Solar on carport - things to consider before carport build?

[unheard]

I'm about to build a new carport, located in close proximity to the house (might be attached to the house by its roof).

Consider installing solar on top of it at some time in the not so distant future.

I don't know much about solar.

 

May I get some basic advice based on the forum members' experiences on what can make the future solar install easier?

Is there anything about carport designs that can make them solar friendly, other than their roof orientation?

 

Does the roof structure need to be re-enforced to accommodate the panel weight? Are they real heavy?

 

Anything about requirements for solar equipment placement? How much room does it take by itself?

 

Does the equipment need to be cooled during the hot weather time? Ventilation requirements?

etc., etc.

 

The proposed carport will have two parking spaces.

A single slope, metal roof will be facing West.

 

I consider using PU insulated metal sheets, both for the roof and shed walls.

It will have a shed/storage room and look similar to this.

Thank you!

Edited April 18, 2023 by unheard

[Encid]

2 hours ago, unheard said:

Does the roof structure need to be re-enforced to accommodate the panel weight? Are they real heavy?

It depends on your panel sizes and how many you want to install.

For example, 455W mono panels weigh 24.6±3 kg each, but 335W poly panels weigh only 22.5kg each.

Not so much, but it does add up (cost-wise too).

Don't forget to factor in the weight of panel supports (so you can get them facing South at the right angle for your latitude) plus the weight of the people who will be installing them, and of course the people that will be maintaining them later.

 

3 hours ago, unheard said:

I consider using PU insulated metal sheets, both for the roof and shed walls.

Good idea for the roof, as it will cut down on rain noise inside and keep some of the heat out, but why would you bother with the walls if it is to have an open (East-facing?) section for your vehicles to enter/exit?

[Crossy]

5 hours ago, unheard said:

A single slope, metal roof will be facing West.

 

For ease of solar make it face south ???? 

[unheard]

1 hour ago, Encid said:

Good idea for the roof, as it will cut down on rain noise inside and keep some of the heat out, but why would you bother with the walls if it is to have an open (East-facing?) section for your vehicles to enter/exit?

The idea behind insulated wall and roof panels is to prevent heat transmission.

The South wall will be exposed to the Sun during all winter months and parts of the fall and spring. The West side - all year around.

Un-insulated, fully exposed to Sunlight metal will re-radiate tremendous amounts of thermal energy towards anything parked/placed in the immediate area.

Edited April 18, 2023 by unheard

[unheard]

14 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

For ease of solar make it face south ???? 

Yeah, but not really an option in this project due to the roof runoff management situation.

[unheard]

No one has commented on any special ventilation measure.

 

Is it safe to assume then that batteries and other on the ground components are robust enough to reliably function at 40-50C ambient?

[Encid]

Again it depends on your components...

 

From the Sofar HYD 5000-ES inverter datasheet:

 

 

From the Growatt SPF 5000-ES inverter datasheet:

 

 

From the nRuiT Powerporter 9 battery datasheet:

 

 

From the Sofar GTX5000 battery datasheet:

 

 

 

There are lots more makes/models out there to choose from.