Solar Carport in PNW – How Effective?
I’m looking to build a single car carport in Portland. In my research of available kits, I came across “solar carports”, like this one from Powers Solar Frames (attached).
I haven’t priced it yet compared to a regular roof carport, but the idea of solar appeals to me, since we don’t have it yet.
My question is how effective would this be in the PNW (I’m completely new to solar)? I’d have the panels facing south, but I was thinking of a low pitch shed roof, maybe 1:12 to 2:12 max. Would that be cost effective, given my location? Or am I better off just getting a metal roof carport, and then doing solar later, either on the carport or elsewhere?
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Leon_g,
A lot depends on what your goals are, what you pay for electricity, and what net metering agreements your utility offers.
In general terms does PV make sense in the PNW? A Texas based company seems to think so. They are putting up a 50 hectare solar-farm in the hills above us on rainy Vancouver Island.
Malcolm, thanks for the comment. TBH, my primary goals are to build the carport, the solar was an afterthought when I stumbled across the solar carport. I can certainly check the electricity costs, and net metering agreements.
I know I should also price just the basic roof for the carport, which I envision to be corrugated metal panels. If it's not that much money (which I don't think it will be, in the big scheme of things), maybe I'm better off just focusing on the carport for now, and then when I get into the "solar" mode, decide where's the best place to put those panels (carport, house, etc).
I would download the sun seeker app and see how your exposure is. Generally you want to shoot for at least 4 hours of light.
Panels are getting very cheap these days, you can get them for about $.5 per watt. You might want to price out diy vs that system.
I'll check it out. I'm concerned that with some tall trees we have on the property, we'll have limited hours of direct solar impingement. And that. combined with the low pitch roof, may make this location less than idea.
PNW is great for solar. The unknown is the quality of your specific site.
If it was me I would do the carport with standing seam metal, then add solar whenever you want. Or don't.
Thanks, that's what I'm thinking also.