A spacious lot, large acreage homestead, or sprawling ranch presents unique opportunities for homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. When planning your solar installation project in Texas, the fact that you own hundreds (or thousands) of unused square feet gives you a huge advantage over your neighbors living in cookie-cutter neighborhoods. You don’t have to awkwardly shoehorn solar panels onto your roof. You aren’t forced to directly link the lifespan of your renewable energy project to your home itself.

If you have enough space, you can expand your solar power generation onto alternative structures like built-to-order solar carports. Deciding between an on-roof solar array and a standalone solar canopy means more than simply choosing between two locations to host silicon solar cells. This decision will affect your short-term electricity bills, protect your family vehicles from unpredictable Texas weather, and change the way that you think about your property’s future value and energy independence.

Traditional Roof Mounts | Good For Properties With Minimal Roof Space

Installing solar panels on your existing roof is by far the most popular installation method for suburban neighborhoods. By securing the mounting rails directly to your roof’s supporting beams, you can avoid the added costs of installing freestanding steel supports or concrete footings. After all, your home is already equipped with a large surface area of free overhead space. Pouring new foundations or welding steel would dramatically increase your project’s budget.

That being said, there are serious limitations when mounting solar panels directly on your home in Texas. Your roof was not designed to maximize electricity generation. Unless your roof happens to be perfectly flat and facing due south, your energy output will suffer. Suburban custom homes are also prone to intricate roof designs that create battling slopes, overhangs, and ridges. These uneven surfaces can cast elongated shadows over your panels at certain times of day. Not only do you need to drill countless holes into your roof deck, but you also run into a tough time constraint if your roof is older. Solar panels typically last 25+ years. If your roof isn’t brand new, you’ll need to replace your asphalt shingles or metal roof under your solar panels within the next decade.

Solar Carports | Harness The Sun And Shield Your Vehicles At Once

When you install a freestanding solar carport, the installation team has near-unlimited control over your array. Solar engineers can angle your steel canopy at the optimal pitch and direction to capture the maximum amount of sunlight year-round. No more worrying about shaded trees or unnatural roof slopes!

Shelter Your Vehicles From Harmful UV Rays And Hail

Custom solar canopies are a sturdy shelter for your car, trucks, or tractor. Standard asphalt shingles and metal roofing have little tolerance for direct sunlight. Extended exposure to hot UV rays can cook your vehicles and fade your upholstery. Not to mention, North Texas is infamous for the strength of its hailstorms. Spring storms can pop up suddenly, leaving you with thousands of dollars in damage.

Keep Panels Cool To Boost Production On Hot Days

Solar panels are made of semiconductors. Semiconductors are less efficient at generating power when they become hotter. Solar panels on rooftops absorb the scorching heat from asphalt shingles all day long. A solar carport gives panels breathing room underneath. Naturally flowing air helps cool your panels, leading to higher production levels.

Avoid Rooftop Installations Altogether 

You may love the look of your roof. You don’t want a million screw holes ruining your homeowners association’s beautiful roof panorama. By installing a solar carport, you eliminate the need to puncture your roof. No more worrying about accidental leaks or voided roofing warranties.

Solar Installation Costs and Logistics To Consider 

When weighing your options, it’s critical to understand the cost and logistics of each setup. A solar carport is essentially a small outbuilding. Before you start comparing solar prices in Texas, it’s important to factor in the price of installing engineered steel beams, tall steel support columns, and deep concrete foundations. That electrical connection won’t magically wire itself to your house either. Since a solar carport is not physically attached to your home, electricians must dig a trench underground to connect thick wires back to your home’s service panel. Cross that with different permitting requirements, and you can easily see why carports cost more than roof installations.

Gain True Independence From The Power Grid

Solar carports don’t just boost your short-term kilowatt-hour production. Installing a high-production solar carport is a great first step toward energy independence in Texas. By generating and storing your electricity close to where you use it, you become less reliant on a single point of failure. Whether it’s a surprise rate hike from your provider or a massive storm damaging local infrastructure, your family will have reliable access to power 24/7.

Solar Carports Are An Excellent Platform For Future Utilities

Imagine never having to worry about your car’s battery dying or scheduling an inconvenient EV charger rental during a road trip. Solar carports create the perfect installation space for secondary solar-powered utilities. The shaded area underneath is protected from humidity and heat, making it a great space to house a smart electrical panel, Level 2 EV charger, high amp wiring for an outdoor shop, or anything in between.

Ready to learn more? Try picking one of these options: 

• Pick a traditional roof mount if your roof’s pitch lines up perfectly south or west, your roof is free of shade throughout the day, and you plan on keeping your solar project as cheap as possible.
• Pick a solar carport if your roof lines are steep, you wish to avoid any permanent modifications to your home, or you need full coverage to protect your vehicles.

Solar Carports Done Right In North Texas | Texas Solar Professional

Solar doesn’t have to be a messy compromise. At Texas Solar Professional, we believe that every home energy project is part of a larger ecosystem. That’s why we only specialize in premium, custom-built energy products designed with North Texas weather conditions in mind. From steel carports that stand up to high wind to microinverters tailored to withstand flash floods, we go the extra mile to ensure your final product looks and performs how you envisioned. For a free quote on your next energy project, contact Texas Solar Professional today.

FAQ

Q: How much more is a solar carport than a traditional roof installation?

A: Solar carports can cost anywhere from 40% to 60% more than traditional rooftop installs. Price will vary depending on the square footage and wind-load demands of your lot.

Q: How do solar carports hold up in North Texas weather?

A: Very well! Texas Solar Professional’s solar carports are custom-designed to withstand harsh North Texas weather. All of our carports are built with commercial-grade steel supports and heavy-duty mounting hardware. Furthermore, our solar panels are designed to provide exceptional durability against high winds and large hailstones.

Q: Can I add onto my current rooftop system with a solar carport?

A: Of course! Solar carports are a great way to supplement your existing rooftop system. By connecting both your carport and roof panels into a single battery backup or smart home panel, you can achieve complete energy independence.