Solar Carports and EV Charging
SolarSense design, install and maintain solar carports for businesses across the UK. A solar carport is a steel structure that provides shelter for vehicles, whilst generating solar energy. The electricity generated can either be used on-site and (or) used to charge a fleet of electric vehicles.
What is a solar carport?
OLEV certified EV charge point installers
SolarSense are certified by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) for the installation of electrical vehicle charge points for businesses. As OLEV certified installers, Solarsense customers are entitled to The Workplace Charging Scheme, covering up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge points.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
The WCS is open to businesses, charities and public sector organisations that meet the applicant and site eligibility criteria. It is available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man. The system must be installed by an OLEV-approved installer like Solarsense.
Make a statement on sustainability
What are the planning laws around solar carports?
- The canopy cannot be higher than 4m,
- It must be 10m away from people’s homes,
- No advertising is allowed on the canopy,
- They cannot be placed within an area next to a listed building or scheduled monument.
Why choose SolarSense to install your solar car park?
BENEFITS AT A GLANCE
How can solar carports benefit a business?
Increase on-site energy generation
Charge electric vehicles on-site
Create a new revenue stream
Make a statement on sustainability
Create a superior parking experience
Aesthetically improve your car park
Everything you need to make an informed decision
What are the benefits of solar carports?
Solar carports are a fantastic solution that enhances your business and provides protected parking for vehicles on site with EV charging capabilities. You can choose whether you want to install EV charging points in the future or install them alongside your designated carport areas.
You are able to create additional revenue streams should you choose to bill visitors or staff to use the electric charging capabilities, and installing these designated points makes a positive statement for your business on your stance to promote green initiatives. This provides a boost to corporate reputation, especially when combined with commercial solar panel installation. Deciding to charge for using electric charging points will see significantly faster returns on your investment.
How do solar carports work?
Solar carports operate in the same way as solar PV panels, with the added benefit of providing covered parking all year round for your commercial premises. Sunlight is absorbed by the PV cell, which generates an electrical charge that flows through connecting cables. This is then distributed to where there is energy demand for the charging of electric or hybrid vehicles. At night, the system will revert to electricity from the grid.
How much electricity will a carport produce?
The amount of electricity that is produced will depend on the orientation of your solar panels, the size of your carport system and the amount of sunlight hours that you receive each year. During your initial consultation, we will advise you on the electricity that your solar carports are likely to produce, as well as an accurate estimation of the number of years it will take to see a full return on your investment.
Which commercial businesses can benefit from solar carports?
Many different commercial businesses can benefit from the installation of solar carports. We work closely with a wide range of different businesses across all sectors to design and install solar carport solutions for their properties. Examples of businesses that can benefit from solar carports are:
- Manufacturing facilities.
- Warehouse and distribution centres.
- Schools, academies, university campuses and other education providers.
- Leisure centres and gyms.
- Retail parks and retail premises.
- Hotels and other accommodations.
- Car dealerships.
- Offices.
- Airports.
- Any other commercial premises that have parking facilities.
Could a solar carport positively impact my business's brand and reputation?
A solar carport is an excellent opportunity to make a visible statement of your commitment to sustainability. This includes;
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Demonstrates to customers, employees, and stakeholders that your business is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, enhancing your CSR credentials.
- Talent Attraction: Some employees will view EV charging stations and solar panels as a tangible perk, helping to attract and retain talent that values environmental responsibility.
- Customer Attraction: If you work within the retail or hospitality sector, free or paid EV charging can attract more electric vehicle owners, in turn increasing footfall and customer dwell time.
What are the key financial benefits of a solar carport?
A solar carport can provide several financial benefits for your business. The electricity generated by the carport on-site will help to offset your business’s daytime energy consumption, leading to immediate savings on your utility bills. You’ll also be able to sell surplus electricity back to the grid thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
A solar carport is also a valuable asset that enhances your property’s value and makes it more attractive to future buyers or tenants.
What is the economic payback for a solar carport?
A solar carport is much slower to recover its capital cost when compared to a simple roof-mounted solar PV system. The payback period is reduced in line with the size of the installation, as the fixed costs are spread across more solar PV panels.
Will a solar carport need maintenance?
Solar carports are generally low maintenance. The panels will need to be cleaned periodically to ensure they remain efficient, and the structure should be inspected to ensure that it remains safe. However, most systems are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and will require minimal upkeep.
Everything you need to make an informed decision
Can I specify which panels to use on a solar carport?
Yes, absolutely. SolarSense are independent contractors and has no ties to specific products. If you have a preferred product or specific manufacturer that you would like to use, we can build this into your quotation and offer advice on similar panels or a like-for-like system.
What permissions do I need to install a solar carport?
