Tech

What Are Solar Power Carports and Are They Worth It?

Published

6 months ago

June 14, 2024

Freelancer

In recent years, solar energy has grown rapidly. It’s not surprising when considering its economic and environmental benefits. Annual PV installations have increased dramatically worldwide as they provide clean electricity at competitive costs.

Integrating panels onto building rooftops is a traditional method. To maximize solar power production, developers designed the solar power carport, a canopy structure that installs photovoltaic panels overhead while providing parking below.

This is an innovative concept that combines practicality and economy. Both large enterprises and homeowners can fully utilize the upper space of parking lots to create new energy supply solutions.

This article examines the concepts, economic considerations, and commercial and residential solar carports. These empower sustainable transportation and energy independence through solar power optimization.

What is a Solar Power Carport?

A solar power carport is composed of strong, durable materials. It is designed to safely support an integrated solar array installed directly over parking lots.

1. Concept and Structure

A solar power carport is a canopy that combines solar power generation and car parking functions. It usually consists of a carport bracket, solar panels, inverters, EV charging stations, and related electrical equipment.

The solar photovoltaic panels on the top of the carport can capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This design makes solar carports a self-sufficient energy production unit, which can reduce dependence on power grids while reducing carbon emissions.

2. Working Principle

First, solar panels absorb sunlight. Then, the solar cells on the solar panels convert the absorbed light energy into direct current, which is called the photovoltaic effect.

The direct current (DC) can be converted into alternating current (AC) through an inverter. It can be used for various purposes, including:

Provide electricity for the lighting and monitoring system inside the carport.
Charge electric vehicles through solar-powered EV charging stations.
Sell the excess electricity to the local power grid during high electricity prices.

In addition, if the carport is equipped with an energy storage system, excess electrical energy can be stored in the battery. Thus, stored electrical energy can also be used to power electric vehicles at night or in low-light conditions.

Pros and Cons of Solar Panel Carports

A solar power carport provides both benefits and drawbacks to consider for homeowners and business owners. On the one hand, it enables energy savings, environmental protection, and convenient electric vehicle charging.

On the other hand, a solar power carport necessitates substantial initial investments and depends on sunlight exposure. Weighing these pros and cons helps determine suitability.

1. Pros

The pros of a solar power carport include energy savings, environmental protection, and more. It includes:

Significant long-term energy cost savings by offsetting electricity purchases with self-generated solar power. It promotes the shift of electric vehicles and household power supply towards renewable energy, reducing environmental impact.
The existing parking lots and open upper-level spaces can save on installation costs. There’s no need for ground preparation or additional structures, and it also provides convenient renewable energy integration within parking lots.
Solar power carports not only resist harsh weather such as rain and heavy snow but also effectively block ultraviolet rays. It helps maintain optimal battery temperature and condition, which potentially affects battery performance and range.
Electric vehicle charging stations situated right in parking spaces make refueling an effortless and convenient process. Car owners can charge directly in the solar panel carports without the need to find other EV charging stations.
The independent solar power source can optimize electric vehicle charging. During peak periods of the power grid, solar carports can help reduce the burden on the grid and allocate energy usage more reasonably.
A solar power carport can also serve as a small energy station, providing additional energy for nearby businesses, households, or local utility grids.

2. Cons

While pros are abundant, several cons of a solar power carport also exist. These include:

The solar panel carport requires sufficient space and an open garage design. Finding enough space to build solar-powered carports in cities can be a challenge.
Large upfront costs are required to purchase solar panels and EV chargers and construct a sturdy garage structure. These make up the fully functional carport system and represent a large investment for operators.
Fluctuations in sunlight due to changing weather patterns like clouds, rainfall, or seasonal reductions in lighting duration impact the amount of electricity produced in a day. This introduces the necessity of backup plans, such as energy storage systems.
Dense tree cover or geographic obstructions that cast prolonged shadows over the carport can limit optimal sunny hours.

Cost Analysis of Solar Power Carports

Understanding the costs and feasibility of installing a solar power carport allows owners to determine if the investment makes financial sense.

