What can I do if my roof is too small to install a big solar system?
If you’ve been told your roof is too small, too shaded, or the wrong shape for solar panels, you’re not out of options. In fact, the perfect place for your solar system might be sitting in plain sight — your driveway, backyard, car parking space, or even a horse paddock.
Enter: the GoodWe solar carport and solar pergola — stylish, functional, and capable of powering your home, electric vehicle (EV), or business without touching your roof. And when it comes to best-in-class solar carports, the GoodWe Vela Series stands out as one of Australia’s top solutions.
Why roof space isn’t always enough
With the rise of electric vehicles and home batteries, the old 6.6kW solar system doesn’t cut it anymore. Most households now need 15–30 kW solar systems to power modern lifestyles — especially with EV charging, home batteries, and all-electric appliances. But many roofs can’t handle that size system because they are:
Too small
Facing the wrong direction
Covered in shade from trees or neighbouring buildings
Cluttered with vents, skylights, or satellite dishes
Made from brittle or ageing tiles
If your roof can’t fit enough panels, a solar carport or pergola can solve the problem by creating new, perfectly angled solar space.
What Is a Solar Carport?
A solar carport is more than a car shelter — it’s a fully functional mini power station.
Benefits:
Generates clean solar energy
Provides weather protection for vehicles or equipment
Optimises panel angle and orientation for maximum efficiency
Expands your solar capacity without altering your roof
Ideal for rural properties, rentals, and businesses where rooftop solar isn’t allowed
Meet the GoodWe Vela Series: Built for Aussie homes & businesses
The GoodWe Vela Series, engineered by UMAX, is part of GoodWe’s Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) range — combining architectural design with high-performance solar generation.
Key Features:
Sizes: 4.8 kW (single) or 8.0 kW (double)
Panels: High-efficiency 535W Polaris bifacial panels
Construction: Corrosion-resistant modular aluminium frame with built-in waterproofing
Speed: Install in under 6 hours with a 3-person team
Durability: Wind rated to 240 km/h, compliant with Australian standards
Warranty: 15-year structural warranty, Gamcorp-certified
Flexibility: Adjustable height poles; options for lighting, CCTV, EV chargers
Integration: Battery-ready, ideal for EV charging
Dimensions:
Single: 6.5 m × 3 m
Double: 6.5 m × 5.2 m
Front height: 3–3.5 m
Rear height: 2–2.5 m
This isn’t just a shelter — it’s a complete solar energy hub.
Solar Pergolas: Stylish Outdoor Living + Solar Power
Don’t need a carport? The GoodWe Vela can also be installed as a pergola, or you can choose the GoodWe Luxa Series — a solar pergola designed for alfresco living.
Perfect for:
Outdoor dining areas
Poolside shade
BBQ and entertainment spaces
Garden retreats
You get shade, style, and solar power — without touching your roof.
Where Solar Carports & Pergolas Make Sense
The Vela Series is also gaining traction in rural and small commercial settings:
- Tenancies where landlords don’t allow rooftop solar
- Small business owners can list it as an asset and claim depreciation
- Eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) if connected to a meter
- Relocatable: bolt it to concrete, remove it at lease-end, and reuse
- Rural alternative to ground-mounts—no fencing required, and land under the structure remains usable
Whether you’re running a café, office, or small farm, this solar carport offers both energy and flexibility.
Real-World Example: From Horses to Horsepower
Take John Hill in Wonga Park, Melbourne. He didn’t have enough roof space—but he did have a horse paddock. So, he installed an 8 kW GoodWe Vela solar carport over the paddock.
“It’s not just shelter—it’s smart shelter,” John says. “My horses love it, and I’m saving on power. Win-win.”
From farm gear and livestock to tools or vehicles, solar carports serve multiple uses while delivering clean power.
5 Reasons the GoodWe Vela Is the Ideal Roof Alternative
Use the space you already have — Driveway, backyard, or paddock
Better panel orientation — Optimised for maximum solar yield
Double the value — Shade + clean energy
Fast, flexible install — Modular, relocatable design
Future-proof — Ready for EV chargers, batteries, lighting, and security
EV Charging + Battery Storage = Total Energy Independence
With the Vela carport, you can charge your EV directly from the solar panels above. And because it’s battery-ready, you can store that solar energy and use it anytime—day or night.
This isn’t just solar—it’s energy freedom.
Looking Ahead: More BIPV Solutions Coming Soon
GoodWe is just getting started. In the next 12 months, the company plans to launch:
- Solar patios
- New solar pergolas
- Other BIPV innovations tailored for Australian homes and evolving energy needs
Conclusion: No Roof? No Worries.
If you lack roof space, the GoodWe Vela Series solar carport or pergola is a stylish, scalable, and high-performance solution.
Whether it’s for your home, business, rental property, or farm, you can turn unused space into a powerful renewable energy source.
Talk to your local GoodWe installer today and discover how to make your space work harder for you.
