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Frequently asked questions

Solar Car Parks – Everything You Need to Know

Installing solar canopies over your car park is a significant investment and a powerful step toward sustainability. We know you’ll have questions about how it works, what it costs, and what to expect. Here are answers to the most common questions from car park owners and councils planning a solar canopy project.

The output depends on the car park size, orientation, and local sunlight hours. As a rough guide, a medium-sized 100-space car park can produce around 250–350 kW, enough to power dozens of homes or offset much of a site’s daytime electricity use. We provide full generation forecasts as part of our proposal.

Yes, in most cases. Because the structures are elevated and visible, planning permission is required. We handle the planning process, including drawings, structural calculations, and liaison with local authorities to make approval straightforward.

For most sites, installation takes 6–12 weeks once planning is approved and materials are on-site. We plan works to minimise disruption, often completing the project in phases so parts of the car park remain open.

Yes — we phase construction to keep sections operational where possible. Safety barriers, signage, and temporary closures are managed carefully so parking access remains largely uninterrupted.

Absolutely. Solar canopies integrate perfectly with EV charging infrastructure, letting you offer low-carbon charging for staff, customers, or the public, with options for pay per use or free charging depending on your business model.

Aside from reduced electricity bills and carbon footprint, solar canopies provide shade and weather protection, enhance your site’s sustainability credentials, and can improve your public image, supporting CSR or Net Zero targets.

The system continues to generate power in daylight, even under clouds, though at reduced levels. At night, it draws from the grid (or from a battery if installed). We design systems to optimise your energy mix and cost savings across all conditions.

Solar panels typically last 25–30 years, and we supply equipment with 25-year performance warranties and 20-year structure warranties. Our canopies are built to withstand UK weather, including high winds and heavy snow loads.

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