While initial installation costs are high, analyzing factors like energy savings, incentives, and long-term savings makes solar carports increasingly attractive. Comprehensive calculations help clarify the value proposition over time.

1. Feasibility Analysis of Solar Power Carports

The analysis finds solar power carports provide clear long-term benefits to businesses and families. For businesses, solar power can reduce the cost of purchasing electricity. Enterprises can also increase revenue by providing charging services to EV users.

In addition to this income, many countries provide subsidies or tax incentives for businesses to encourage the use of solar energy and electric vehicles. Moreover, a comfortable charging experience improves customer satisfaction.

Installing solar power carports in households can achieve energy self-sufficiency. It can not only provide convenient and economical charging solutions for electric vehicles but also use solar power to power household appliances, reducing household electricity costs.

2. Cost Analysis of Solar Power Carport

Researching and calculating all associated solar carport costs determines the feasibility of carport solar installation. According to EnergySage, the average solar carport installed per watt currently ranges from $3 to $4. ^[1]

Forecasting representative models helps illuminate investment feasibility. For example, according to Sweden’s PV subsidy policy, companies that install electric vehicle charging stations can receive 50% tax relief. ^[2]

According to the installation cost of $3 per watt, the installation cost for a 5 kW system is $15,000. The net cost becomes $7,500 after deducting 50% of the solar tax relief. Larger 10 kW and 20 kW systems may cost $30,000 and $60,000, respectively, and their net costs are $15,000 and $30,000 after tax credits.

Solar carport cost varies based on several factors but averages $3–4 per watt installed nationally, according to EnergySage. As an example, here is a sample cost analysis:

Solar Carport Size (kW)	Installation Cost	Tax Credit	Net Cost
5 kW	$15,000	$7,500	$7,500
10 kW	$30,000	$15,000	$15,000
20 kW	$60,000	$30,000	$30,000

Excluding some variable upgrade solar carport costs, optimized systems commonly realize simple paybacks within years of electricity savings. Bigger solar carport commercial arrays see faster returns.

Analyzing upfront expenditures remains critical, but solar carports prove an increasingly cost-competitive choice, delivering long-term energy cost avoidance, sustainability benefits, and optional charging infrastructure appreciation over time.

Comparison Between Commercial and Residential Solar Carports

While solar carports serve similar purposes, their applications diverge between residential and commercial solar carports due to differing scale, utilization, and management needs.

Both harvest renewable energy and provide EV charging infrastructure. However, the designs, costs, and uses of each type of solar power carport vary.

1. Similarities

Both harness solar power to generate electricity while enabling electric charging infrastructure integration. At their core, these solar carports achieve renewable development through:

Energy Sources

Solar power carports capitalize on the abundant solar energy from the sun every day. By installing the solar panel array on the top of the carport, the natural resource can be used for clean electricity generation through the photovoltaic effect.

Continuous energy from the sun ensures the solar power carport will persistently power surrounding equipment with self-generated power for decades to come.

Environmental Benefits

Large-scale solar power generation instead of fossil fuel combustion can bring significant improvements in air quality and climate protection. Combining electric vehicles with renewable energy not only reduces the pollutants generated by burning fuel to generate electricity but also significantly reduces the emissions of car exhaust.

Correspondingly, improved air quality and reduced coal mining contribute to human health and surface integrity. The solar power carport solution is practical and feasible from both economic and environmental perspectives.

Charging Functions

Incorporating EV charging stations into solar panel carports promotes a clean transportation transformation.

By positioning EV charging stations right in large parking lots, drivers can effortlessly replenish batteries during routine parking occasions without seeking additional chargers elsewhere.

This special charging point provides drivers with the best parking and rest area and also attracts more environmentally conscious users.

2. Differences

Commercial and residential solar carports exhibit differences in various aspects:

Design and Scale

Commercial solar carports need to be large and durable. They cover big parking lots that have many cars coming and going every day. The solar panels on top need space to make lots of clean energy, too, as there are many drivers charging their EVs here.

