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Pergolas are free-standing structures, so those with limited roof space or unsuitable roof design due to orientation or shading can leverage rooftop solar beyond the constraints of your home’s current footprint.
Solar pergolas are relatively easy to construct with the right tools and materials. Learn more about the benefits of adding a solar pergola to your home and find detailed steps to turn the dream into a backyard reality.
What Is a Solar Pergola?
A solar pergola is a unique option to leverage solar power at home without relying on roof space. It combines the function of a typical backyard pergola with the addition of a free-standing rooftop solar array separate from your house. Solar pergolas serve two purposes: providing shade/outdoor living space and generating renewable energy.
Solar pergolas can be customised to fit all types of yard spaces and allow you to create a personalised style and aesthetic. Whether you use it as a corridor to connect your interior and outdoor spaces or plant it in a sunny spot in the garden, a solar pergola can add to the beauty and function of your home while providing you with free and sustainable energy.
The Benefits of a Solar Pergola
- Reduced Energy Bills: Your solar pergola’s panel array will generate electricity that your home can use, offsetting your consumption from the electrical grid and cutting down on your electric bill each month. Every dollar you save on grid power helps cover the cost of setting up your solar pergola. The money saved on monthly energy bills, plus the free energy generated after reaching the end of your solar payoff period, will contribute to the system’s ROI.
- Increased Home Value: Homes with functioning solar power systems are attractive to buyers who are conscious of sustainability. They know they can leverage this addition to save on monthly fixed costs, making a higher home value more manageable.
- Support the Environment: The electricity grid predominantly sources energy from gas and other fossil fuels, which are nonrenewable resources that produce toxic fumes and harmful compounds when burned. By switching some of your energy use to renewable sources, you can minimise the demand for fossil fuels and support a healthy environment and our limited natural resources.
- Dual Functionality: Solar pergolas are not exclusively design features or energy generators; they’re both! A home addition doesn’t often combine beauty and function, but solar pergolas are one of the few exceptions. You gain a lovely outdoor living space while also creating your own electricity, maximising the value of your investment. You’ll enjoy having a shady spot in your yard to relax, and you’ll also enjoy the savings and convenience of producing your own power.
- Little Maintenance: Solar panels require very little maintenance over the years, so you won’t have to commit to weekly or monthly cleaning or check-ups. Most panels can go between maintenance sessions for six months to a year. If you live in a dry area, you may need to clean your panels more frequently, but it’s a low lift.
What Tools and Materials Are Required?
Are you ready to build your own solar pergola? Here are the essential tools and materials you’ll need to get started.
Tools
- Power Drill
- Saw
- Level
- Hammer
- Measuring Tape
- Post-Hole Digger
- Ladder
Materials
- Lumber: Choose a durable wood like pressure-treated pine or cedar.
- Beams, Posts, and Rafters: These will form the structure’s core elements.
- Concrete: Get concrete mix to pour into your post holes.
- Solar Panels: EcoFlow Solar Panels, like the EcoFlow Rigid Solar Panels, are ideal for this application, but you can learn more about photovoltaic (PV) panel options in our comprehensive guide.
- Inverter generator or battery: Store the energy generated for use.
- Cables: Connect your panels to the generator or battery.
Steps for Building a Solar Panel Pergola
Here are all the DIY steps to build your initial pergola and install your solar panel system.
Construct Pergola Frame
First, you’ll need to create the frame and structure of your pergola so you can add your photovoltaic array to it. The front end of the project involves quite a bit of design and pre-construction work, so don’t skip it.
Once you’ve created your design and action plan, clear and level the ground space where the pergolas will be placed.
Then, use your post-hole digger to create holes for each post—at least four for balance and stability. Depending on your pergola height, the holes should be about 12 inches wide and 36 inches deep. The depth should be low enough to support the beams even in windy or harsh weather.
Insert your posts in each hole, level them, and pour your wet concrete mix around each base area, allowing it to set for 24 hours.
Once the posts are secured, you can attach the primary beams to form the horizontal structure of the pergola. Use galvanised screws or bolts to secure the beams to the posts and create a weather-resistant bond.
Rafters are next, connecting each horizontal beam to form the bones of the roof structure. Space them evenly to balance shade and structural integrity and secure them tightly. The more shade you want, the more rafters you need to install. If you prefer a more minimal and modern look, create more space between your latticework.
Option Features and Finishing Touches
Now that the basic structure is built, you can add optional features or finishing touches to make it feel unique. You may opt for add-ons like lattice panels, shade clothes, or outdoor lighting. You can also give the wood a makeover with weather-resistant stain or paint to bring your pergola to life.
Install Solar Panels
It’s time to turn this pergola into a solar pergola! For this next step, you’ll need PV panels and a compatible inverter generator to capture the energy produced. Since this will be a fixed-array application, look for rigid panel construction, such as the EcoFlow 100W Rigid Solar Panel or EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel, depending on how robust your electricity needs are and how much space is available on your pergola roof.
If you’re limited in space, opt for a more powerful PV panel since you can use fewer to reach the same output as an extensive array of lower-powered panels.
The panels should be installed in a spot that receives ample daytime sunlight. Use proper mounting hardware to attach the panels securely to the rafters without compromising the structure’s integrity.
Run Wiring and Install Inverter Generator
With your array in place, you can connect your new panels to an inverter generator that will capture and store the sun’s energy so it can be used for your home. We recommend pairing your EcoFlow panels with EcoFlow Solar Generators for a seamless match and perfect compatibility. You’ll need proper wiring long enough to connect your panels to the generator and perhaps a way to connect your generator to your home, such as the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel.
Once everything is connected, test your new solar pergola to ensure it works properly. You can use the EcoFlow mobile app to monitor and control the devices.
How Much Does a Solar Panel Pergola Cost?
The cost of solar panels depends on their output, the type of construction (monocrystalline being the most expensive), the brand, and potential installer fees if you don’t install them yourself. You can expect to pay more if your array produces more energy, but you’ll be repaid with more savings in the long run.
PV panels can cost between £ 200 and £500 each, and installation could cost an additional £300-600, depending on your pergola access, the number of panels, etc.
If you also need to build the pergola, your total costs will likely fall between £3,000-8,000 for reference. This number can change depending on unique circumstances, so it’s just a general reference point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A solar pergola can be worth it if you want to generate your own solar energy but don’t have adequate roof space. You will also need ample backyard space to build the pergola and enough direct sunlight to make the investment worthwhile.
Yes, DIY installation of solar panels in the UK is entirely legal. Certain areas may require planning permission, such as permits, but there are no laws explicitly against doing this process yourself rather than hiring someone. Check with your local authorities to ensure you follow regulations.
Final Thoughts
A solar pergola is a creative way to enhance your outdoor space while adding the functionality of on-site solar energy generation to your home, even if your roof can’t handle an array on its own.
Solar pergolas can be simple to build on your own—just create a stable pergola base structure, add the best EcoFlow Solar Panels, connect them to a battery storage or inverter generator, and enjoy your new outdoor feature and clean, independent electricity!
