Photo by Envision Solar.

SOURCE:  Envision Solar

Envision Solar, a California-based solar company, has developed the so-called LifePort™,  or a modular solar carport. Envision Solar claims it is “the first fully integrated, system-built photovoltaic solar carport for residential, light commercial and light industrial markets worldwide.”

LifePort models are best for the technologically and/or independent minded, as they are available for purchase as a do-it-yourself-kit, or for a contractor to install.

LifePorts can be on-the-grid, meaning extra energy produced by the solar system is sent back into the electric grid, or off-the-grid, meaning the electricity produced flows only into your EV/PHEV and/or solar battery system that you have on site.

Of course, off-the-grid isn’t a realistic option for most consumers. That’s because only on-the-grid systems are eligible for what can sometimes be fairly hefty utility rebates which can substantially reduce the cost of any solar system, LifePort, or not.

For more information on LifePorts, go to:
http://www.lifeportsolar.com/

(SCD.COM Newswire summary posted 8-17-09)