Commercial Solar Carports & Car Parks

Solar installations on car parks offer substantial cost savings potential by utilising otherwise underutilised space effectively and creating shaded areas.

With lenient planning permission requirements, the opportunity to make an unmissable statement and benefits for car park users, solar panels in car parks are worth considering for your business.

Robert Moss

CEO - Moss Electrical

4th March 2024
There was such little disruption that we were quite frankly surprised when the team turned around and said that they were all done.

We couldn’t be happier with the process and are now saving £300,000 per year on our electricity costs.
We’d highly recommend considering commercial solar.

Making use of space that would otherwise be wasted

Large-scale commercial car parks offer a unique opportunity to utilise otherwise underused land. Since solar installations do not affect the parking capacity, these open spaces can be used to generate energy with high efficiency.

Do solar car parks need to have electric vehicle charging ports?

Not at all.

Solar car parks can still benefit a business even without electric vehicle charging ports.

While car park users may see fewer benefits, the system owner will still enjoy reduced energy costs, a lower carbon footprint, improved brand perception, and more.

ThermoFisher cut energy costs by 15% without any upfront or ongoing costs

Custodian Capital are one of our repeat clients and partners. By installing an 830 kW solar system on one of their properties, they were able to pass on a 15% reduction in energy costs to ThermoFisher.

This is under a common arrangement called a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) whereby an asset manager will fund and maintain an installation under an agreement to sell the energy at a reduced rate to the property user.

