Can You Put Solar Panel On A Patio Cover? Things To Know

It goes without saying that solar panels need to be installed in a location with good access to sunlight. You may need to think about other surfaces in some situations where the roof of your home is either unsuitable or inaccessible.

So, can you put solar panels on a patio cover if you have one? The short answer is yes. Solar panel patio covers, on the other hand, are more than just a patio roof covered in solar panels.

Patio covers made of solar panels can give you the outdoor space you want by offering shade, electricity, lighting, and other things.

Read on to learn more if you’re interested.

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A Solar Patio Cover: What Is It?

Patios act as an extension of your home where you can enjoy the outdoors with your family. Solar patio covers act as roofs for your deck, offering protection from the sun and rain so you can take advantage of late-summer thunderstorms.

By extension, a patio cover with solar panels built into it, either on top of the patio or as the roofing material, is a solar panel patio cover.

Whatever capacity your patio requires, you can use the power from the panels in plugs, batteries, and lights. If solar panels cannot be installed on your roof, a solar panel patio cover is another excellent choice that can be powered by your house’s electrical system.

As an alternative, a patio cover made of solar panels is a great way to increase your home’s power capacity. Your home’s outdoor living space can be protected, powered, and beautifully styled with solar panel patio covers.

As a supplement to solar panels on the roof or as a separate source of power, they can save you a ton of money over time and are a great way to increase the value of your home.

Can You Put Solar Panel On A Patio Cover?

Installing solar panels on the roof of the house is something we’re used to doing. This approach is used in a lot of residential and commercial buildings, but it’s not always appropriate.

There are alternative ways to ensure that you don’t miss out on the advantages of solar energy if you fall into the latter category.

See also Top 11 Best Portable Solar Generators of 2020

So, can the roof of a patio be covered with solar panels? The answer is a resounding yes, of course. Additionally, this method can power your home effectively while also enhancing its appearance.

However, once more, you must take into account a number of factors before installing solar panels on a structure that is not the roof of your home: shade, elevation, roof orientation, and the system’s strength.

Additionally, prior to installing a solar patio cover, take into account your other options if the building is an older one.

In a nutshell, a patio roof is a suitable place for solar panels. A solar patio cover is a cutting-edge method of maximizing solar energy.

Is It Possible To Install Solar Panels On Aluminum Patio Cover?

Modern trends favor aluminum-wood patio covers. They create stylish, energy-efficient structures by fusing the best qualities of aluminum and wood.

One of the more alluring aspects of alumawood is how it initially appears to be wood but is reinforced to wear like aluminum. Since it has been built to overcome this obstacle as well as many others that could impair your experience, you also don’t need to seal and coat it for protection.

Additionally, it requires little maintenance and has a long lifespan.

Additionally, you can change things up by mounting your solar panels on the patio roof now that the variety of solar system options is rapidly growing.

The installation of the panels won’t harm the surface because aluminumwood is made of sturdy materials. You must also take the elevation angle into account; depending on the season, it should range from 20 to 45 degrees.

You might not be able to put in solar panels if any significant shade also covers the patio. This is due to the necessity of sufficient sunlight for effectiveness.

The direction the patio cover is facing is another issue. It’s a goldmine if it faces south because this is the direction where sunlight is most potent. It will also function, albeit less efficiently if it is facing north.

It will be simpler to decide whether you can install your solar panels on alumawood patio covers once all of these factors have been taken into account.

Can You Build A Patio Cover With Solar Panels?

If you have the knowledge and abilities to construct your pergola and wire an electrical system, then yes. It’s unfortunate that solar companies don’t sell kits to make solar panel patio covers; you’ll have to do that yourself.

Nothing, however, prevents you from installing and wiring your solar panels yourself if you have the necessary technical know-how and building permits. Similarly, the pergola is applicable. To build it, you simply need the necessary permits and abilities.

You also need the materials, of course. You’ll need to build your own solar patio cover because they don’t sell kits for it.

Should You Invest In Solar Patio Covers?

