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Solar Car Park Canopies
Solar car park canopies will gradually become more commonplace in the UK as they form part of the decarbonising strategy of many businesses. This is already happening in France.
In November 2022, France legislated for all car parks with more than 80 spaces to install solar PV canopies over at least 50% of the area that the car park covers. The law became effective in July 2023.
In December 2024, Solar UK and Winsun Solar of China announced they had agreed for Solar UK to have the exclusive sales and distribution rights in the UK for Winsun’s range of canopy systems.
Car parks are an obvious next move for UK solar PV generation: plenty of space just sitting there, no loss of use of the land, plentiful solar PV generation, and benefits to the car park user from both sun shading and the rain.
Available in both galvanised steel and aluminium form and with single canopy and Y-shaped canopy options. Battery storage, EV charging points, and LED lighting can all be added to the system design.
And solar PV car park canopy schemes are not just for commercial operations, they are available to domestic customers too. Please ask for details.
"Winsun is excited to partner with Solar UK to meet the growing demand for solar car park canopies in the UK through our reliable, diverse carport mounting solutions. We look forward to working together to provide high-quality solutions for a variety of projects." - Winsun Solar
Solar Car Park Canopies for Commercial Customers
As a turnkey solution our commercial customers benefit from a fully commissioned solar car park system that is designed to maximise their space and deliver the outcomes they are looking to achieve.
We survey, design, deliver, construct, install, and commission the complete canopy and solar project.
Our car park canopies can help your business generate additional energy when, for example, the roof space on your building has been used for solar already, but you still need more, or perhaps the roof itself is not fit for a solar mounting system.
From a single bay to multiple canopies across a commercial car park, our systems are tailored to your specific situation. We offer variable pitch orientation and a gullwing/Y-shaped design, all designed to EN1991-1-3 and EN1991-1-4 standards and CE-certified
Energy Contracts for Commercial Customers
As part of a forward-looking energy strategy, Solar, and its additional elements such as energy storage, can play a big part in addressing your energy needs, but in the majority of cases the client is still left exposed to grid market uncertainty. Having addressed onsite generation and storage, the remaining power demand, that bit left for the grid to supply, is often overlooked.
We don’t overlook it. We address it.
ecuring the best energy contracts matters
Car Park Canopies for Trade Customers
If you are a solar installer or construction business and are looking for a car park canopy structure in steel or aluminium, we have two purchase options.
1). Design and supply of the canopy, ready for you to complete all aspects of the canopy groundworks, construction, and the solar PV procurement, installation, and commissioning.
2). Survey, design, supply, and installation of the canopy (inc. groundworks), ready for you to complete all aspects of the PV procurement, installation, and commissioning.
What are the benefits of installing a solar car park canopy?
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Renewable energy generation: Solar panels generate clean energy, reducing your carbon footprint
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Electric vehicle charging: Solar carports can provide power for EV chargers, demand for which is increasing in the UK
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Weather protection: They offer shade in the summer and protection from rain and snow
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Space optimisation: Car park space can be put to excellent use and provide added value to car owners such as customers, staff, visitors, and club members.
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Reduced energy costs: Solar energy can help lower electricity bills for nearby buildings or facilities
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Added value: The addition of a solar carport can increase the value of a property and the attractiveness to users
How much does it cost to install a solar car park canopy?
The cost of installing a solar car park canopy can vary significantly based on:
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The size of the parking area
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The number of solar panels
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The complexity of the installation and whether it requires EV charging points, battery storage, LED lighting, rainwater management, etc.
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The state of the ground that will support the structure
How long does a solar car park canopy last?
A well-built solar car park canopy will last 25 to 30 years, perhaps longer. Solar UK systems come with a 15-year warranty, with the solar panels typically having warranties of 20-25 years.
Do solar car park canopies need maintenance?
Solar car park canopies require minimal maintenance, but like any investment it does need to b looked after. Key maintenance tasks include:
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Cleaning the solar panels periodically to remove dirt, debris, leaves and lichen.
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Regular system checks to ensure optimised performance.
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Regular checks for structural integrity of the canopy (roof support, foundations, etc.).
Can a solar car park canopy be integrated with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations?
Yes, one of the most common integrations for solar carport installations is adding EV charging stations.
Are there any environmental benefits to solar car park canopies?
Yes, solar car park canopies help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping replace fossil fuel energy sources with clean solar power and can help reduce the urban heat island effect by providing shade for parked cars.
What are the key design considerations for a solar car park canopy?
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Load-bearing capacity: The structure must be strong enough to support the weight of solar panels, and be robust enough for high winds and snow
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Orientation and angle of panels: Solar panels should be installed at an optimal angle to maximize sunlight exposure
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We try to minimalise environmental impact and so use ground anchors whenever possible, rather than concrete
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Accessibility for maintenance: The design should allow for easy access to both the solar panels and electrical components for servicing
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Integration with local grid or energy systems. This will be a consideration in the design and at survey.
Do solar car park canopies require planning?
Yes, in most cases, you will need to obtain planning permission before installing a solar car park canopy.
What happens if the solar car park canopy generates more power than needed?
If the solar carport generates more electricity than is needed on-site, the excess power can be sent back to the grid, or stored in battery systems for later use, depending on the setup. Many regions offer incentives or credits for feeding excess power back to the grid.