Revolutionise your parking experience with solar carports – where sleek design meets sustainable energy.
Solar energy has become a pivotal technology in both residential and commercial sectors, with solar carports emerging as a notable innovation. These structures seamlessly combine parking functionality with energy generation, making them increasingly popular in commercial settings across the UK. With their practicality and innovative design, solar carports stand out as a leading advancement in solar technology, further contributing to the sustainable evolution of energy solutions.
What is a Solar Carport
A solar carport is a steel structure designed to provide shelter for vehicles while integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to harness sunlight and generate electricity. This dual-purpose structure not only offers shade and protection for parked vehicles but also produces clean, renewable energy. The generated energy can be utilised on-site or for charging electric vehicle fleets, offering sustainability and cost-saving benefits. With energy bills remaining high, businesses are increasingly turning to on-site solar solutions to mitigate long-term costs and embrace renewable energy sources.
The Benefits of Installing Solar Carports in Commercial Spaces
Maximising Spaces – One of the key benefits of solar carports is their ability to efficiently utilise space. Numerous commercial buildings in the UK may lack sufficient roof area to support an effective solar PV system, hence making carports a practical alternative.- Environmental Impact – Solar carports help to decrease carbon footprint by producing clean, renewable energy. This aids in cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and lessening reliance on fossil fuels, supporting the UK’s efforts to combat climate change and reach net-zero goals.
- Multi-Purpose Utility – In addition to offering covered parking and generating electricity, solar carports can incorporate additional features such as electric vehicle charging stations. This makes them a compelling option for businesses looking to adopt comprehensive sustainability practices.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Their stylish aesthetic appeal can enhance the appearance of any commercial property.
SunGift Solar is driving into the future, one solar carport at a time.
Solar Carports in Action
Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML)
PML are world leaders in marine research and in 2023 PML worked with SunGift Solar to install the first solar car port of its kind in Plymouth. SunGift Solar has previously completed innovative carport projects for Exeter City Council, Dundee City Council, and the University of Exeter. The remarkable 315-panel carport canopy system is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 65 tonnes annually.
Beverly Tremain Director of Operations at PML says “PML’s vision is for a more sustainable future, and as such we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of all our scientific and operational activities”.
PML has a strong commitment to reduce its environmental impact. One of the four pillars of their strategic plan for 2020-2025 is environmental accountability, aiming for PML activities to reach Net Zero carbon by 2040. This target is set a decade ahead of the UK’s national goal of 2050 and aligns with the UKRI’s strategy for environmental sustainability.
Lee Merchant Buildings and Facilities Manager at PML “If you are wondering why we are installing the solar panels over the car park, it is because we are protecting our green spaces. There will be no removal of trees or planting on our estate, with the solar carport being installed over the actual car park itself, rather than in the planted grounds.”
Exe Valley Leisure Centre
Situated in Tiverton, Exe Valley is the newest addition to the Mid Devon Leisure centres, offering a variety of amenities for their customers. SunGift Solar installed a 121.975 kWp system which compromised of 287 Trina solar panels, which incorporates a small roof-mounted PV system too. The solar carport system along with the roof-mounted solar PV will contribute to saving an additional 57.34 tonnes of carbon annually.
The future is bright and solar carports are more than just a trend.
In 2022 France approved legislation mandating that all car parks with a capacity of over 80 vehicles must install solar panels over the parking bays. Typically, a parking space measures around 4.8 meters by 2.4 meters. Given an estimated solar output of 120 watts per square meter, this equates to approximately 1.4 kilowatts of power per parking space. This initiative is anticipated to contribute an additional 11 gigawatts to the nation’s power grid, equivalent to the output of 10 nuclear power plants.
Indications show that solar carports are gaining momentum within the UK. Despite the UK not having equivalent legislation to France, commercial solar carports are continually being installed nationwide, given the country’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. As the technology evolves, we can only expect these structures to become more efficient and widespread.
Solar Carport Installer
SunGift Solar have extensive expertise in the UK when it comes to designing and installing solar carport systems. Back in 2015, we led the way in designing and installing a solar carport on the top deck of a multistorey car park, which at the time was the largest of its kind. Since then, we have installed multiple solar carport systems throughout the UK. Designing effective solar carport systems demands specialised expertise to create weather-resistant structures that effectively save costs while producing clean, renewable energy. Our knowledgeable and friendly team are are available if you wish to discuss this further with them.
