Solar Carport Calculator
Carport dimensions and capacity from parking layout.
Inputs
Results
System capacity (kW DC)
328.4
Number of panels821
Total canopy area (sq ft)17,000
Annual production (kWh)467,477
Total project cost ($)$906,120.00
Annual electricity savings ($)$56,097.00
Total annual benefit ($)$64,857.00
Simple payback (years)14
Watts per parking space3,284
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the number of parking spaces to be covered and canopy area per space in sq ft.
- Set panel wattage, peak sun hours, and system derate factor.
- Enter solar cost per watt DC and current electricity rate.
- Input the number of EV chargers to install on the carport.
- Review system capacity, annual production, total project cost, and simple payback years.
How the result changes with Parking spaces covered
| Parking spaces covered | System capacity (kW DC) |
|---|---|
| 1,001 | 3,287.2 |
| 3,501 | 11,497.6 |
| 6,500 | 21,346.4 |
| 9,000 | 29,556.8 |
What each input means
- Parking spaces covered
- Number of parking spaces under the solar canopy.
- Canopy area per space (sq ft)
- Canopy coverage per space including overhang. Standard is ~170 sq ft.
- Panel wattage (W)
- STC wattage per panel.
- Peak sun hours (PSH)
- Average daily peak sun hours at location.
- System derate factor
- Overall system efficiency.
- Solar cost ($/W DC)
- Solar module + inverter installed cost per watt (excludes canopy structure).
- Electricity rate ($/kWh)
- Current commercial electricity rate.
- EV chargers installed
- Number of Level 2 EV chargers to install on the carport.
What each result means
- System capacity (kW DC)
- Total solar array capacity on the carport.
- Number of panels
- Panels that fit on canopy with 85% fill factor.
- Total canopy area (sq ft)
- Total covered area.
- Annual production (kWh)
- Expected yearly electricity generation.
- Total project cost ($)
- Solar + structure + EV charger costs.
- Annual electricity savings ($)
- Value of solar electricity produced.
- Total annual benefit ($)
- Electricity savings + EV charging revenue.
- Simple payback (years)
- Years to recoup investment before incentives.
- Watts per parking space
- Solar capacity per covered parking space.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersParking spaces covered = 100, Canopy area per space (sq ft) = 170, Panel wattage (W) = 400, Peak sun hours (PSH) = 5 = 8 input(s) provided
- Calculate System capacitySystem capacity = (panelCount * panelWatts) / 1000328.4 = 328.4
- Calculate Number of panelsNumber of panels = floor(usableAreaSqFt / panelAreaSqFt)821 = 821
- Calculate Total canopy areaTotal canopy area = parkingSpaces * canopyAreaPerSpace17000 = 17000
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