Are there any case studies on successful solar carport installations in the UK?

Yes, there are several notable case studies demonstrating successful solar carport installations in the UK, which provide practical examples of how solar carports benefit both organisations and communities.

Key UK Case Studies

Bicester Leisure Centre, Oxfordshire

• Client: Cherwell District Council
• Installation Details: One of the UK’s largest local authority-owned solar carports, covering around 60 parking spaces.
• System Size: 150kWp with 400 solar panels.
• Energy Output: Estimated annual generation of approximately 148,315 kWh.
• Environmental Impact: Avoids about 34,561 kg of CO2 emissions annually (equivalent to driving over 85,000 miles).
• Financials: The system is expected to pay for itself within roughly 10 years.
• Benefits: Provides approximately 18% of the leisure centre’s total energy demand, helping reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.
• Services Included: Design, supply, installation, commissioning, MCS registration, and grid connection.

This project shows how local authorities can use solar carports to maximise renewable energy generation when roof space is limited, while also contributing to sustainability and financial savings amid rising energy prices.

Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Nottingham

• Notable Aspect: Installation of the UK’s largest solar carport to date.
• Technology: Used the latest solar panel technology.
• Impact: Significant power generation for the sports facility, showcasing how large-scale solar carports can serve community sports and leisure venues.
• Broader Implication: Shows the potential size of solar carports for public sector and community facilities.

Wiltshire Wooden Solar Carport

• Project Features: A state-of-the-art wooden solar carport that not only generates solar energy but also includes electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities.
• Practical Advantages: Combines aesthetics with functionality, supporting EV adoption through onsite renewable energy.
• Relevance: Ideal for private businesses or homeowners looking for sustainable, multi-functional solar solutions.

Joos Solar Project for a Prominent Temple in South-East UK

• Focus: Delivered a complete turnkey solar carport solution.
• Outcome: Enhanced the temple’s sustainability with renewable energy generation integrated into its parking area.
• Use Case: Shows how solar carports can be tailored for various organisations, including non-profits and places of worship.

Recent Developments and Policy Context

• Research points out that installing solar carports on suitable parking spaces across the UK—covering clubs, hospitals, hotels, airports, and sports centres—could generate around 1.57 GW of solar energy.
• Solar carports not only supply power directly but can also integrate EV charging stations, helping the growing shift to electric vehicles.
• The UK currently has no mandatory solar carport requirements, but lessons can be drawn from France, which mandates solar panel coverage on new or existing large car parks since 2022, supporting adoption.
• Rising energy costs and inflation make solar carports a smart investment for businesses and councils aiming to increase onsite renewable energy and reduce dependency on grid electricity.

Practical Advice for UK Homeowners and Small Business Owners

• Feasibility: Assess available parking space size and sunlight exposure; solar carports require structural support and orientation for optimal solar gain.
• System Size: Choose a system size that balances installation cost, energy needs, and available parking coverage.
• EV Charging Integration: Consider pairing solar carports with EV charging points to make the installation more future-proof.
• Professional Installation: Use certified installers for design, grid connection, and MCS registration to ensure system quality and eligibility for any incentives.
• Financial Considerations: Factor in upfront costs, potential energy savings, carbon offset benefits, and expected payback period—typically around 10 years in public-sector examples.
• Maintenance: Solar carports generally require low maintenance but need occasional cleaning and inspection to maintain efficiency.

Key Pros and Cons of Solar Carports

Pros	Cons
Generates renewable energy on underused land	Higher initial costs compared to rooftop solar
Provides covered parking, protecting vehicles	Requires structural considerations and permits
Can integrate EV charging infrastructure	Payback period can be 7–10 years or more
Helps reduce electricity bills and carbon footprint	Installation can be complex in some locations
Adds value and sustainability credentials	May require ongoing maintenance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overestimating available sunlight or parking space for installation.
• Neglecting structural assessments for carport frames.
• Installing without proper grid connection approvals or certifications.
• Ignoring the potential for integrating EV charging, which may add value.
• Underestimating maintenance needs and lifecycle costs.