Solar carports and canopies can turn your business’s parking lot into a shaded, energy‑producing asset. For businesses across Cape Cod, the South Shore, and the South Coast, they can be a smart way to go solar when roof space is limited or already in use.
What Is a Solar Canopy?
Solar canopy is an umbrella term used to describe a number of different solar structures, including:
- Solar carports: Provide covered parking for customers, employees, or fleet vehicles while producing on-site power. Many systems can be integrated with EV charging infrastructure.
- Solar pergolas: Offer flexible shade solutions for courtyards, walkways, parks, or communal outdoor spaces.
- Solar patio covers: Create shaded outdoor areas for your restaurant, retail location, park, or business while also generating renewable solar energy.
How Do Solar Carports Work?
A solar parking lot canopy is a structure built over existing parking spaces, with solar panels mounted on top. The system is wired into your facility’s electrical system so the solar energy it produces powers your building and offsets your utility costs. Systems can be designed to cover select high‑priority rows or larger areas of your lot, depending on your goals and budget.
One of the best things about a solar carport or parking lot canopy is that it makes use of land that’s already been developed. You don’t have to cut down trees or take up space where crops can be grown to install one, which may be necessary with a traditional ground-mounted solar panel system that’s installed on open land.
Key Benefits of Solar Carports for Your Business
The main benefits of solar panels for parking lots include savings, day‑to‑day comfort, and sustainability. With a solar carport, you can:
- Lower electric bills over the long term by producing clean power on-site and reducing the impact of utility rate increases.
- Utilize land that’s already been developed instead of cutting down trees to make space for solar panels.
- Offer EV charging stations under your solar carport, creating a new revenue stream while attracting electric vehicle drivers to your business.
- Provide shaded parking that keeps vehicles cooler in summer and offers protection from sun, rain, and snow for employees and customers, which can potentially increase property value.
- Visibly demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, reduce your carbon footprint, and differentiate your business as a green leader in your community.
Is Your Parking Lot a Good Fit for Solar?
Solar panel parking lot systems are not right for every site. Good candidates typically have a reasonably large, open lot with decent sun exposure, limited shading from trees or nearby buildings, and steady daytime energy use.
Other key considerations include:
- Layout and traffic: Drive aisles, snow storage, fire lanes, and delivery routes must all be factored into canopy placement and column spacing.
- Structural needs: Canopies require steel supports and foundations sized for local wind and snow loads, which is especially important in Massachusetts.
- Construction impact: Work is usually phased to keep parking available, but businesses should be prepared for some short‑term disruption during installation.
- Permitting: Local zoning and permitting requirements vary by community and may treat solar canopies differently than rooftop solar or ground mounts. Our team at MGE handles site plan review, building permits, and utility interconnection, guiding you through what is required for your town and utility.
Why Choose My Generation Energy?
The right installation partner is important when you’re considering a solar panel parking lot canopy for your business. My Generation Energy starts with a no‑pressure site assessment and free quote that is tailored to your property, your operations, and your financial objectives. That way, you can confidently decide whether a solar canopy or carport is the right next step for your business.
When working with our commercial solar install team, you’ll get:
- A design process that evaluates your parking lot layout, energy use, and long‑term goals to determine whether a solar carport is the right fit.
- Detailed production and financial projections, so you understand expected savings and payback before you commit.
- End‑to‑end project management, from engineering and permitting through construction, utility interconnection, and paperwork.
