Solar panels help cut down the cost of electricity for your household and are good for the planet. They help to harness the power of the sun and turn it into functional energy to fuel our technology.
Solar panels can be installed on many kinds of structures, including pergolas. The only requirements are that there’s enough space for mounting the panels and the pergola is made of materials strong enough to support the weight of them.
If you’re still in the process of deciding whether or not to build a pergola or patio but know you want solar either way, I also wrote an article covering solar on patios.
Should I Put Solar Panels On My Pergola?
If you’ve been considering solar panels as an option for creating power for your home, you may be thinking about where the best place is to put them. Most people automatically think they should be installed on the roof.
If you have a pergola in your backyard, though, you may want to consider installing the panels on it. There’s a couple of reasons why we say this.
- Installation is safer and easier
- Easier to reach for maintenance
- Creates shade
- Can clear of debris
- Doesn’t provide the same temptation for birds to roost
These are some great benefits. Now, let’s look at what you need to know about your pergola to decide if this is the right setup for you.
What Kind Of Pergola Works With Solar Panels?
Not all pergolas will work to support solar panels. First, small pergolas do not have enough space to hold many panels. So, you’ll need to know what your intended use is for the solar panels before deciding if your pergola is big enough.
Let’s say you’re wanting to create enough electricity to power your entire home. Depending on how many people live in your home, this could require a substantial number of solar panels. However, if you’re only looking to create power for a shed or some other small space, a few panels may be all you need.
Generally, one solar panel takes about 7.5 square feet of space. Once you determine how many panels you need to support your plan, then you can calculate the space on top of your pergola to see if there’s enough room.
You also need to consider the weight of each solar panel and how much they will weigh all together. Your pergola must be made of materials that can support the weight of all the panels.
Other Considerations
There are some other things to consider when you’re trying to decide if you should install solar panels on your pergola. One of these is the positioning of the pergola.
Think about where your pergola is located. Does it get a lot of sun exposure? The way solar panels work is to take in the energy that falls on their surfaces and convert it into power. This a process known as irradiance.
If your pergola is on a side of the home that doesn’t get much sunlight, then it doesn’t make sense to install solar panels on top of it. You need to put them where they will get the most energy from the sun.
Another thing to consider is the type of solar panels that are right for your pergola. There are rigid panels and flexible ones. There is a huge difference in weight between rigid panels and flexible. You may find your pergola can’t support the weight of rigid panels but is perfectly fine to support the flexible versions.
Is It Worth Installing Solar Panels On Pergolas?
You’ll likely find it’s cheaper to install solar panels on a pergola than it is to install them on your roof. This is because it’s usually safer for installers.
Homes that are two or more stories are not easy to get on top of. Installers must use extra-large commercial ladders to reach the roof of multiple storied homes. Then, once they’re up there, they have to take care not to fall off and injure themselves. The job is much more laborious, and thus costs more.
Not only is it likely cheaper to install, but you get the added benefit of a shaded area on your deck or patio. The panels create shade while soaking up the sun’s energy.
Can I Install Solar Panels Myself?
While it is possible to install solar panels on your pergola yourself, we advise against it. Solar installers are trained professionals who can make sure your panels are positioned just right and in an optimized fashion. This ensures you get the most out of your panels.
Installing solar panels yourself may lead to injury or damage to your pergola or the panels themselves.
Can Solar Panels On A Pergola Power a House?
If your pergola is large enough and is positioned correctly, it can potentially power your entire house. The size of your house, the number of people living there, the amount of time someone is in the home, and the number of panels that fit on the pergola are all factors that affect this relationship.
Do Solar Panels Save You Money?
Installing solar panels can save you money. They reduce the amount of electricity that must be pumped into your home because the sun’s energy is converted into power for your home.
The amount of money you’ll save depends on how well you calculate the energy used by your household. If you install enough solar panels to power your home adequately for your household’s typical use, you’ll save hundreds to thousands of dollars per year.
Final Thoughts
Your backyard pergola may be the ideal spot to install solar panels. You’ll need to consider the size of the pergola and the stability of it before putting panels on top of it, but it may be the most optimal positioning you have.
Solar panels on a pergola can create a nice shaded area in your yard, while saving you money at the same time. If your pergola sits in the sun all day and can support the weight of solar panels, it may be the ideal placement for your solar setup.
