Solar Carport & BIPV Specialists in New Zealand

BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) is a new generation of green building material that seamlessly combines structural function with solar energy generation.
Unlike conventional rooftop or ground-mounted solar systems designed purely for electricity generation, BIPV is not a power plant product — it is a building material. BIPV components are integrated into the building envelope itself, such as roofs, façades, carports, or shading elements, and are designed to serve architectural and structural purposes just like any other building component.

These systems meet both photovoltaic performance standards and building codes, offering a unique combination of aesthetics, durability, and sustainability.
BIPV represents the future of low-carbon construction — turning everyday buildings into active energy producers, without compromising design, space, or function.

A solar carport is a purpose-built structure that provides covered parking for vehicles while generating clean electricity through integrated solar panels on its roof.
Unlike rooftop solar systems installed on existing buildings, solar carports serve as both a protective shelter and a renewable energy source—maximizing otherwise unused parking areas.

The single solar carport covers approximately 20 m², starting from NZ$20,000 + GST, including materials, installation, electrical work, grid connection, and a 5kW grid-tied inverter.

The double solar carport covers approximately 34 m², starting from NZ$34,000 + GST, including the same services and an 8kW grid-tied inverter.

Both options can be customised with battery storage and EV charging to suit your needs.

Our solar carports are designed to be securely anchored to a suitable concrete foundation to ensure long-term stability and safety.

If you already have a level concrete driveway at least 100mm thick, it may be suitable for installation in low-wind areas, depending on the concrete condition and structural requirements.

For properties without an existing concrete driveway, we can typically install four reinforced concrete footings to support the carport, without needing to concrete the entire parking area.

In high-wind zones, additional reinforcement or larger footings may be required. We’ll assess the site conditions and recommend the most practical and cost-effective foundation solution to meet relevant New Zealand standards.

The key difference lies in their purpose and functionality.

Solar carports and canopies are ideal for homeowners and businesses looking to create a practical, attractive outdoor structure while generating clean electricity and reducing energy bills.

Using Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology, the solar panels form part of the structure itself, providing shade, rain protection, and efficient solar power generation. These structures can be designed to meet relevant New Zealand building requirements and integrated with battery storage, backup power, and EV charging.

Traditional rooftop solar, on the other hand, is primarily designed to generate electricity from an existing roof. While it is an effective way to reduce energy costs, it offers limited additional functionality, particularly during cloudy or rainy weather when solar generation is reduced.

A solar carport or canopy does more than generate electricity — it creates valuable, usable space that continues to serve a purpose, rain or shine.

Absolutely! If you have a suitable outdoor space, a solar carport could be a great addition to your home.

As a general guide, we recommend a minimum clear space of 4 metres wide by 7 metres long, ideally with minimal shading from nearby buildings or trees to maximise solar generation.

Simply email us your property address, a few photos of the proposed installation area, and a recent electricity bill. Our team will carry out an initial assessment to check site suitability, solar potential, and recommend the most suitable solution.

We'll guide you through the next steps, from design and planning to installation and grid connection.

A solar carport offers much more than just clean electricity. It brings practical, everyday benefits to your home:

• Lower Electricity Bills: Generate your own solar power and reduce your reliance on the grid.
• Protect Your Vehicles: Keep your cars sheltered from direct sunlight, rain, and harsh weather.
• Free Up Your Garage: Park under your solar carport and turn your existing garage into extra living, storage, or workspace.
• Modern & Stylish Design: Enhance your property's appearance with a sleek, practical outdoor structure.
• Winter Frost Protection: Based on feedback from our customers, covered parking can help reduce frost buildup on vehicles during cold Christchurch mornings.
• More Energy Independence: Add battery storage, backup power, or EV charging to make even better use of your solar energy.

A solar carport isn't just an energy investment — it's a smarter way to use your outdoor space and improve everyday living.

1. Initial Consultation & Feasibility Assessment

Send us your property address, site photos, and a recent electricity bill. We'll assess site suitability, energy needs, and potential building, structural, and regulatory requirements at an early stage.

2. Customised Design & Quotation

We'll recommend a suitable solar carport design and provide a detailed quotation, including optional battery storage, backup power, and EV charging.