The carports have to last a very long time under all this busy activity. They are built with the highest-quality steel that won’t degrade or break from weather like wind or sun.

Residential solar carports are more inclined towards miniaturization and personalized design to meet the specific needs of families. The number of solar panels only needs to support one charge per day.

Frequency of Use

Commercial solar carports experience more frequent utilization day and night. They need to serve a wider range of users and vehicles. In densely populated areas such as highway service areas and commercial centers, users may have to queue up to charge EVs.

Residential solar carports, on the other hand, see a more variable, intermittent utilization aligned with occasional personal transportation. Car owners may need to use home EV charging stations at night or on weekends, and the power generated by solar panels every day can power household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and microwaves.

Cost and Return on Investment

The costs required to construct an immense solar carport commercial infrastructure are substantial. They generate a large amount of electricity through expansive solar arrays, but they also see more rapid returns since many people pay for charging every day.

Meanwhile, the smaller, customized systems at homes don’t require much initial cost but see a longer return time. They are in the form of prolonged savings that benefit from reduced long-term electricity bills.

Operational Management

Commercial solar carports require more professional operational management, including maintenance, billing systems, and customer service. This emphasizes the necessity of charging management software that is compatible with charging stations.

It generally has functions such as remote control, setting charging time, fault monitoring, and historical data analysis, which helps operators analyze users’ charging habits and make corresponding adjustments.

Residential solar carports involve basic maintenance and monitoring without compulsory round-the-clock oversight. This is because intermittent family utilization imposes far fewer usage stresses. Similarly, the charging software equipped for residential level 2 car chargers is also important, as it can make it easier to use charging stations.

How to Build a Solar Power Carport?

Developing an effective and reliable solar power system involves strategic planning to optimize performance and returns on investment.

Operators must carefully consider location, equipment selections tailored to needs, and professional installation methods. With comprehensive preparation, carport solar installation delivers long-term, sustainable benefits.

1. Site Planning

Thoroughly evaluating the solar power carport site necessitates comprehensive assessments considering site selection, layout design, and sunlight assessment.

Firstly, choose a suitable site for building a solar-powered garage, taking into account the sunlight conditions, space size, and terrain.

Secondly, design the structure and layout of the garage to ensure that the installation position of the solar panels can maximize the reception of sunlight based on the size and shape of the site.

Finally, analyze the sunlight conditions of the site, including sunlight trajectory, seasonal changes, and possible obstructions, to determine the optimal installation angle and direction.

Existing electrical circuit designs need to undergo rigorous review to protect the integration of solar panels and EV charging ports. Binding these analyses guides efficient carport siting for decades of sustainable charging.

2. Equipment Selection

Solar panels optimized for prolonged outdoor operation need durable protective coatings. They feature photovoltaic cells renowned for efficiently converting sunlight into electricity, even under low UV exposure.

Inverters have to undergo vigorous testing to prove higher conversion efficiency, reliability, and compatibility.

High-quality hardware constructed from industrial-grade corrosion-resistant materials is another key consideration. The sturdy structural elements should withstand extreme climatic stresses like hurricanes and blizzard winds through decades of service.

Seamless integration of level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment is crucial. Operators can choose suitable electric vehicle charging equipment based on local customers’ needs, including power, interface type, and compatibility with solar panels.

If necessary, energy storage systems can also be installed to store the electricity generated by solar energy for use in low sunlight.

3. Construction and Installation

It is crucial to choose an experienced solar contractor when installing a solar panel carport. They possess comprehensive technical expertise in PV system designs, electrical engineering, and building code compliance.

Computer-aided drafting helps precisely situate each component and align solar arrays carefully. Then, the staff will install inverters, electrical wiring, and protective devices to ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical system. When installing an electric vehicle charging station, it is also necessary to ensure the safety and usability of the charging equipment.

After installation, considering feedback from initial users further helps refine aspects before full deployment.

