SOLAR PERGOLAS: PRODUCTION & FUNCTION
Perfect for home owners limited by roof space, age, type or orientation
We are NABCEP Certified, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
High Efficiency Solar Pergola
We design and build solar integrated pergolas using high efficiency panels with your home’s architecture, outdoor landscape and energy needs in mind.
Transform your outdoor space into a shady living area perfect for rest and recharge, an entertaining space or, create a set back poolside pergola all while delivering carbon neutral energy to your home.
The generous height of our pergolas makes if feel light and airy. Bifacial modules can be used, if desired, to allow for even more transparency.
High Efficiency Solar Pergola
We design and build solar integrated pergolas using high efficiency panels with your home’s architecture, outdoor landscape and energy needs in mind.
Transform your outdoor space into a shady living area perfect for rest and recharge, an entertaining space or, create a set back poolside pergola all while delivering carbon neutral energy to your home.
The generous height of our pergolas makes if feel light and airy. Bifacial modules can be used, if desired, to allow for even more transparency.
Design Features
We offer a variety of pergola designs, sizes and materials. You can customize your pergola by adding lighting, fans or power and USB outlets. All of our pergolas are weather resistant and have strong steel and wooden supports.
Your pergola can be attached or freestanding depending on your needs and personal preferences. As with other types of solar array, location must be carefully considered in terms of shade exposure.
A popular choice are cedar structures for a natural wood look and for its durability, ability to withstand moisture in the air and its insect and termite repelling qualities. For a more industrial feel a highly durable USA steel structure can be designed. Any structure we design, will be analyzed by a structural engineer to ensure a high quality and long-lasting carport to host your array.
Federal Tax Credit for Solar Pergolas
Talk to us today about tax credit incentives for going solar with an integrated pergola. Or, take a look at the Solar Energy Technologies Office Homeowner’s Guide for further information.
Start Your Home Energy Journey
OUR PREFERRED EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY
Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial PV modules offer more efficiency than traditional opaque, monofacial, panels. Bifacial panels absorb reflective light from the ground, water or other reflective surfaces in addition to the top side of the panel. This increases your energy generation meaning your array will be smaller in physical size than an array built with monofacial panels.
Thin in profile, bifacial modules are available as framed and frameless models and have a noticeably thinner profile in comparison to monofacial panels.
Kansas receives a significant amount of snowfall and so it’s important for us to address the common misconception that solar panels don’t work in the snow. If your array uses bifacial PV modules, it’s important to remember that your panels produce energy from both the top of the panel and also the bottom of the panel in the form of reflective light or albedo. Snow covered surfaces produce reflected light and have what is known as high albedo. The reflected light results in panel energy generation and also heat which increases the rate of snowmelt on the panel.
ENPHASE INVERTER & BATTERY SOLUTIONS
For residential solar we like to use the Enphase family of inverters and batteries because of their outstanding safety and also because of their market leading features such as Sunlight Backup and Burst Mode™ Technology
Their module nature which means you can easily add to your system, be that adding a battery or increasing your batteries. You’ll always be future ready when you choose an Enphase IQ solution.
SUNLIGHT BACKUP
Power your home essentials during a daytime power outage without a battery using Sunlight Backup technology.
BURST MODE™
Burst Mode Technology allows your panels to capture more energy in low light conditions, for example when rare shadows form or there are passing clouds.
App & Web Based Technology
The Enphase app provides real time performance monitoring with easy to view production data, home usage and grid consumption insights, individual panel performance and many more additional features.
This information is also available in web based and desktop formats. We actively monitor all of our systems to make certain each array is producing energy as designed and without issue.
Franny, our Head of Design, is committed to delivering great aesthetics and craftsmanship in addition to excellent PV performance. Get in touch.
We are committed to delivering great aesthetics, craftsmanship & excellent PV performance
Solar Pergola Benefits
- All of our structures are designed in house, reviewed by architects and stamped by engineers
- A great option for homes with older roofs or roofs made out of shake or clay tiles
- A multifunctional solution that can open up your outdoor living space by providing shade and producing your own energy
- Off set swimming pool and outdoor entertaining energy costs while creating a shady oasis
- You can receive a 30% tax credit on the cost of your array and pergola
Experience Matters
Each residential project is led and managed by an experienced NABCEP PV IP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner, PV Installation Professional) to ensure the highest of industry standards and practices are met.
Fran, our lead Designer, holds a degree in architecture in addition to holding a class B contractor license. She has over ten years of experience as an architectural designer and project manager working with home owners across Kansas. Her experience allows her to guide clients from initial thoughts, through the design process, all the way to permit approval while adhereing to local and national codes and HOA regulations.
Solar Pergola Benefits
- All of our structures are designed in house, reviewed by architects and stamped by engineers
- A great option for homes with older roofs or roofs made out of shake or clay tiles
- A multifunctional solution that can open up your outdoor living space by providing shade and producing your own energy
- Off set swimming pool and outdoor entertaining energy costs while creating a shady oasis
- You can receive a 30% tax credit on the cost of your array and pergola
How About A Shady Poolside Solar Pergola That Can Help Reduce Your Pool Energy Costs?
