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Technical6 min read
Solar Carports: Generate Energy from Your Car Park
Transform your car park into a power station while providing covered parking. Solar carports offer dual benefits and EV charging integration.
Solar Panels For Businesses Team
22 December 2025
What are Solar Carports?
Solar carports are elevated structures supporting solar panels over car parking areas. They generate electricity while providing weather protection for vehicles and pedestrians. Ideal for businesses wanting to maximize solar capacity beyond rooftop space.
Costs and ROI
| Parking Spaces | System Size | Cost | Annual Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 50kW | £80,000-£100,000 | 42,500 kWh |
| 50 | 125kW | £180,000-£220,000 | 106,250 kWh |
| 100 | 250kW | £340,000-£400,000 | 212,500 kWh |
Carport structures add 50-80% to equivalent rooftop system costs but create generation capacity on otherwise unused space.
Key Benefits
- Dual purpose: Energy generation plus covered parking
- No roof required: Independent of building structure
- EV ready: Ideal platform for charging points
- Visible statement: Demonstrates sustainability commitment
- Staff amenity: Weather protection for parking
EV Charging Integration
Solar carports are perfect for EV charging infrastructure:
- Direct solar-to-vehicle charging
- Cable management integrated into structure
- Battery storage for evening charging
- Smart charging optimization
Planning Considerations
Solar carports may require planning permission. Considerations include:
- Height and visual impact
- Conservation area restrictions
- Structural engineering approval
- Lighting and drainage design