Across the UK, businesses are under pressure to lower energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and future-proof their operations against rising demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. While rooftop solar has long been the most common approach to on-site generation, an equally powerful yet often overlooked option is the solar carpark.

The significance of this technology lies in its ability to align commercial goals with sustainability targets. A business solar carport not only reduces energy bills and provides resilience against price volatility, it also creates opportunities for EV charging integration, contributes to net-zero strategies, and enhances the value of commercial properties. With government policy increasingly supportive of renewable integration,  and potential regulations on the horizon that could mandate solar in large carpark, the case for investment has never been stronger.

This article explains what solar carparks are, how they work, and why they represent a strategic asset in the UK’s commercial energy landscape. From financial benefits and planning considerations to their role in advancing net-zero, we will explore how businesses can unlock the untapped potential of their carparks and turn parking space into a driver of long-term value.

Key Takeaways

• A solar carpark turns underutilised parking areas into energy-producing assets, reducing grid reliance and operating costs.
• A business solar carport delivers dual value: clean electricity generation and shaded, weather-protected parking for staff, fleets, and customers.
• Integrating EV charging with a solar carpark creates new revenue streams, supports corporate fleet electrification, and aligns with UK net-zero targets.
• With energy prices volatile and potential regulations on the horizon, now is the ideal time for businesses to invest in a business solar carport.
• Beyond energy savings, a solar carpark enhances property value, brand reputation, and customer experience, making it a strategic commercial investment.

What Are Solar Carparks?

A solar carpark (or solar carport)  is a type of business solar carport where photovoltaic panels are installed on canopy structures above parking spaces. This design captures sunlight efficiently while providing sheltered parking that protects vehicles from weather elements. 

Unlike traditional rooftop solar, solar carparks utilise the often underexploited surface area of commercial parking lots. This makes them ideal for businesses with limited roof space or those seeking to expand renewable energy capacity without disrupting operations. By integrating solar generation at ground level, companies can produce clean electricity directly adjacent to where it is consumed.

For businesses, a business solar carport serves multiple functions:

• Generating renewable electricity to reduce grid dependence.
• Enhancing customer and employee experience with shaded, secure parking.
• Improving property aesthetics and long-term asset value.

Why Solar Carparks Matter for UK Businesses?

UK businesses are under growing demand to increase energy security and reduce carbon footprints. Solar carparks help meet these needs by generating renewable energy on-site and supporting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Government interest is rising, with discussions around policies mandating solar installations on new commercial parking facilities. 

This emerging regulatory landscape highlights the strategic advantage of investing in business solar carports now. Additionally, carparks are vast, untapped assets within commercial estates that can become revenue-generating and sustainability-enhancing energy hubs through solar deployment.

Financial Benefits for Businesses

The most compelling reason to invest in a solar carpark is the financial return. By generating on-site renewable electricity, companies reduce reliance on expensive grid energy.

Key financial benefits of a business solar carport include:

1. Energy savings: Lower monthly electricity bills by self-generating a significant share of your power.
2. Revenue opportunities: Sell excess power back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
3. Incentives: Potential access to capital allowances or other UK business energy schemes.
4. Return on investment: Solar carparks often provide faster ROI compared to rooftop systems due to higher energy output potential.

Integrating EV Charging with Solar Carparks

The rise of electric vehicles across the UK is reshaping how businesses think about infrastructure and customer experience. A solar carpark is uniquely positioned to support this transition, as it can directly integrate EV charging points into its canopy design, creating a seamless, future-ready energy and mobility hub.

For businesses, a business solar carport combined with EV charging delivers a range of strategic and financial benefits:

• Customer Attraction and Retention: Shoppers and visitors increasingly expect convenient access to charging. Offering solar-powered charging can differentiate a retail or leisure business from competitors and increase dwell time.
• Revenue Generation: EV charging stations can be monetised, providing an additional income stream through charging fees or subscription models. This transforms the solar carpark into both an energy asset and a revenue-generating customer amenity.
  
