bring together constituencies around sustainability

Economic Development

• Savings for businesses passed to consumers
• New jobs created in solar installation/maintenance
• Environmental leadership attracts talent relocation

Improved Quality of Life

• Cleaner air from reduced emissions
• Accessible community EV charging
• Vibrant public spaces with carports as social infrastructure

Forward-looking towns are smart to embrace solar carports – they deliver environmental performance, resiliency, and quality of life benefits that serve the whole community.