Imagine what it would be like to pull into your local supermarket car park and find a roof over your car – but not only a roof, an array of solar panels, generating clean, green electricity to power the supermarket.
This is the aim of the latest UK government push to reach Net Zero by 2050 through Plan for Change. At SolarTherm UK we’re thinking this is a brilliant idea. This article will investigate the plan and how it will be implemented.
The Solar Carport Revolution is Underway
The Government recently released the latest chapter in their Plan for Change, looking to explore the use of car parks across the UK being used in the production of solar power. Supermarkets, retail parks and office buildings could save up to £28,000 per year in electricity costs by installing solar carports in their car parks. This would give more EV charging points, shaded parking and lower charging points for motorists across the UK. The new policy will support the UK’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower and drive down long-term costs for families and businesses alike.
What are Solar Carports?
A solar carport is a canopy that sits above parking spaces with solar panels installed on them. A win-win solution to finding space to generate large amounts of electricity without detrimental effects on local eco-systems and habitats – like what have to be considered when installing a solar farm on farmland.
Big Savings with Big Potential
Estimates suggest an 80-space car park fitted with solar canopies can save up to £28,000 per year when the electricity is used to power the business. Businesses could also sell excess energy back to the grid – to supply local homes with clean, green electricity.
This isn’t just theory, it’s already working in practice. Bentley Motors in Cheshire runs the UK’s largest solar carport with 10,000 panels installed generating 2.7MW per year. Eastboune District General Hospital became the first UK hospital powered by a solar carport and cut their emissions by 222 tonnes in the first year.
Europe Leads the Way – Can the UK Catch Up?
Countries across Europe already lead the way in solar carports, with France and Slovenia making them mandatory on some developments. So, can the UK catch up with their European friends? With support from the government, creating similar mandates and supporting training and education across the solar sector, we don’t see any reason why the UK can’t. At SolarTherm UK we support this direction and are ready to help any forward thinking business make the switch to solar.
Solar, Storage and EV Charging: a Smarter Future
Modern solar carports can do more than just generate electricity. They can power EV charging points directly from the sun, making EV charging more affordable for everyone. Battery storage can also be included to store excess energy for use during low generation periods – making the most out of all the energy generated by the sun. Car parks will become more than just a convenient place to park – they’ll become a clean energy hub for the community.
Ready to Join the Solar Revolution?
Whether it’s your single parking space on your driveway or your companies car park, SolarTherm UK can help you plan for a cleaner, greener more sustainable future. At SolarTherm UK we provide a bespoke quote and design, tailored for your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell – just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
