Rather than mount solar on a newly replaced roof, one homeowner asked Reddit whether a prefabricated carport could carry solar panels or if the project would require a custom-built structure.
In Reddit's r/Solar community, the original poster wrote that their property has several acres and that planned carports or outdoor recreation covers were the preferred alternative to roof or ground mounting.
OP wrote, "We are exploring the possibility of adding solar to our property, but our home is older and we just put on a new roof. I'd personally prefer not to have them roof mounted or on the ground… [We] are considering adding additional carports and outdoor recreation coverage out back that panels could be mounted upon if weight can be accommodated."
The OP then asked the forum whether it had any recommendations for structures that could support the weight of panels.
Among the recommendations, Infinity Rack drew support from more than one commenter. One wrote, "There are a few. Chiko, as well as Infinity Rack are probably the best well known. Have used both for customers." Another commenter added, "+1 for Infinity Rack."
A different user wrote, "The panel weight is negligible and if the panels are laying flat there's no added wind forces on the structure."
One user warned against laying panels flat, writing, "Don't install flat. Minimum 5 degree angle for water runoff and to help keep panel clean. Some panel manufacturers want 10 degrees to maintain warranty."
Another commenter added, "Sometimes it is just cheaper to buy a solar-ready carport, as opposed to paying an engineer $2,500+."
A solar carport can solve several problems at once by generating electricity, shading vehicles, and using outdoor structures already in the plans.
For properties with room for separate parking or recreation spaces, that kind of setup may be especially useful. A standard carport may work, but a solar-ready option could save time and engineering costs in some jurisdictions.
If you're trying to save money on home energy, consider using EnergySage's free tools, which can help you get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
And EnergySage's solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system on a state-by-state level, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state, which together can help you get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
Questions about solar carports often lead to broader concerns about roof strength, installer advice, and the real cost of going solar. The pieces here cover those same issues, from roofing pushback and common myths to the pricing questions homeowners run into when comparing different setups.
• Across solar forums, a lot of misinformation distorts panel weight and roof safety concerns.
• On Reddit, homeowners pushed back when a roofer was just wrong about solar risks.
• EnergySage COO Charlie Hadlow is unraveling the mystery of solar pricing for homeowners.
For anyone weighing rooftop panels against a solar-ready carport, that context can help. It gives a clearer picture of the structural, permitting, and budget tradeoffs that come with either option.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
A new U.S. ban on Canadian alcohol worries a distillery in Mabou, N.S., because it relies heavily on American sales. However, most other Nova Scotia winemakers and craft brewers do not export to the U.S. and remain largely unaffected.
A P.E.I. commuter says she's concerned about both pedestrian and driver safety at the bus transfer area at Royalty Crossing mall in Charlottetown.
The P.E.I. Watershed Alliance is looking for landowners with abandoned wells on their properties to take part in a project that’s monitoring the Island's bat population.
A Wolastoqey artist is representing Atlantic Canada as one of six finalists for the Sobey Art Award. Shane Perley-Dutcher combines traditional and contemporary techniques in his work.
Sean Penn says "Black Sunflowers," a new documentary about young Ukrainians coming of age during the Russia-Ukraine war, should be seen by "the most right-wing person in America and the most left." Penn serves as executive producer on the film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. (Sept. 13)
Newfoundland and Labrador's Finance minister says the province isn't talking to the federal government about power rate mitigation, while the province's Consumer Advocate calls the current outlook an 'untenable situation.'
Last year, fisheries technologist Mark Santos and a team at the Marine Institute launched 285 cement reef balls into Placentia Bay’s Fox Harbour in a bid to remediate an ocean dead zone. Already, he said, they can see marine life returning.
It’s been 20 years since the Dawson College shooting in Montreal when a gunman entered school grounds, killing one student and injuring 19 others. Survivors open up on how that one day changed the course of their lives.
Windsor’s top municipal election official is trying to make it easier for residents to cast a ballot this fall, hoping more flexible voting options will help reverse years of low voter turnout.
The Hamilton Film Board is throwing its first ever Hamilton House Party at TIFF this year, gathering industry professionals to celebrate everything that makes Hamilton a great city for film. The event takes place on Sept. 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Ballroom on John Street in Toronto.
The leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec has come under fire from her political opponents after interrupting her election campaign and convening her cabinet amid the ongoing trade war with the United States. Is Christine Fréchette using the moment for political gain, or just doing her job?
The cast of "Misty Green," including director Chris Rock and main actress Rosalind Eleazar, share what it took to bring the film to life and what viewers can expect to see in the comedy-drama. (Sept. 12, 2026)
0913 Today in History
The reason why we call her an icon is because she is one," filmmaker Rebeca Huntt said about Megan Rapinoe, the subject of her latest documentary "Rapinoe," which premiere at TIFF.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled the trade war with Canada could soon be resolved. In Ireland Saturday, Trump weighed in on some key issues that may be driving his dismal approval ratings as he works to strengthen Republican support ahead of November’s midterm elections. Candice Cole reports.
OPP and the Mississippi Mills Fire Department responded to the scene late Friday afternoon.
The team of "I Play Rocky" shares what it took to master the style and physiques of each character, how the cast was formed and what they hope audiences take away from the film. (Sept. 12, 2026)
Excitement builds up as Celine Dion returns to the stage in Paris for the first of 16 shows, marking her comeback after a four-year break following her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis. (AP video shot by Oleg Cetinic)
The driveway of a coastal mansion in Malibu owned by actor Nicolas Cage collapsed Tuesday morning, opening up a giant hole in front of the house.
The Atlantic basin is completely quiet at the peak of hurricane season as Hawaii faces one unusual tropical threat after another

source