When a Property Owner has decided to invest in solar, one of the key decisions that businesses need to make is whether to install a Solar Roof Mount vs. a Solar Carport. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages and choosing the right one can depend on several factors, including the location, size of the installation, and available budget. We will explore the pros and cons of solar roof mounts and carports in commercial solar.
Solar Roof Mount
A solar roof mount is a system where solar panels are installed directly on the roof of a building. Here are some of the pros and cons of this approach.
Pros:
- Better return on investment: With the lack of a steel structure for a carport, a roof mount provides a more cost-effective option provided that the same amount of offset can be generated as a carport.
- Space-saving: Solar roof mounts are a space-saving option as they do not require any additional land or space. This makes them an ideal choice for businesses that have limited space. They do not obstruct signage and are often not visible from the ground.
- Easy installation: Solar roof mounts are relatively easy to install and require less labor. The installation process can be completed in a short period.
Cons:
- Roof life: A typical commercial property’s roof life is 20-25 years old depending on environmental factors. Before an investment in solar, the remaining roof life needs to be determined to ensure a roof replacement is not needed during the first 20 years after an installation. This can add to the investment. That being said, a roof replacement can receive the same tax incentives as a commercial solar installation when packaged together.
- Limited capacity: Solar roof mounts have restricted capacity and can only generate a limited amount of energy, depending on the size of the installation. AC vents, skylights, and other items can obstruct solar panels from being installed.
Solar Carport
A solar carport is a structure that is designed to provide shelter to parked vehicles while also generating solar energy. Here are some of the pros and cons of this approach:
Pros:
- Utilizing space: Solar carports allow Landlords and businesses to utilize their large parking areas to monetize or provide savings on energy. Without the clutter on roofs, carports can provide a larger area to install panels and lead to a better bottom line.
- Easy maintenance: Solar carports are relatively easy to maintain, as the panels are not attached directly to the building and have no roof life to account for.
- Shading: Additionally, solar carports provide shade for cars and added protection from adverse weather conditions.
Cons:
- Cost of installation: Solar carports require a steel structure to be built. Steel is an additional material that is not a part of roof mounts thus an added cost.
- Longer timelines: The permit process for a solar carport usually adds about a month to the timeline compared to a roof mount. It requires supplementary inspections and testing to determine if they are feasible on a property.
- Land requirements: Solar carports require a large parking area for them to be cost-efficient, which can be a challenge for businesses with limited space.
Both solar roof mounts and carports have their advantages and disadvantages. While solar roof mounts are a more cost-efficient option and easy to install, they require roof maintenance and have limited capacity. On the other hand, solar carports may provide a larger area to install panels and are easy to maintain, but they are typically a higher investment and add to the timeline. In either scenario, both types of installations allow a Property Owner to take advantage of the energy arbitrage.
Interested in having solar for your commercial property? Read more about its benefits here
At SolarTech, we partner with Property Owners to assist them in the decision of whether a Rooftop Solar or Solar Carpot presents the best return on investment. You can get this professional solar help by contacting us today.
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