3. Approvals & Planning

We'll help coordinate the necessary building consents, network approvals, and other compliance requirements where applicable, before scheduling installation.

4. Professional Installation

Our installation team will prepare the foundations, assemble the carport structure, and complete the solar and electrical installation.

5. Testing, Commissioning & Handover

We'll test and commission your system and provide the required electrical documentation, including the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and Record of Inspection (RoI), along with guidance on system monitoring.

No — you don’t need to have an existing carport.

Our solar carports are standalone, pre-engineered structures that include both the frame and the solar panels. They are designed to be installed independently, without relying on any existing carport or roof.

In fact, most of our customers install solar carports from scratch — either in driveways, parking areas, or open yard spaces. The structure is built using durable aluminium alloy or steel and meets New Zealand building standards for wind and seismic zones.

If you already have a carport, we generally don’t recommend retrofitting it with solar panels unless it’s specifically designed to handle the additional load and meet compliance.

The energy output of a solar carport depends on several factors — including its size, the number of solar panels, orientation, tilt angle, and location (such as shading and sunlight hours).

In general, a solar carport performs similarly to a rooftop solar system of the same capacity, since they use comparable solar technologies.

For residential properties, a standard carport can often cover a significant portion of daytime household electricity consumption. Commercial carports, which accommodate more panels, can generate substantially more power.

Council approval requirements vary depending on the property, location, and proposed design.

At Golden Solar BIPV, we assess Building Consent (BC), Resource Consent (RC), and other compliance requirements during the initial project evaluation and assist with obtaining any necessary approvals.

Structural construction is handled by our Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) team, while solar and electrical installations are completed by our registered electricians.

We aim to make the entire process straightforward, ensuring your solar carport meets relevant New Zealand building and electrical standards.

For residential solar carports, the process from finalizing the design to completing installation and grid connection typically takes about 2 to 3 months. Commercial solar carport projects are more complex and will take longer.

New Zealand currently does not offer specific government rebates for solar carports, but there are general supports and financing options for solar installations. As members of SEANZ (Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand), we stay informed about these opportunities and can assist you accordingly:

1. Community Renewable Energy Fund: Supports local renewable projects, which schools or universities may apply for.
2. Local Councils: Some councils have energy efficiency programs that might offer guidance or indirect support.
3. Bank Loans: Major banks (Westpac, ANZ, BNZ, Kiwibank) offer low-interest or interest-free loans for solar system installations.

Yes, solar carports can definitely be used in schools and universities. They provide shaded parking while generating clean electricity on-site, helping educational institutions reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint. Plus, they can serve as great educational tools for students to learn about renewable energy and sustainability.

Businesses can benefit from solar carports in several ways:

1. Energy Cost Savings: Solar carports generate clean electricity on-site, reducing the business’s reliance on grid power and lowering electricity bills.
2. Additional Shelter: They provide covered parking that protects vehicles from weather, enhancing employee and customer experience.
3. Sustainability Image: Installing solar carports demonstrates a commitment to renewable energy and corporate social responsibility, boosting brand reputation.
4. Revenue Opportunities: Excess energy generated can often be fed back into the grid, potentially earning credits or payments.
5. Government and Financing Support: Businesses may access financial incentives or favorable loans to offset installation costs.
6. Property Value: Solar carports can increase the value and appeal of commercial properties.

Overall, solar carports offer a practical, visible, and sustainable solution that combines infrastructure with renewable energy generation.

Currently, our solar carport solutions are modular in design. We are working in progress to offer fully customized design and installation options for clients in the future to better match their homes or brand identity.

Solar carports generally require minimal maintenance. Routine tasks include:

• Cleaning the solar panels periodically to remove dust, leaves, bird droppings, and debris, ensuring optimal energy generation.
• Inspecting the structure occasionally for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose fittings.
• Checking electrical components to ensure connections and inverters are functioning properly.

Currently, our solar carport installation services are available in selected regions, including Christchurch and Auckland. We focus on these areas to ensure the highest quality service and support. If you’re outside these regions, please get in touch — we may be able to recommend trusted local partners or discuss future expansion plans.