A solar carport will generally require planning permission from the local authority. Similar to connecting a solar PV system, a solar carport will also need permission from the local distribution network operator (DNO).
Where can solar carports be installed?
Solar carports can be installed independently or in combination with roof-mounted PV systems that are installed on the roof of your commercial property. They can be constructed over current parking spaces, or you can construct new spaces on your premises. Solar carports will often require planning permission and permission from the local distribution network operator (DNO).
Will there be any disruption during the construction of our solar carport?
We aim to minimise all disruption whilst your solar carport systems are being installed, but there will be times when areas of your parking area will be inaccessible. Power will need to be cut off once in order for the system to be tested and connected. We will advise you during the entire process and inform you of when and if any disruption will occur.
How do solar carports compare to traditional rooftop solar installations?
Solar carports can be designed to position the solar panels at the most effective angle and orientation for maximum sunlight exposure. This may not be possible on a building’s existing roof.
They are also an excellent alternative for homes and businesses with old, shaded or small roofs, accommodating a sufficient number of solar panels and catering to your energy consumption.
Unlike rooftop solar, carports have the added benefit of shaded and protected parking.
- Manufacturing facilities.
- Warehouse and distribution centres.
- Schools, academies, university campuses and other education providers.
- Leisure centres and gyms.
- Retail parks and retail premises.
- Hotels and other accommodations.
- Car dealerships.
- Offices.
- Airports.
- Any other commercial premises that have parking facilities.
Is planning permission required for a solar carport in the UK?
Recent changes to UK planning laws have actually made it easier for businesses to install solar canopies and carports without full planning permission. A new regulation, “Class OA”, allows commercial properties to install solar canopies in off-street parking areas under “permitted development”. However, they must not be higher than 4 metres, at least 10 metres away from residential homes, no advertising is allowed on the canopy, and it must not be next to a listed building or scheduled monument.
If you are unsure about planning permission, it is best to check with your local authority or a solar expert.
Everything you need to make an informed decision
What is the benefit of integrating EV charging into a carport structure?
Carports provide weather protection for both vehicles and EV charging points. Integrating EV chargers into your carports is a highly efficient use of available parking spaces, providing dedicated, future-proofed charging points for electric vehicles on your commercial premises. This can be used to provide charging points for visitors, your fleet and for your staff and clients. You aren’t using up ground space for additional parking, and you can use your solar carports to power EV charging.
What are the key structural requirements for a carport hosting EV chargers?
The structure will need to safely support the weight of charge points and cabling and be resistant to the elements. During the design, if you choose to install EV charging points alongside your carports, or carports with or without EV charging points, we will factor in all structural requirements before installation. Robust equipment support is key and is included in all our designs. Safety is the utmost priority, as well as creating a design that is integrated and works with the available space.
How does a solar carport power the EV chargers?
Solar panels are installed within your carport system, on top of the carport itself. The solar panels are then integrated into the EV charging points or installed with a solar battery, which can later power the EV chargers. You can power your EV chargers with free electricity after your investment is paid off, and you can choose to charge for on-site vehicle charging.
If you use your solar carports to charge your fleet, you can keep your vehicles clean and protected when parked and charge them with free electricity. With a grid connection to your carpark area, you can charge the battery during off-peak hours in winter or when you cannot meet carpark demand during the day.
Can I install DC Fast Chargers (Rapid Chargers) in a carport?
Yes, we install a wide range of smart EV charging points that support both rapid charging and standard charging. Dynamic Load Balancing is necessary with intelligent systems, as you will need to manage and balance demand when rapid chargers are in use. Fast chargers are also likely to need battery storage to maintain demand when they are in use and to provide additional power from the grid in the winter or at night, if your charge points are needed in the evenings or early mornings.
What is Dynamic Load Balancing (DLB) and why is it essential for carport charging?
Dynamic Load Balancing is an innovative system that enhances your EV charge points in your solar carports. This system monitors the entire site’s real-time electricity consumption. It automatically throttles or boosts the power sent to the chargers to prevent exceeding the site’s central electrical supply limit, which is crucial for installing many chargers without expensive utility grid upgrades. This is a core component of systems that require rapid charge points for EV charging.
How do I manage the payment and access for the carport chargers?
You can choose to bill staff and/or visitors for use of the charge points on your commercial premises. To do this, a payment system would be installed alongside the carport chargers. This would be on a pay-to-use system via card payment, with a pre-authorisation fee taken, and the amount actually charged to the user’s debit or credit card. You can also configure access control and set tariffs where required.
What maintenance is required for a solar EV charging carport?
Maintenance includes regular checks around the cabling and systems of the EV charge point. You will also want to conduct structural checks of the carport and clean the solar panels to maintain optimal efficiency and performance. The battery will require professional maintenance at least once a year if you choose to install one with your system.
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