£4.7m lifetime ROI
Over the system's 25 year lifetime, it will yield over £4.7m in savings for Custodian Capital.
Net zero
The installation is a significant step for Custodian Capital & ThermoFisher on their way to meet Net Zero targets.
Case study header
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[Client name]
[Sector]
Est. ROI
4 years
Installation size
12.4 MW
Annual savings
£210,251
Self sufficiency
-24%
Case study header
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros.
[Client name]
[Sector]
Est. ROI
4 years
Installation size
12.4 MW
Annual savings
£210,251
Self sufficiency
-24%
Case study header
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros.
[Client name]
[Sector]
Est. ROI
4 years
Installation size
12.4 MW
Annual savings
£210,251
Grid reliance
-24%
Case study header
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros.
[Client name]
[Sector]
Est. ROI
4 years
Installation size
12.4 MW
Annual savings
£210,251
Grid reliance
-24%
Case study header
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros.
[Client name]
[Sector]
Est. ROI
4 years
Installation size
12.4 MW
Annual savings
£210,251
Grid reliance
-24%
Case study header
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros.
[Client name]
[Sector]
Est. ROI
4 years
Installation size
12.4 MW
Annual savings
£210,251
Grid reliance
-24%
£14m in energy generated over 25 years by Magazine project
Magazine effectively reduces CO2 emissions by 1,063,999 kg per year, while also delivering financial savings of £561,750 annually. Over a 25-year period, this amounts to approximately £14 million in savings, contributing significantly to both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
6.7
 years
Installation size
5000
Lifetime savings
14043750
Self sufficiency
100
%
£2m in lifetime savings for Menzies
A 471kw installation that will reduce Menzies dependence on the grid by over 30%.
Menzies
Est. ROI
3.7
 years
Installation size
471
Lifetime savings
2102521
Self sufficiency
33
%
Chapel Farm reduces 1.08 million kg CO2 over 25 years
Despite its smaller scale, the Chapel Farm project achieves a commendable CO2 reduction of 43,348 kg annually. Over a 25-year period, this amounts to approximately 1.08 million kg of CO2 reduced, showcasing the potential of even smaller projects.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
5.1
 years
Installation size
200
Lifetime savings
703000
Self sufficiency
60
%
Cobbs Cross reduces 35 million kg CO2 and generates £17.5m in energy over 25 years
Cobbs Cross offsets a significant 1,421,371 kg of CO2 each year. Over a 25-year period, this amounts to approximately 35 million kg of CO2 reduced. Additionally, the project provides substantial financial savings of £702,975 annually, totaling £17.5 million over 25 years, highlighting its significant environmental and economic benefits.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
6.9
 years
Installation size
6500
Lifetime savings
17574375
Self sufficiency
100
%
Saving over 100,000 kg of CO2 annually with solar installation
Pearce Recycling's solar installation is a major environmental success, saving over 100,000 kg of CO2 emissions annually. The project not only supports sustainability but also yields substantial financial savings.
Pearce Recycling
Est. ROI
5.3
 years
Installation size
500
Lifetime savings
1665000
Self sufficiency
54
%
Cutting 8,030 kg of CO2 emissions annually with solar panels
Clifford Springs' solar panel installation has successfully cut 8,030 kg of CO2 emissions each year. This project showcases the positive impact of renewable energy on both the environment and the organization's finances.
Clifford Springs
Est. ROI
5.3
 years
Installation size
37
Lifetime savings
124579
Self sufficiency
62
%
BAT's system yields £6.64m in savings
We had the opportunity to collaborate with CBRE to install at British American Tobacco Southampton to enhance their sustainability efforts through a Solar PV installation.
British American Tobacco
Est. ROI
3
 years
Installation size
700
Lifetime savings
4704000
Self sufficiency
7
%
Reducing CO2 emissions for a shopping centre by 25,541kg per year
The Southside Shopping Centre project effectively reduces CO2 emissions by 25,541 kg per year. This initiative also generates financial savings of £19,980 annually, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. ​​
Est. ROI
4.9
 years
Installation size
120
Lifetime savings
499500
Self sufficiency
17
%
Offsetting 43,468 kg of CO2 annually through solar power
Island Health's commitment to sustainability is evident in its solar power project, which offsets 43,468 kg of CO2 annually. This initiative demonstrates the significant environmental and economic benefits of solar energy.
Island Healthcare
Est. ROI
4.9
 years
Installation size
200
Lifetime savings
725200
Self sufficiency
34
%
Dorset Council generate £341,880 worth of energy per year
Dorset Council effectively reduces CO2 emissions by 477,907 kg per year, while also delivering impressive financial savings of £341,880 annually, contributing significantly to both environmental and economic sustainability. ​​
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
4.6
 years
Installation size
2200
Lifetime savings
8547000
Self sufficiency
30
%
Reducing grid reliance and saving £27,528 annually
Quantrelle has significantly reduced its carbon footprint by installing solar panels, cutting down 43,328 kg of CO2 emissions each year. This project showcases the positive environmental and financial impacts of renewable energy.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
5.2
 years
Installation size
200
Lifetime savings
688200
Self sufficiency
32
%
Soho Farm reduces 702,644 kg CO2 annually
Soho Farm effectively offsets 702,644 kg of CO2 each year. Additionally, it generates significant financial savings of £343,350 annually, contributing both to environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. ​​
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
6.6
 years
Installation size
3000
Lifetime savings
8583750
Self sufficiency
100
%
Fardanes generates £1,184,400 in energy annually
The Fardanes project offsets 2,462,291 kg of CO2 annually and generates substantial savings of £1,184,400 each year, demonstrating a significant positive impact on both the environment and finances.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
7.6
 years
Installation size
12000
Lifetime savings
29610000
Self sufficiency
100
%
