Are Solar Pergolas Worth It?
Solar panels don’t have to go on your roof! Solar pergolas, like solar canopies, are an increasingly popular alternative that have many advantages over traditional rooftop solar panels. Not only do they generate clean energy for your house, but they also add shade and character to your backyard.
Solar pergolas can be a great option, but they’re not the best solar solution for every home. In this blog, we cover the pros and cons of installing a solar panel pergola to help you decide whether a backyard solar panel pergola makes sense for your home.
What Is a Solar Pergola?
A pergola is a free-standing, outdoor shade structure with columns that support a roof. They’re usually installed in backyards—on decks, patios, and in gardens. A solar pergola is the exact same thing, but with solar panels on its roof. The roof can either be made from solar PV panels or have them mounted on top of it.
Pros & Cons of Solar Panel Pergolas
Pros of Solar Pergolas
- Dual Functionality – Solar pergolas give you all the benefits of a regular pergola (shade, character, enhanced outdoor living space) plus the ability to generate clean energy for your home.
- Aesthetically Pleasing – Solar pergolas can be an aesthetic improvement to your home. They add character and create a more enjoyable outdoor living space.
- Optimal Positioning – Since they’re freestanding, solar pergolas can be installed almost anywhere on your property, allowing us to position them for maximum sunlight access and electricity output.
Cons of Solar Pergolas
- Lower Electricity Output – A pergola has a much smaller roof than a house, which means it can’t support as many solar panels. Since they produce less electricity than rooftop panels, solar pergolas are ideal for supplementing electricity and for smaller properties, like a vacation cabin.
- Potential Shading – Since pergolas are fairly low to the ground, they’re more likely to be shaded by surrounding houses and trees than your roof, which can reduce output.
Cost vs Return on Investment of a Solar Pergola
The cost of a solar pergola can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the design, complexity, and number of panels. In many cases, installing a solar pergola will be cheaper than installing a rooftop or ground-mounted system, though it can also be on par or even more expensive. But, you receive a great return on your investment. Your solar pergola will offset some of your electricity usage, saving you money on your electric bills. It’s unlikely to cover all of your home’s electricity usage, but it will reduce your bills and make you more independent. Plus, you get the additional benefits of a more functional and enjoyable outdoor living space with added shade.
Do Solar Pergolas Qualify for the Solar Tax Credit?
Yes! The solar energy system aspect of the solar pergola qualifies for the tax credit. That includes the PV panels, the mounting system, the inverter, the wiring, and the battery storage system if you choose to install one. The pergola itself does not qualify, but the solar panel system is the more expensive component. The tax credit will save you 30% on eligible costs, significantly reducing your upfront investment.
Custom Solar Solutions for Arizona Homes
If you want solar panels but don’t want to put them on your roof, SouthFace Solar & Electric is the solar installer for you. We design custom solar panel systems, including solar pergolas, shade structures, car ports, ground-mounted solar panels, off-grid solar panels, and more. Our team is highly experienced, design-focused, and ready to bring your vision to life.
