Discover the Benefits of Solar Carports Today

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In a rapidly changing world where land is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, local authorities across the UK are facing a familiar conundrum: how to balance the urgent need for renewable energy deployment with the limited availability of suitable land. Rooftop solar has long been heralded as a key player in council-led decarbonisation efforts, but many towns and cities find themselves constrained by insufficient contiguous roof space or suitable sites for traditional ground-mounted solar farms. Enter solar carports – a groundbreaking and high-impact solution that transforms existing parking estates into low-carbon energy generation hubs without demanding additional land allocation.

The Growing Case for Car Park Photovoltaics

The expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in the UK has been remarkable in recent years. Between January 2024 and January 2025, the country saw an increase of over 1.15 GW of installed capacity, bringing the national total to nearly 17.9 GW. In 2023 alone, solar energy provided approximately 27.2 TWh of electricity, accounting for around 10% of Britain’s annual energy demand. However, this impressive growth merely scratches the surface of an even larger, untapped resource: our more than 629,000 public and private parking spaces. Research indicates that equipping just half a million suitable parking bays with solar canopies could yield an additional 1.57 GW of capacity and generate over 1,450 GWh of clean energy annually.

For local authorities, the appeal of solar carports extends far beyond raw generation figures. Not only do parked cars remain cooler under PV canopies—thereby mitigating urban heat island effects and reducing air-conditioning loads—but these structures can also be designed to integrate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This dual functionality addresses two critical pillars of climate policy: clean electricity generation and transport decarbonisation. Furthermore, the proximity of car parks to existing distribution networks often means that grid connections require minimal reinforcement, helping to keep project development costs manageable.

A Council-Led Pilot: From Plan to Canopy

A pioneering local authority recently showcased an innovative approach to exploring alternative solar deployments. Following the completion of its Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), the authority was eager to advance its identified sustainability pathways, despite grappling with the common urban challenge of limited suitable land for traditional solar farms.

With a proven track record in renewable energy—boasting an operational solar farm, a hydro scheme, and a heat network under development—the authority recognised that achieving ambitious Net Zero targets necessitated a fresh strategy.

To pinpoint suitable locations for solar carports, the authority collaborated with Energy Systems Catapult for a data-driven solution. Through the Net Zero Data product, a comprehensive dataset was developed, identifying existing car parks that could potentially host solar carport installations while estimating the potential energy generation capacity for each site. The dataset also assessed the electricity network capacity in surrounding areas and reported on available headroom at nearby substations.

This innovative approach allowed the authority to swiftly evaluate and prioritise potential sites based on reliable, up-to-date information, delivering the bespoke dataset within two months—a significantly faster turnaround than traditional consultancy methods.

Quantifying the National Opportunity

Energy Systems Catapult’s Net Zero Data has mapped over 252,996 council-owned car parks across Britain, comprising 201,760 sites in England, 13,541 in Wales, and 31,888 in Scotland. Together, these car parks represent up to 24 GW of deployable PV capacity, with an estimated annual generation of 23 TWh (18.75 TWh in England, 1.23 TWh in Wales, and 2.11 TWh in Scotland). Even installing solar canopies on just the top 5% of these sites could yield around 1.6 GW of capacity and 1.5 TWh per year—enough to power over 400,000 average UK homes. Expanding coverage to 10% would increase these figures to almost 2.9 GW and 2.75 TWh annually.

To put these numbers into perspective, the National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios predicts that UK electricity demand will grow to between 533 TWh and 700 TWh by 2050. Even at the lower end, fully utilising just 5% of council car park potential could contribute nearly 0.3% of future demand—a significant contribution from a single asset class, achieved without encroaching on urban land budgets.

Building the Business Case

The financial and operational rationale for solar carports is compelling:

• Reduced energy costs: On-site generation can be consumed behind the meter, lowering wholesale energy purchases for council buildings, leisure centres, and street lighting.
• New revenue streams: Surplus energy can be sold into the wholesale market or through private-wire arrangements, attracting third-party investment and lowering capital outlay.
• EV charger integration: Bundling solar PV with charging infrastructure increases utilisation rates, potentially lowering the cost of electricity supplied to the chargers by leveraging on-site generation, thereby enhancing charging revenues and strengthening the overall return on investment.
• Maintenance synergies: Co-locating PV arrays with council maintenance depots can streamline operation and maintenance schedules while sharing security infrastructure.

The capital costs for canopy installation can vary depending on site complexity, but innovative financing models such as lease-purchase agreements, green bonds, or energy-performance contract structures can help mitigate upfront expenditures. By demonstrating predictable, long-term cash flows from energy savings and export revenues, councils can secure competitive borrowing rates or attract solar investors.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the clear advantages, the widespread adoption of solar carports has not yet materialised. Several key barriers remain:

• Data gaps: Without detailed information on roof geometry, shading, and local network headroom, councils may err on the side of caution or prematurely abandon studies.
• Grid interface complexity: Early engagement with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) is essential for understanding reinforcement requirements and avoiding last-minute surprises.
• Planning and heritage constraints: In conservation areas or on listed sites, canopy designs may need to be sensitively tailored to maintain local character.
• Internal capacity: Many authorities lack the in-house technical expertise necessary to scope, procure, and manage bespoke solar canopy projects.

By partnering with organisations such as Energy Systems Catapult, councils can access turnkey data solutions that streamline each phase of project delivery. This collaborative model reduces reliance on lengthy, high-cost consultancy engagements and embeds best-practice insights directly into local decision-making.

Looking Forward

As the demand for renewable energy intensifies and urban demand for EV charging continues to grow, solar carports stand at the crucial intersection of energy and transport decarbonisation. By adopting a data-driven framework, councils can rapidly mobilise projects that deliver clean power and cost savings.

Net Zero Data crystallises this opportunity, offering councils the insights they need to prioritise high-value sites and build robust business cases. With careful planning and innovative financing, the solar carport can become a cornerstone of decarbonisation, providing tangible benefits for residents and the climate alike.

Curious to learn more? Visit our website: Net Zero Market.

This article originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.