Box Road reduces 26 million kg CO2 and generates £14m in energy over 25 years
Box Road is a major contributor to carbon reduction, saving 1,055,012 kg of CO2 per year. Over a 25-year period, this amounts to approximately 26 million kg of CO2 reduced. Additionally, the project provides significant financial savings of £561,750 annually, totaling £14 million over 25 years, highlighting its substantial environmental and economic benefits.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
6.7
 years
Installation size
5000
Lifetime savings
14043750
Self sufficiency
100
%
129 panels installed at Oakland Grange
A rooftop solar PV installation at Oakland Grange, with a capacity of 52.89 kW and 129 panels, generates approximately 46,399 kWh annually, saving an estimated 9,600 kg of CO₂ in the first year. Over 25 years, the system is projected to save £303,647, generate 1,159,975 kWh, and offset 260,983 kg of CO₂, equivalent to planting about 10,439 trees.
Oakland Care
Est. ROI
 years
Installation size
52
Lifetime savings
303647
Self sufficiency
%
3.2 year lifetime return on investment for Porsche
Explore how Porsche Centre Norwich achieved a 6.1x ROI with Sustain Commercial Solar, saving £991,363 over the system's lifetime by reducing carbon emissions.
Porsche
Est. ROI
4.1
 years
Installation size
174
Lifetime savings
991363
Self sufficiency
55
%
Reducing energy overhead for Moss Electrical by £168,720 per year
The Moss Electrical Dartford project effectively reduces CO2 emissions by 256,489 kg per year. Additionally, it generates significant financial savings of £168,720 annually, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. ​​
Moss Electrical
Est. ROI
5.8
 years
Installation size
1200
Lifetime savings
4218000
Self sufficiency
84
%
Menzies's second installation generates just shy of £1m in lifetime savings
With an annual generation capacity of 121,837 kWh, it meets 78,522 kWh of yearly self-consumption needs and exports 43,316 kWh of surplus energy per year.
Menzies
Est. ROI
3.2
 years
Installation size
155
Lifetime savings
888636
Self sufficiency
29
%
ROI in under 3 years for Porsche's 2nd system installation
Porsche's 2nd site installation with us has an ROI of just over 2 years and will reduce their dependency on the grid by 39.9%.
Porsche
Est. ROI
2.1
 years
Installation size
230
Lifetime savings
2035247
Self sufficiency
40
%
£455,610 in lifetime savings for the largest independent training provider in England
A 79.12 kW rooftop solar system with 172 panels at Baltic Training Services, Darlington, generates 66,713 kWh annually, saving 31,338 kg of CO₂ in the first year. It will provide £18,224.43 in first-year savings and £455,610.75 over 25 years, with a total generation of 1,667,825 kWh.
Baltic Apprenticeships
Est. ROI
 years
Installation size
79
Lifetime savings
455610
Self sufficiency
%
Achieving substantial CO2 savings of 54,253 kg annually through solar installation
Sheffcare's solar installation is a major step towards sustainability, achieving significant CO2 savings of 54,253 kg annually. The project highlights the dual benefits of environmental conservation and cost reduction.
Sheffcare
Est. ROI
5.3
 years
Installation size
250
Lifetime savings
832500
Self sufficiency
54
%
Combermere Abbey generates enough energy to power 3,500+ homes per year
Combermere Abbey Solar Farm offsets 3,170,944 kg of CO2 each year. Over a 25-year period, this amounts to approximately 79 million kg of CO2 reduced. Additionally, the project provides significant financial savings of £1,451,974 annually, totalling £36 million over 25 years, showcasing its considerable environmental and economic benefits. ​​
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
7.8
 years
Installation size
13968
Lifetime savings
36299340
Self sufficiency
100
%
1.05 million kg CO2 reduced annually by Lains project
Lains successfully offset 1,053,666 kg of CO2 each year and provides average annual savings of £561,750, making it a noteworthy example of environmental and economic benefits.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
6.7
 years
Installation size
5000
Lifetime savings
14043750
Self sufficiency
100
%
Honnington project generates nearly £30m in energy over 25 years
Honnington stands out with a remarkable annual CO2 reduction of 2,398,310 kg and substantial yearly savings of £1,171,170. Over a 25-year period, this amounts to nearly £30 million in savings, emphasizing its impressive contributions to sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
7
 years
Installation size
11000
Lifetime savings
29279250
Self sufficiency
100
%
Cutting electricity costs by £448 weekly and CO2 emissions by 26,695 kg annually
Churchill has made impressive strides in sustainability by reducing its CO2 emissions by 26,695 kg annually thanks to its new solar energy system. The project highlights the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy.
Churchill
Est. ROI
4.8
 years
Installation size
111
Lifetime savings
705456
Self sufficiency
37
%
ThermoFisher reduce energy costs by 15% via PPA
Custodian Capital, a commercial property asset manager, were able to secure a forecasted £4,792,281 in lifetime savings and reduce the energy costs of their tenant, ThermoFisher, by 15%.
Custodian Capital
Est. ROI
3.3
 years
Installation size
830
Lifetime savings
4792281
Self sufficiency
34
%
Saving £19,477 annually while reducing CO2 emissions by 30,474 kg
ACI Care has significantly reduced its carbon footprint by installing solar panels, cutting down over 30,000 kg of CO2 emissions each year. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also brings substantial financial savings of £19,477 annually.
ACI
Est. ROI
5.1
 years
Installation size
140
Lifetime savings
486920
Self sufficiency
38
%
£850k in energy generated yearly at Bay Farm
Bay Farm effectively offsets a substantial 1,750,250 kg of CO2 each year, while also generating average savings of £850,080 annually. This initiative significantly contributes to environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
7.1
 years
Installation size
8000
Lifetime savings
21252000
Self sufficiency
100
%
Hazel Farm generates £472,500 in energy yearly
Hazel Farm offsets 1,089,781 kg of CO2 annually and generates substantial savings of £472,500 each year, demonstrating a significant positive impact on both the environment and finances.
Renewable Funder
Est. ROI
7.9
 years
Installation size
5000
Lifetime savings
11812500
Self sufficiency
100
%