Dependable EV Charging Stations and Energy Storage System Solutions

EVB Charger is a leading provider of electric vehicle supply equipment and energy storage solutions. Constantly committed to new technologies, EVB Charger designs products with drivers, businesses, and homeowners in mind.

The company specializes in offering reliable infrastructure critical to facilitating sustainable transportation. Its products empower renewable sustainability through convenient design and versatile applications. Both commercial and residential solar carports can benefit from EVB Charger’s tailored solar-powered EV charging station and energy storage system solutions.

1. Commercial Charging

EVB Charger offers reliable EV chargers designed to withstand intensive fleet and public usage while optimizing operations through smart controls. They provide DC fast charging stations and air/liquid cooling systems for solar carport commercial. Here are the features:

Rapid Power Delivery: The DC EV chargers can fully charge the car within tens of minutes, reducing the waiting time for drivers.
Remote Convenience: The intuitive mobile app allows payment processing, charge status monitoring, and usage reporting from anywhere for effortless driver and network oversight.
Comprehensive Protection: Overcurrent, overvoltage, overheating, and more can ensure your investment and user safety.
Stable and Flexible Charging: Large-capacity energy storage systems allow for the storage of excess electricity for use at night and on rainy days.

2. Residential Charging

EVB Charger also specializes in designing electric vehicle supply equipment for convenient home charging. They provide AC EV charging stations and energy storage battery packs for residential solar carports. Here are the features:

Plug-and-Play Installation: Easy installation and wiring for effortless and instant usage.
Intelligent Device Controls: Advanced mobile monitoring apps allow customized charging scheduling and automatic overload prevention.
Safety and Compliance: The home EV charger has undergone regular testing and meets changing standards. It is equipped with multiple protection functions to ensure safety.
Cost Savings: Integrating with solar panels and energy storage systems greatly reduces household electricity bills.
Stable and Flexible Charging: The energy storage system can serve as a backup power source for electric vehicles and provide power to household appliances, enhancing power supply during power outages.

Conclusion

Are carports worth it? Absolutely. Solar power carports provide an effective way to generate renewable energy and supply electric vehicle charging in different settings. Whether for commercial or residential use, their dual benefits make them an increasingly attractive option.

As an industry leader, EVB Charger designs high-quality equipment and complete solutions tailored for solar panel carports. The brand’s products deliver dependable performance and comprehensive safety. For more information on EVB Charger’s charging stations and energy storage system solutions, you can visit their official website!

References

[1] Solar carports explained. Available at: https://www.energysage.com/solar/alternatives-to-rooftop-solar/what-is-a-solar-panel-carport/ (Accessed: 5 June 2024)

[2] European Countries’ Photovoltaic (PV)Subsidy Policies. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/european-countries-photovoltaic-pvsubsidy-policies (Accessed: 5 June 2024)

Tech

US: A Judge Mandates that Google Allow Competing App Stores to Access Android

Published

2 months ago

October 8, 2024

Salman

(VOR News) – The ruling is that Google, the greatest technology firm in the world, is required to make its Android smartphone operating system available to merchants that supply applications that are in direct rivalry with Google’s. This decision was reached by a judge in the United States of America.

The Android Play store, which is owned and operated by Google, was found to be an example of an illegal monopoly arrangement by a jury in the state of California on Monday. The finding was reached by a jury. Monday is the day that this decision was come to.

An earlier federal judge ruled Google’s search engine illegal.

This finding, which came after that decision, has forced the company to suffer yet another setback. As a result of the corporation having already encountered its initial obstacle, this decision has been established. This particular decision was made by the judge during the month of August, when the month was in progress.

In light of the fact that the decision was made, what exactly does it mean that the choice was accepted?

In accordance with the verdict, Google is obligated to make it possible for users to download Android app stores that are offered by third-party competitors. For a period of three years, the corporation is prohibited from imposing restrictions on the usage of payment mechanisms that are integrated into the application.

In addition, it is important to keep in mind that Google does not possess the right to impose restrictions on the utilization of ways to make payments online.

