Solar Carports

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.

A residential solar carport is a standalone outdoor structure made with durable aluminium alloy framing that provides covered parking for one or two vehicles while generating clean electricity from solar panels integrated into its roof.
Unlike traditional rooftop solar systems, residential solar carports combine:

1. Vehicle protection from sun, rain, and weather damage
2. Renewable energy generation through integrated solar panels
3. Space optimization, freeing up your garage for storage, workshops, or additional living space
4. The aluminium alloy structure ensures the carport is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and built to meet local building codes and structural standards. This makes it a long-lasting, attractive, and sustainable addition to your home.

A commercial solar carport is a large-scale solar-powered parking structure designed for businesses, shopping centres, offices, or public areas. Constructed with durable light or heavy steel framing, it provides shaded parking that protects vehicles from sun and weather. Integrated solar panels generate substantial clean energy, primarily for on-site consumption, helping to reduce operational electricity costs and carbon footprint. Often paired with EV charging stations, commercial solar carports support sustainability goals by combining functional infrastructure with renewable energy generation.

A solar carport is more than just a solar panel installation — it is a building structure and a form of green building material. The carport’s frame and roof serve as a fully functional architectural element, designed to provide shelter and meet building codes, while simultaneously generating clean energy through integrated solar panels.

In contrast, rooftop solar systems are typically solar panels mounted onto an existing roof as an add-on, without serving a structural or architectural function.
Solar carports combine durability, aesthetics, and practicality, acting as both a protective canopy and a renewable energy source, whereas rooftop solar focuses solely on energy generation.

Yes! Residential solar carports are designed specifically for homes and small properties in New Zealand. They provide covered parking for one or two vehicles while generating clean, renewable energy through integrated solar panels.
Our residential solar carports come in standard modular sizes (such as single or double car spaces) and are built with durable aluminium alloy structures. Please note they are not customizable or bespoke designs, but the modular system allows quick and efficient installation that meets New Zealand building codes.

Solar carports help protect your vehicles from sun and rain, free up garage space for other uses, and reduce your electricity bills. Because of their modular design, these carports comply with most wind zone and seismic requirements in New Zealand.

Before installation, please check with your local council regarding permits or regulations.

A solar carport offers multiple advantages for homeowners:

1. Vehicle Protection: Provides shelter from sun, rain, hail, and other weather, keeping your cars cooler and protected.
2. Clean Energy Generation: Generates renewable electricity right where you live, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your electricity bills.
3. Garage Space Optimization: Frees up your garage for other uses like storage, workshops, or additional living space by moving parking outdoors.
4. Increased Property Value: Adds a functional and eco-friendly feature to your home, which can enhance its market appeal.
5. Sustainability: Supports your commitment to reducing carbon footprint and living a greener lifestyle.
6. Modular & Durable Design: Built with long-lasting aluminium alloy, the carport is designed to withstand
7. New Zealand’s weather conditions, including wind and seismic zones.
8. Future-ready: Can be combined with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for an even greener home energy solution.
   
   

Step 1: Consultation & Needs Assessment
We begin by confirming your requirements — carport size, preferred location, and whether you’d like to include an EV charger or battery storage. You’ll also be asked to share a recent electricity bill so we can design a system that matches your energy usage.

Step 2: Site Visit & System Design
Our engineer will visit your property to assess ground conditions, sunlight exposure, and any council compliance needs. Based on this, we’ll prepare a tailored system design and provide a detailed quote, including installation timeline.

Step 3: Installation & Grid Connection
Once confirmed, our licensed builders and electricians will install the carport structure and solar panels, followed by system wiring and grid connection. All work complies with New Zealand building and electrical standards.

Step 4: Testing & Handover
After installation, we complete safety testing and system checks. We’ll then guide you through the solar app so you can monitor your energy generation and understand basic system care. Your solar carport is now ready — generating clean energy while sheltering your vehicles.

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.

The solar carports needs to comply with the building standards for carport/shade structures set by local councils. Since the requirements vary from region to region, the property owner needs to consult their council for specific regulations. We are very happy to assist you in completing this part of the process.

For residential solar carports, the process from finalizing the design to completing installation and grid connection typically takes about 1 to 2 months. Commercial solar carport projects are more complex and may 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 Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. 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.