How is the energy from a solar carport stored?

Solar carports store energy using battery storage systems connected to the solar panels. These batteries capture excess electricity generated during daylight hours for use at night, during low sunlight, or to charge electric vehicles (EVs). The most common storage method is lithium-ion batteries due to their efficiency and falling costs, though alternatives like lead-acid are occasionally used for smaller setups.

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Key Storage Components

• Battery capacity: UK installations often use modular systems ranging from 5kWh (suitable for a home EV) to 40kWh+ for businesses. For example, the SoloPort system includes a 40kWh battery with 30kWh usable capacity.
• Inverters: Convert DC power from panels into AC for building use or grid export.
• Charge controllers: Prevent overcharging and optimise battery lifespan.

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Real-World Applications

• Domestic use: A typical UK solar carport generates ~3,000kWh/year, enough to power an EV for 12,000 miles while providing household electricity.
• Business/commercial: Retail parks, sports centres, and hospitals use larger carports to offset energy costs. Over 500,000 suitable UK parking spaces could generate 1.57GW of solar power, equivalent to powering ~400,000 homes annually.

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Recent UK Developments

• Policy momentum: While the UK has no direct equivalent to France’s 2022 solar carport mandate (which requires large car parks to install panels), businesses increasingly adopt carports to meet environmental targets.
• Financial incentives: Many systems qualify for VAT exemptions or business energy tax relief, with payback periods now under 10 years due to rising grid prices.

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Pros vs. Cons

✓ Pros:

• Energy independence: Reduce reliance on grid electricity, especially during peak tariffs.
• EV integration: Charge vehicles directly using stored solar power.
• Scalability: Systems can expand as energy needs grow.

✗ Cons:

• Upfront cost: A 40kWh battery system typically costs £10,000–£15,000.
• Space requirements: Larger batteries need weatherproof housing.
• Maintenance: Lithium-ion batteries degrade by ~2% annually.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Failing to account for seasonal UK sunlight variations (e.g., winter generation can drop by 75%).
2. Businesses should align storage capacity with operational hours (e.g., a hotel might need overnight storage).
3. Carports must avoid shading from buildings or trees to maximise generation.

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Practical Advice

• Get a solar audit: Assess your parking area’s size, orientation, and energy demand.
• Consider hybrid systems: Link carports to existing rooftop solar for shared storage.
• Explore grants: Check Local Authority funds or the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for selling surplus power.