Rather than mount solar on a newly replaced roof, one homeowner asked Reddit whether a prefabricated carport could carry solar panels or if the project would require a custom-built structure.
Here's what to know
In Reddit's r/Solar community, the original poster wrote that their property has several acres and that planned carports or outdoor recreation covers were the preferred alternative to roof or ground mounting.
OP wrote, "We are exploring the possibility of adding solar to our property, but our home is older and we just put on a new roof. I'd personally prefer not to have them roof mounted or on the ground… [We] are considering adding additional carports and outdoor recreation coverage out back that panels could be mounted upon if weight can be accommodated."
The OP then asked the forum whether it had any recommendations for structures that could support the weight of panels.
Among the recommendations, Infinity Rack drew support from more than one commenter. One wrote, "There are a few. Chiko, as well as Infinity Rack are probably the best well known. Have used both for customers." Another commenter added, "+1 for Infinity Rack."
A different user wrote, "The panel weight is negligible and if the panels are laying flat there's no added wind forces on the structure."
One user warned against laying panels flat, writing, "Don't install flat. Minimum 5 degree angle for water runoff and to help keep panel clean. Some panel manufacturers want 10 degrees to maintain warranty."
Another commenter added, "Sometimes it is just cheaper to buy a solar-ready carport, as opposed to paying an engineer $2,500+."
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More background
A solar carport can solve several problems at once by generating electricity, shading vehicles, and using outdoor structures already in the plans.
For properties with room for separate parking or recreation spaces, that kind of setup may be especially useful. A standard carport may work, but a solar-ready option could save time and engineering costs in some jurisdictions.
If you're trying to save money on home energy, consider using EnergySage's free tools, which can help you get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
And EnergySage's solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system on a state-by-state level, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state, which together can help you get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
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💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Where can I learn more?
Questions about solar carports often lead to broader concerns about roof strength, installer advice, and the real cost of going solar. The pieces here cover those same issues, from roofing pushback and common myths to the pricing questions homeowners run into when comparing different setups.
• Across solar forums, a lot of misinformation distorts panel weight and roof safety concerns.
• On Reddit, homeowners pushed back when a roofer was just wrong about solar risks.
• EnergySage COO Charlie Hadlow is unraveling the mystery of solar pricing for homeowners.
For anyone weighing rooftop panels against a solar-ready carport, that context can help. It gives a clearer picture of the structural, permitting, and budget tradeoffs that come with either option.
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