Reimagining Solar Carports as a Primary Installation Choice
Solar carports have traditionally been considered only when rooftop or ground-mounted solar installations are not possible. However, this perception needs to change. Instead of viewing solar carports as an additional cost burden, they should be treated as a primary investment in infrastructure—especially in commercial and institutional spaces where parking sheds are already a necessity.
Why Solar Carports Should Be a Priority Over Regular Parking Sheds
One of the main reasons solar carports are not prioritized is the misconception about cost. Many organizations assume that adding a solar carport increases their solar project’s cost. But in reality, the cost of a solar carport structure should not be considered as part of the solar system cost but rather as an infrastructure investment.
- Most commercial spaces require covered parking anyway—whether it’s a hospital, railway station, airport, hotel, or educational institute.
- Instead of installing a regular non-functional shed, it makes more financial and functional sense to install a solar carport that provides both shade and renewable energy generation.
- When comparing the cost of a basic parking shed with a solar carport, the incremental cost is minimal, and the long-term benefits are significantly higher.
Case Study: How a Leading Resort Saved Costs & Generated Solar Power
A well-known luxury resort recently faced a space constraint for solar installation. They had scattered small rooftops that were not ideal for a large solar plant. However, their property included extensive parking areas, which required covered sheds for guest vehicles.
Instead of installing a regular metal parking shed, they opted for a 700 kW solar carport.
Financial Comparison: Shed vs. Solar Carport
Investment Component Regular Parking Shed Solar Carport Structure Cost per Sq. Ft.₹300₹250Roofing Sheet Cost Additional Included Solar Power GenerationNone700 kW ROI (Return on Investment)No direct return Energy savings & potential revenue
Key Takeaways from This Project:
- Significant Cost Savings
- Long-Term Financial Benefits
- Sustainable & Premium Branding
Why Solar EPC Companies Should Focus on Solar Carport Projects
Many institutions already budget for parking sheds, making it easier for solar EPCs to position solar carports as a cost-effective, dual-benefit alternative. EPC companies should:
- Engage with clients in sectors like hospitals, airports, railway stations, hotels, and educational institutes to showcase the financial and sustainability advantages of solar carports.
- Highlight that the solar carport structure cost is not an additional expense but rather an optimized infrastructure investment.
- Present a cost-benefit analysis demonstrating that a solar carport’s ROI is significantly higher than a traditional shed.
Conclusion: The Future of Solar Carports
It’s time to shift the perspective on solar carports. They should not be treated as an expensive alternative but as a strategic investment that combines parking infrastructure with renewable energy generation.
For businesses and institutions already planning covered parking, solar carports provide an unmatched value proposition—offering cost savings, energy generation, and sustainability benefits in a single solution.
