Solar Carport at Cal Expo

I have been a huge proponent of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles as a viable alternative to reduce our dependence on foreign oil supplies and cut carbon emissions.  Some of the detractors regarding electric vehicles argue that they are not much cleaner than fossil-fueled cars because of the environmental impacts of coal-based electricity.

Here is an answer to that problem:  a solar powered carport!  By installing one of these structures on your property, you can power any electrical appliance with clean solar energy.  And, importantly, you can recharge your plug-in vehicle in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.  If your home’s roof is too shady for solar panels, by putting up a solar powered carport in a sunnier location, you could switch your entire house to solar power without having to cut down trees.

This video was made by Life Port Solar, a leading manufacturer of solar powered carports:

Looks like a perfect spot for solar panels

Solar powered carports come in kits that are perfect for do-it-yourselfers.  Or, you can hire a contractor to help you erect the structure.  Reviewers have noted that it takes only a couple of hours to put the carport together and, in most instances, no building permit is required (do check with your local agency, however).  You may need to hire an electrician to connect the wires.  All of the metal pieces of the solar powered carport are made of recycled material.

Depending on the size of the solar powered carport, the power generated is between 2.4-6.4 kilowatts.  A 4.8 kW system will generate 5600 kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to provide all of a single-family homeowner’s electrical needs.  Based on the improvement value and energy savings, Life Port Solar estimates that a solar powered carport investment will be recouped in less than a year.  Of course, now is a perfect time to take advantage of energy tax credits provided by the federal government and states.

What will a solar-powered carport cost you?  Retail price is about $46,000, and you will pay about $7,000 for installation (should you want help assembling it).  Factoring in tax incentives, you should be able to save a minimum of $20,000.

Does a solar-powered carport sound attractive to you?  I can perfectly picture one on my in-laws’ Central Oregon property.  I may even consider installing a smaller shed-like solar structure in our backyard.  Looks like a great, clean investment to make!