Tax Credits & Incentives
There are a wide range of incentives and tax credits available that can make switching to solar more affordable than ever.
A new solar installation may be eligible for a 30% solar tax credit, which is set to expire in 2033. Your solar pergola will qualify for solar incentives as the pergola structure is a type of mounting and racking system therefore qualifies as an integral part of the array.
If your utility offers net metering, you can expect a reduction of cost per kilowatt hour on your energy bill due to the power you export back to the grid. If you’re with a utility that doesn’t offer net metering, you may want to consider battery energy storage. With the available solar tax incentives it may be more achievable that you think.
We’d be more than happy to take you through all of your options.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
GET STARTED TODAY
CALL: 785 840 7023
Have a few questions? Take a look at our FAQ. Or, please do get in touch.
FAQ
Each product page has its own subject specific frequently asked questions section and we have a main FAQ page with other more generalized questions.
Still need help? Get in touch, we’ll be happy to help you.
Can I put solar panels on my existing pergola?
As with mounting solar on a roof, it very much depends on the age, material type, stability and load bearing qualities of your existing structure. Shade is also another consideration.
What kind of shade will a solar pergola offer?
A pergola set close to the house will provide more of a deeply shaded area whereas a poolside solar pergola, which is a more freestanding pergola, will most likely offer partial shade.
What’s the difference between a solar pergola, a solar canopy and a solar patio cover?
Essentially they are all the same, a structure integrated with solar that can be used as a shaded area coming off of a house or free standing.
Should I choose a wood or steel pergola?
Pergola material has an influence on maintenance and durability however all of the options we offer are built to outlast the life of your solar so your decision may come down to either price or aesthetics.
Do solar pergolas let the light through?
The generous height of the pergola makes if feel light and airy and yes, light is able to penetrate through. Bifacial modules can be used, if desired, allowing for even more transparency.
Is pressure treated wood as strong as regular wood?
There is no difference in terms of strength between untreated wood and pressure treated wood. The main difference between the two is, pressure treated wood can hold up against the elements and maintain its integrity due to chemical preservatives better than untreated wood.
What should you expect from the solar installation process?
Once your contract has been signed we can begin the preinstallation process. The first stage is paperwork submission to the utility and for any local permits required for your installation. We will undertake a final site survey which will allow us to finalize your technical plans ready for local permit submission. Paperwork turnaround timescales vary depending on the utility and location, we’ll be sure to keep you informed of the progress.
Once the paperwork as been approved we’ll move to the physical installation phase. We will arrange a convenient install date with you, take you through what to expect during the physical installation and in terms of post installation inspections by the city (if required) and the utilities final step of PTO (permission to operate).
Once your solar system is active we’ll guide you through the monitoring app and will be available for any post installation support questions you may have.
How does the incentive on the actual structure work?
The pergola is an integral part of the array, a type of racking system for it in the same way that a ground mount structure also is a form of racking. So, as a complete unit it forms the array and therefore qualifies as part of the incentive.
FAQ
Each product page has its own subject specific frequently asked questions section and we have a main FAQ section with other more generalized questions.
Can I put solar panels on my existing pergola?
As with mounting solar on a roof, it very much depends on the age, material type, stability and load bearing qualities of your existing structure. Shade is also another consideration.
What kind of shade will a solar pergola offer?
A pergola set close to the house will provide more of a deeply shaded area whereas a poolside solar pergola, which is a more freestanding pergola, will most likely offer partial shade.
What’s the difference between a solar pergola, a solar canopy and a solar patio cover?
Essentially they are all the same, a structure integrated with solar that can be used as a shaded area coming off of a house or free standing.
Should I choose a wood or steel pergola?
Pergola material has an influence on maintenance and durability however all of the options we offer are built to outlast the life of your solar so your decision may come down to either price or aesthetics.
Do solar pergolas let the light through?
The generous height of the pergola makes if feel light and airy and yes, light is able to penetrate through. Bifacial modules can be used, if desired, allowing for even more transparency.
Is pressure treated wood as strong as regular wood?
There is no difference in terms of strength between untreated wood and pressure treated wood. The main difference between the two is, pressure treated wood can hold up against the elements and maintain its integrity due to chemical preservatives better than untreated wood.
What should you expect from the solar installation process?
Once your contract has been signed we can begin the preinstallation process. The first stage is paperwork submission to the utility and for any local permits required for your installation. We will undertake a final site survey which will allow us to finalize your technical plans ready for local permit submission. Paperwork turnaround timescales vary depending on the utility and location, we’ll be sure to keep you informed of the progress.
Once the paperwork as been approved we’ll move to the physical installation phase. We will arrange a convenient install date with you, take you through what to expect during the physical installation and in terms of post installation inspections by the city (if required) and the utilities final step of PTO (permission to operate).
Once your solar system is active we’ll guide you through the monitoring app and will be available for any post installation support questions you may have.
How does the incentive on the actual structure work?
The pergola is an integral part of the array, a type of racking system for it in the same way that a ground mount structure also is a form of racking. So, as a complete unit it forms the array and therefore qualifies as part of the incentive.
Still need help? Get in touch, we’ll be happy to help you.