As urban centres grapple with the challenges of achieving net zero targets amidst space constraints, innovative solutions are imperative. Sandeep Kang, senior product manager at Energy Systems Catapult, an independent research and technology organisation, sheds light on a transformative approach: harnessing the vast, underutilised expanse of urban car parks through solar carports.

Sandeep Kang, senior product manager at Energy Systems Catapult

As Britain’s fleet operators accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, they confront a pressing problem: how to deliver reliable, low-carbon power to hundreds or even thousands of chargers without overburdening depot space or energy budgets. Solar carports (photovoltaic canopies installed over existing parking bays) offer a straightforward, high-impact remedy. By deploying roof-mounted panels above each bay, fleets can generate clean electricity onsite, reduce grid reliance and lower charging costs, all while shielding vehicles from the elements.

Market size

Solar capacity in the UK has grown substantially, rising by more than 1.15 GW between January 2024 and January 2025 and producing roughly 27 TWh of electricity in 2023, equivalent to about 10% of national demand. Yet these figures scarcely reflect the vast resource parked right under our noses.

With over 629,000 public and private parking spaces nationwide, fitting just 500,000 of those bays with PV canopies would add approximately 1.57 GW of capacity and produce around 1,450 GWh of clean energy each year. That output alone could fully charge more than 350,000 average EVs annually, assuming each vehicle uses 4 MWh of electricity per year​.

Onsite solar

For fleet operators and energy managers, the appeal of solar carports extends beyond raw generation.

Producing power directly at the point of use means wholesale electricity purchases can be reduced significantly. A depot hosting 200 EVs that charge daily could save tens of thousands of pounds each year by offsetting even a few pence per kilowatt-hour. Charging with onsite solar also ensures that the electricity used is truly zero-carbon, strengthening corporate sustainability credentials and avoiding premiums on green tariff contracts.

Additionally, by combining PV canopies with smart charging controls, fleets can align charging sessions with times of peak solar output. This approach minimises grid imports during expensive peak hours and eases the burden on local networks.

Reducing peak demand cuts demand-charge liabilities and mitigates the risk of costly reinforcement works with distribution network operators. The shaded bays provided by carport canopies further protect batteries from thermal stress, extending battery life and improve driver comfort by keeping cabins cooler on hot days.

Act fast

The path from concept to canopy can be surprisingly fast when supported by the right data. A leading local authority recently applied data provided by Net Zero Data (an Energy Systems Catapult product) to every council-owned car park to better understand their suitability for solar carports. In just two months, the team produced a ranked pipeline of high-value sites by combining solar-yield modelling with network-capacity data. This bespoke dataset enabled rapid business-case development and financing discussions without the need for extensive studies​.

Solar carports generate renewable energy while offering shelter for vehicles and charging integration points

From a financial perspective, solar carports deliver multiple revenue streams. Onsite generation reduces the cost of energy consumed in depots. Surplus electricity can be exported to the wholesale market or sold via private-wire arrangements to neighbouring businesses. Integrating PV with EV chargers increases utilisation rates and can improve the margins on charging revenues by ensuring that a higher proportion of power is generated onsite. Innovative financing models – including lease-purchase agreements and energy-performance contracts – spread capital costs, while predictable, long-term cash flows from energy savings make such schemes attractive to investors.

Despite clear advantages, a handful of challenges must be addressed. Granular data on canopy shading, roof geometry and local network headroom is essential to avoid costly surprises at the grid-connection stage. Early engagement with distribution network operators is crucial to understand reinforcement requirements and hold costs in check. Finally, many fleets and authorities lack in-house technical expertise to scope, procure and manage bespoke solar canopy projects, underlining the value of partnerships with data specialists and renewable-energy innovators.

More than a luxury

In the current climate of volatile energy markets and tightening carbon targets, solar carports are a necessity. For fleet operators contemplating their next steps in electrification, solar carports should feature prominently on the agenda. They represent a practical, low-risk means of securing clean, predictable charging power, improving asset utilisation and demonstrating environmental leadership.

By adopting a data-driven strategy to site selection and project financing, fleets can move swiftly from pilot to rollout, unlocking cost savings, new revenue opportunities and a smoother transition to zero-emission transport.