How much energy does the carport produce?
A carport, or carport, is a structure that protects vehicles from adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow or hail. It is an open structure, covered but without side walls. In recent years, carports have been gaining popularity due to the possibility of mounting photovoltaic panels on them to produce electricity.
What is a carport?
The carport is an alternative to traditional garages. Its simplicity of construction makes it more economical and easier to install. A standard carport can be made of wood, metal or aluminium and its roof can be flat or pitched. Modern carports are often equipped with photovoltaic panels that convert solar energy into electricity.
How much energy can a carport produce?
The energy production of a carport depends on a number of factors, such as location, roof angle, number of panels installed and the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels themselves. It is assumed that a standard 1 m² photovoltaic panel can produce approximately 180-220 W of energy.
If a 20 m² carport is covered with 200 W/m² photovoltaic panels, its maximum energy production will be:
20m2×200 W/m2=4000 W=4 kW
On an annual basis, assuming an average annual energy production of 1,000 kWh from 1 kW of installed capacity, the carport can produce approximately:
4 kW×1000 kWh=4000 kWh
This is enough energy to meet the annual energy needs of an average household.
Benefits of having a carport with photovoltaic panels
- Saving on electricity bills: The energy produced by the panels can significantly reduce electricity costs.
- Green energy source: Using solar energy reduces CO₂ emissions and other pollutants.
- Increasing the value of the property: Installing photovoltaic panels can increase the market value of a property.
- Car protectionCarport protects vehicles from the weather, which can prolong their life.
- Rapid return on investment: Thanks to rising energy prices and EU subsidy opportunities, a return on investment in photovoltaics can be achieved in as little as five to seven years.
- Smart carport: Modern carports can be equipped with intelligent energy management systems that optimise energy consumption and storage.
Do you need a building permit in Poland to build a carport?
It can be done without planning permission!
In the case of plots of land with residential buildings, as well as plots for housing, a carport can be erected without any permits or notifications. In addition to this particular type of plot, the investor must still remember to observe the rigour of the maximum carport area - it must fit within 50 m2. The total number of such carports on a plot must not exceed two for every 1,000 m2 of plot area.
When should notification be made?
A notification will be required for businesses and all non-residential plots. We will install a carport of up to 35m2 on application. The total number of these structures must not exceed two for every 500m2 of plot. Other cases already require a standard planning permission.
In summary, a carport with photovoltaic panels is an investment that can bring many environmental and economic benefits. It is a practical solution that not only protects cars but also generates clean energy, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When planning the construction of a carport, it is advisable to thoroughly familiarise yourself with local building regulations to avoid potential legal problems.