Additionally, the verdict makes it unlawful for Google to give money to manufacturers of smartphones in order to preinstall its app store. Smartphone manufacturers are prohibited from doing so.

Furthermore, it prevents Google from the possibility of sharing the revenue that is generated by the Play store with other companies that are in the industry of delivering mobile applications.

In addition to this, the court has mandated the establishment of a technical committee that will be made up of three different people chosen at random.

The committee will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the reforms and finding solutions to any disagreements that may occur as a consequence of the implementation of the reforms while they are being implemented. This task will fall under the committee’s purview so that it may fulfill its duties.

However, certain components were allowed to be put into action until July 1st, despite the fact that the judge’s statement suggested that the ruling would take effect on November 1st. The statement was the basis for the ruling, which ultimately became effective.

Particularly, I wanted to know what Google’s reaction would be.

There is a fact that Google does not adhere to this directive, which has been brought to their attention. This document argued that the alterations that the judge had ordered to be made would “cause a range of unintended consequences that will harm American consumers, developers, and device makers.”

The judge had ordered the modifications to be implemented. The alterations were to be carried out as indicated by the judge’s ruling. The judge made it clear that he expected these revisions to be carried out in accordance with his guidance.

The company’s regulatory affairs vice president, Lee-Anne Mulholland, provided the following statement: “We look forward to continuing to make our case on appeal, and we will continue to advocate for what is best for developers, device manufacturers, and the billions of Android users around the world.”

On average, over seventy percent of the total market for smartphones and other mobile devices is comprised of mobile devices that are powered by the Android operating system. Both smartphones and other small mobile devices are included in this category.

In the event that the Play app store continues to be shown on the home page and that other Google applications are pre-installed prior to the installation of the Android application, smartphone manufacturers are entitled to install the Android application at no cost at their discretion.

Additionally, the Android application can be installed on devices that are manufactured for smartphones.

SOURCE: DWN

Tech

WhatsApp Now Features a “Mention” Tool for Status Updates and Stories.

Published

2 months ago

October 6, 2024

Salman

(VOR News) – Those who use WhatsApp now have the ability to mention other people in their stories or status updates as a consequence of a feature that was only recently enabled on the platform.

Previous to this point, this capability was not available. It wasn’t until quite recently that this capability became available to the public.

According to the information that was provided by the company, users now have the opportunity to tag close friends in their stories, and the person who is mentioned will have the option to go back and re-share an earlier version of that story. This information was provided by the company. The corporation was kind enough to reveal this information to us.

Because of a new feature that has been added to the WhatsApp app, users now have the opportunity to like individual stories and status updates.

This capability was previously unavailable to WhatsApp users.

A significant amount of progress has been made in this context. Alternative readers now have the chance to “like” a work, which is comparable to liking a post on Facebook. This feature was introduced in recent years. When compared to the past, this is a tremendous shift.

At one point in time, viewers were only permitted to observe the total number of views that a particular story had gotten. These restrictions were eliminated in later versions of the software.

Additionally, it is essential that the likes and reactions to a story be kept anonymous during the entire process. One of the factors that contributes to the general mystery that surrounds this characteristic is the fact that this is one of the elements.

The person who brought it to the attention of others is the only person who will be able to judge who enjoyed it and who did not care about it. These individuals will be able to make this determination.

A notification will be issued to the individual who was referenced earlier in the sentence and who was named in the story or status update that was discussed. A notification of this nature will be sent to the individual via WhatsApp.

This message will be sent to the user in question whenever that person makes a reference to another person while they are in the process of elaborating on a narrative or updating their status. You will receive a notification alerting you that you have been tagged in the narrative.

This notification will be delivered to the person who receives this message. In addition, students will be provided with the opportunity to re-share the tale for themselves.

It is important to note that if the names of individuals who have been referenced in a narrative or a status update are included in any of these, then the names of those individuals will not be accessible to any third party through any of these. In light of the fact that the identities of those individuals will be concealed from public disclosure, this is the condition that will be required.

While WhatsApp recently made the announcement that it will be incorporating this functionality, it is highly likely that not all users will have access to it at the same time.