There are other equally effective locations to set up the system, despite the trend of mounting solar panels on the roof of the home. A solar patio cover is a good illustration.

Because it’s simple to maintain, raises the value of your home, and provides access to sustainable energy, it’s a wise investment.

Steps To Install Solar Panels On APatio Cover

You must build a patio or pergola if you don’t already have one. Additionally, it doesn’t have to be a do-it-yourself project; if you are unable to complete it yourself, contract out the work. But if you feel capable, let’s get started:

Step 1: Choose The Type Of Solar Panels You Want

When installing solar energy in your home, you must make a crucial choice. And there are two options: an open or closed structure.

The first one has a transparent design that lets you see through the panels. It’s a fantastic intersection of home decor and technology, and it’s less expensive than you might expect.

A closed structure is an alternative that you have. Regarding visibility, it embodies the opposing traits.

Step 2: Determine The Direction Of The Module

If you want to get the most out of your solar system experience, install it on a surface that faces south. This is the direction from which the sun is most powerful, ensuring that the solar inverter receives an efficient charge.

For maximum effectiveness, they must also be angled at a 45-degree angle.

Step 3: Install A Slat Under The Support Timbers

To prevent anyone from seeing the structure from inside the house if you decide to install a closed-structure solar system, you will need a slat under the roof’s timbers.

Step 4: Use Support Timbers

To keep the solar panels in place, they should be screwed to the supporting timbers. You’re almost done with the process at this point. Fortunately, the brackets and screws you need for installation will be provided by the manufacturer.

Step 5: Connect The Solar Panels

The next step is to attach the solar panels to the system’s other compatible parts, such as the inverter, MPPT charge controller, and solar batteries. You have now successfully installed solar panels on your own.

To mount solar panels safely, you must adhere to certain guidelines. It’s also advisable to pay attention to the height restrictions and building regulations that govern system installation.

See also What is Solar Energy and How Solar Energy is Converted into Electricity

Not just for solar functionality, a solar patio cover is the best option. However, it will also fulfill the building’s intention to offer comfort and luxury.

Nothing prevents you from working on this DIY project if you’re comfortable with heights. However, you also need to be comfortable with electrical work. Furthermore, it’s best to call a solar technician if you are lacking in either.

Advantages Of Solar Panel Patio Cover

Solar pergolas offer homeowners a variety of advantages, as you might expect. Before you make your final choice, take into account this list of patio solar panel benefits if you’re thinking about adding one to your property:

They don’t need additional land as ground-mounted panels do.
They enable you to switch to solar power without having an impact on the appearance of your house.
Users are given comfort while they are also producing energy.
To get the most solar output from a new build, you can completely customize it.
You may qualify for a state or federal rebate if you install solar panels in some circumstances.

Cost Of A Solar Panel Patio Cover

Even though solar panel purchases are profitable in the long run, the initial cost is not insignificant. Ordinary patio covers, as example, can cost around $3,000. You can get an approximate idea of the cost of a 3kW solar system by adding about $10,000.

Additionally, as the systems scale up, the cost rises as more solar panels and larger pergolas are needed to produce more power.

The cost of a patio cover and the cost of purchasing and installing a 5kW solar panel system would total about $5,000 and $15,000, respectively. A patio cover costing $12,000 and solar panels cost about $36,000 would be the equivalent of a 12kW system.

As you can see, the costs vary depending on how much power you want to produce. The majority of your small, necessary appliances could be run on a 12 kW system, but it won’t be enough to run your entire house.

Smaller systems are adequate for running laptops, lights, handheld electrical devices, automobiles, and any other outdoor-related equipment. In order to avoid going overboard, you should choose a system that can meet your power requirements.

Conclusion

Your home will look better after you make a wise investment in a solar patio cover. Solar pergolas have many advantages, both socially and practically. This is especially true when you take into account the financial savings that come with going solar.

Additionally, using an existing shade structure or creating a new one from scratch can be a more affordable way to benefit from solar power if your home’s roof isn’t suitable for solar panels.