Preventing interruptions with your solar car park installation

Installing a solar system in your car park doesn’t have to be difficult or disrupt daily business activities.

Our team will work with you to find the best solution to minimise interruptions, noise pollution, and any other concerns during the installation.

Streamlined project management
Throughout the solar carport project, our expert team ensures seamless coordination and communication to minimise interruptions.

With a professional yet approachable stance, we oversee every aspect of the project, keeping clients informed and involved at every stage.
Ask us how we can help
Thorough site assessments
Your business experiences varying energy demands due to changing production schedules, operational activities, or seasonal factors.

With a battery storage system, you can capture excess solar energy during periods of low demand and utilise it during peak times, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply without relying solely on the grid.
Ask us how we can help
Clear communication channels
Maintaining clear and open communication channels is paramount to preventing interruptions during a solar carport project.

Our team prioritises transparency, providing clients with accurate and reliable information to foster trust and minimise uncertainties that could lead to delays.
Ask us how we can help
Flexible scheduling and planning
We understand the importance of flexibility in project scheduling and planning.

By accommodating client preferences and adjusting timelines as needed, we strive to minimise disruptions while ensuring the timely completion of the solar carport installation.
Ask us how we can help
Experienced installation crew
Our skilled installation team bring years of experience and expertise to each project.

With their in-depth knowledge and proficiency, they execute the installation process efficiently, minimising potential disruptions while maintaining high-quality workmanship.
Ask us how we can help
Proactive risk management
We have proactive risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential disruptions before they occur.

By addressing risks such as inclement weather, material shortages, or regulatory issues in advance, we ensure smooth project progress and timely completion.
Ask us how we can help
25 YRS
Guaranteed system lifetime*

How long do solar car parks last out in the environment?

Our commitment to excellence ensures the longevity of our solar car parks, providing businesses with long-lasting sustainable energy solutions.

Designed to withstand diverse environmental conditions, solar car parks efficiently generate clean, renewable energy.

With proper maintenance, a well-constructed solar car park can thrive over 25 to 30 years. This extended lifespan allows businesses to optimise their ROI and enjoy sustained benefits from renewable energy production in the long term.

Our Solar Carport & Car Park Installation Process

To learn more about each stage, click the button to visit a full page on that part of the process.

Consulting and quoting

At our core, we take a thorough and personalised approach to consulting and quoting for solar carports. We meticulously evaluate each client's needs, property layout, and regulatory factors to design customised solutions.

Our quotes provide clear breakdowns of costs, covering equipment, installation, maintenance, and potential return on investment.

By tailoring our strategies to meet the specific goals of each client, we enable UK businesses to integrate solar carports seamlessly and cost-effectively, advancing sustainable energy practices.

1

Structural Analysis

We conduct thorough assessments of property infrastructure to ensure suitability for installations in car parks. This includes evaluating the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of buildings or land.

Clients receive clear communication regarding assessment findings and any necessary adjustments required to proceed confidently with the project.