This is despite the fact that WhatsApp recently made this announcement.

Despite the fact that WhatsApp has only recently made a public announcement that it will move forward with the deployment, this is the situation that has presented itself.

As soon as a short period of time has elapsed, access will be made available to each and every person on the entire world.

Additionally, WhatsApp has hinted that new functionalities might be introduced to the status and updates tab in the future months.

The purpose of these capabilities is to provide users with assistance in maintaining healthy connections with the individuals who play a vital role in their living experiences. This is done in order to give users with support in maintaining close relationships with the folks who are the subject of the inquiry.

It is with the purpose of supporting users in successfully keeping close ties with the individuals in question that this step is taken.

SOURCE: DN

Tech

Over The Planned “Link Tax” Bill, Google Threatens to Remove NZ News Links.

Published

2 months ago

October 4, 2024

Salman

(VOR News) – Google has sent a strong message to the New Zealand government, threatening to stop boosting local news content should the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill become law.

The law, put up by the Labour government and backed by the coalition in power at the moment, mandates that digital companies such as Google pay back news organizations for links to their material.

News publishers, on the other hand, charge the tech giant with “corporate bullying.”

Google says this measure may have unanticipated effects.

Google New Zealand’s country director, Caroline Rainsford, voiced her worries that the law, which is being referred to as a “link tax,” is not doing enough to support the media industry in New Zealand right now.

She underlined that Google would have to make major adjustments if the previously mentioned law were to pass, including cutting off links to news articles from its Search, News, and Discover platforms and cutting off financial ties with regional publications.

According to Rainsford, similar legislation has been proposed and approved in other nations including Australia and Canada, but it has not been proven to be effective there and breaches the principles of the open web.

She drew attention to the fact that smaller media outlets will be most negatively impacted, which will limit their capacity to reach prospective audiences.

Google says its alternative options will protect smaller, local media from negative effects.

Conversely, it conveys apprehension regarding the possible fiscal obligations and vagueness of the legislation, which it feels generates an intolerable level of ambiguity for enterprises functioning within New Zealand.

The New Zealand News Publishers Association (NPA) has reacted to Google’s warnings by alleging that the internet behemoth is using coercive tactics.

They specifically contend that the need for regulation stems from the market distortion that Google and other tech giants have created, which has fueled their expansion into some of the most significant corporations in global history.

The legislation aims to create a more equal framework that media businesses can use to negotiate commercial relationships with technological platforms that profit from their content.

New Zealand Media Editors CEO Michael Boggs stated that he was in favor of the bill, citing the fact that Google now makes a substantial profit from material created by regional publications.

He also emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence by Google—which frequently makes references to news articles without giving credit to the original sources—highlights the significance of enacting legislation.

Paul Goldsmith, the Minister of Media and Communications, has stated that the government is now evaluating various viewpoints and is still in the consultation phase.

He stated that the government and Google have been having continuous talks and will keep up these ongoing discussions.

However, not all political parties accept the validity of the Act.

The ACT Party’s leader, David Seymour, has voiced his displeasure of the proposal, saying that Google is a game the government is “playing chicken” with. He threatened the smaller media companies, saying that they would suffer from worse search engine rankings if the internet giant followed through on its promises.

Seymour contended that it is not the government’s responsibility to shield companies from shifts in the market brought about by consumer preferences.

The things that have happened in other nations are similar to what has happened in New Zealand.

Google has agreements with a number of Australian media firms that are in compliance with its News Media Bargaining Code. These agreements contain provisions that permit an annual cancellation of these agreements.

Due to the government’s decision to exempt Google from the Online News Act, the company has committed to supporting news dissemination by contributing annually to the Canadian journalistic community.

The New Zealand measure is consistent with global approaches aimed at regulating the relationships that exist between technology corporations and media organizations.

It’s hard to say what will happen with the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill as the discussion goes on. Google and the New Zealand media landscape are preparing for what might be a protracted legal battle.

SOURCE: TET