Solar carports are one of the most practical and overlooked ways to add solar in Australia. If you’ve got parking but limited or unsuitable roof space, a carport can do what a rooftop system can’t. Here’s the complete rundown.
What is a solar carport?
A solar carport is a free-standing structure built to cover parking, with a solar array mounted on its roof. It does three things at once: it shelters vehicles from sun, hail and frost; it generates electricity you can use on site; and it provides a ready-made framework for EV charging. Unlike rooftop solar, it doesn’t rely on your building’s roof orientation, condition or available space.
How is it different from a normal carport?
A standard carport just provides shade. A solar carport is engineered to carry a solar array and integrate electrical infrastructure. Quality systems like the NOVA Zero Railing Carport are fully waterproof with integrated guttering, so the structure is a genuine all-weather cover, not just a frame with panels on top.
Who is it for?
Both homes and businesses. For households, it’s ideal where the roof faces the wrong way, is shaded, heritage-listed or simply full. For business, it turns large car parks into generation and EV charging assets without touching the building. See residential and commercial options.
How much power does it generate?
Generation depends on the number of panels and your location. Across the Canberra region there are 4.9+ peak sun hours daily, so a single-bay carport (around 9 modules) or a double bay (around 15 modules) produces meaningful output, enough to offset a solid share of a home’s electricity use or to run EV charging.
What does it cost?
Cost scales with the number of bays, EV charging, battery storage and site conditions, and small-scale technology certificates reduce the up-front price. Our solar carport cost and ROI guide breaks it down.
Is it worth it?
If you have parking and a need for power, shade or EV charging, usually yes. The structure earns its keep by generating power, protecting vehicles and future-proofing for EVs, all from space you already have.