Our goal is to establish a solid foundation during the structural analysis phase for a successful and durable solar car park installation.

2

Final System Design

Designing a system that perfectly aligns with your business's needs requires meticulous planning and expertise.

We work closely with clients to create customised designs that maximise energy generation and efficiency while meeting regulatory requirements.

This stage is crucial for laying the foundation of your solar carport and car park project. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the support and expertise needed for a successful outcome.

4

Funding and financial options

Our team is adept at understanding the intricate eligibility criteria and application processes associated with various funding options.

We work closely with clients to assess their eligibility, compile necessary documentation, and submit compelling applications.

Our goal is to help clients access financial support that aligns with their objectives, making sustainable energy solutions more accessible and cost-effective.

5

Procurement

Our team source high-quality solar equipment and materials while ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability.

We work closely with trusted suppliers and manufacturers to procure components that meet stringent standards for performance and durability.

To view the brands that we often partner with for our client installations, click learn more.

6

Project management

Our dedicated project managers serve as the primary point of contact, guiding clients through every phase of the installation process.

From initial planning and procurement to construction and commissioning, we ensure seamless coordination between all stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, and regulatory authorities.

Clients can rest assured that their solar installation is in capable hands, allowing them to focus on their core business activities.

7

Installation

During the installation phase of commercial solar carports, clients can expect a seamlessly managed operation.

Our experienced teams, equipped with advanced tools and expertise, handle every aspect of the installation with meticulous precision.

Whether mounting charge points on walls or setting up standalone units, we maintain a focus on delivering top-tier craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Stringent safety protocols are rigorously upheld throughout the process to ensure a secure working environment and smooth progress.

8

Commissioning and handover

During the installation phase of a commercial solar project, clients can expect a seamless and expertly managed operation.

Our seasoned installation teams, armed with cutting-edge tools and expertise, execute every aspect of the solar panel installation with meticulous precision.

Whether it involves mounting panels on rooftops or setting up ground-mounted systems, our focus remains steadfast on delivering top-tier craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Safety protocols are rigorously upheld throughout the process, ensuring a secure working environment and smooth progression.

9

Performance monitoring

We provide a comprehensive approach to tracking energy production and performance.

We utilise the latest monitoring systems to provide real-time data, allowing clients to monitor their energy usage and savings.

Sophisticated monitoring systems enable proactive identification of any issues or inefficiencies, ensuring prompt resolution and optimal system performance.

Clients gain valuable insights into their solar investment's effectiveness and can make informed decisions to maximise its benefits. For instance, monitoring systems may indicate a strong business case for the introduction of battery storage.

10

Operations & maintenance

You’ll receive dedicated support to ensure the ongoing performance and longevity of their solar system.

Dependent on your financial route (e.g. PPA, Power Purchase Agreement) you may even have this maintenance included in your agreement.

Our experienced team can conduct annual inspections and maintenance checks to keep the system operating at peak efficiency.

This includes cleaning panels, testing electrical components, and assessing overall system health.

11

Book your free consultation today

We can give you extensive projections on various commercial solar options with some basic usage data and a video call.

Once you have entered your contact information, you'll be redirected to book some time with our team.

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The system is helping us apply for tenders. A lot of tenders now ask you how you are working towards Net Zero. Solar has been great in helping us demonstrate that.

Andy Kidger

Facilities Manager

Baltic Apprenticeships

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We have made enormous savings on our costs. We now make a 6 figure income on the energy generated by our system.

Robert Moss

Managing Director

Moss Electrical

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Sustain's ongoing support has been amazing. They've delivered on all projects in a timely manner and caused minimal disruption to our tenants.

Javed Sattar

Portfolio Manager

Custodian Capital

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FAQs

We’ve created an extensive library of frequently asked questions from our prospects, customers and general public.

You can view the FAQs specific to this page to the right.

Or view all FAQs on the page linked below.

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Our team

100+ years combined experience in solar and over 50,000 installations completed.

Our team are ready to assist you in your commercial solar transition.

We’re actively looking for driven self starters to join us on our mission to empower UK businesses with sustainable energy.