• Corporate Fleet Transition: Many organisations are electrifying their fleets to meet decarbonisation goals. A business solar carport ensures fleets can be charged on-site with clean, self-generated energy, reducing both fuel and energy costs.
  
• Employee Benefits: Providing workplace charging helps employees transition to EVs, supporting green commuting initiatives and boosting staff satisfaction.
  
• Policy Alignment: With the UK government set to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, EV infrastructure is no longer optional. Businesses that integrate EV charging into a solar carpark future-proof their operations and avoid last-minute, costly retrofits.

Technical and Strategic Considerations

Integrating EV chargers into a business solar carport is more than an add-on; it requires smart energy management. By pairing chargers with on-site battery storage, businesses can optimise usage, store surplus solar energy, and balance demand during peak charging periods. Smart grid integration can also allow participation in flexibility markets, generating further revenue from grid services.

Supporting Net-Zero and Energy Security Goals

Implementing solar carparks is a powerful step toward UK businesses achieving energy security and net-zero goals. By generating clean power on-site, companies reduce exposure to volatile energy prices and fossil fuel dependence. Solar carparks contribute to corporate climate strategies by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions

For a business solar carport, the sustainability impact is measurable:

• Reducing scope 2 emissions by lowering reliance on fossil-fuel-generated grid electricity.
• Contributing to national renewable energy targets.
• Providing energy resilience against supply shocks and price volatility.Planning, Grid Connection, and Feasibility

Installing a solar carpark is generally less complex than large-scale ground-mounted solar, but it still requires careful planning.

Key considerations for a business solar carport include:

• Planning permission: Many commercial carparks qualify, though scale and location can affect approvals.
• Grid connection: Ensuring the system can export excess energy without overloading local infrastructure.
• Design integration: Aligning canopy structures with existing parking layouts.
• Timescales: Depending on size, most projects range from 6–18 months from planning to completion.

The Untapped Potential of UK Carparks

There are more than 17,000 public and commercial carparks across the UK, representing millions of square metres of unused space. Several local councils and retail parks have begun adopting these installations, demonstrating practical applications and benefits. Including a table comparing potential energy yields and carbon savings from different sizes of solar carparks would illustrate this potential quantitatively. Converting even a fraction into solar carparks could deliver a substantial share of the nation’s renewable electricity demand. 

For businesses, a business solar carport captures this untapped potential:

• A supermarket chain with 1,000 carpark spaces could generate enough electricity to power hundreds of homes annually.
  
• An office carpark retrofitted with solar could offset most of its building’s daytime energy needs.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Invest?

The UK energy landscape is undergoing rapid change. Electricity prices remain volatile, with businesses facing unpredictable costs linked to global fuel markets, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. A solar carpark provides a direct hedge against this volatility by enabling companies to generate their own clean power on-site, reducing reliance on grid electricity and insulating budgets from sharp price increases.

At the same time, the government is pressing ahead with legally binding climate commitments. The UK has pledged to achieve net-zero by 2050, with interim goals such as a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030. This policy environment is creating mounting pressure on organisations to decarbonise operations, not only to comply with regulations but also to satisfy stakeholders, customers, and investors. A business solar carport directly supports these ambitions by delivering measurable emissions reductions while also producing long-term financial returns.

Business Advantages of Early Adoption

Choosing to act now creates opportunities that late adopters may miss. A business solar carport offers:

• Lower Operating Costs: Generate a large portion of your electricity demand from solar, cutting monthly bills and improving margins.
  
• Enhanced Sustainability Credentials: Position your business as an early adopter of low-carbon technologies, improving ESG ratings and brand image.
  
• Resilience Against Policy Shifts: Get ahead of potential mandates requiring renewables on commercial properties.
  
• Customer and Employee Engagement: Demonstrate proactive action on sustainability, which strengthens loyalty and attracts top talent.
  
• Competitive Advantage: Businesses with a solar carpark in place will be able to offer amenities like EV charging and shaded parking before rivals, adding tangible value for customers and staff.

Turning Carparks into a Strategic Energy Asset

The solar carpark is no longer a niche innovation. It is a scalable, strategic investment that allows UK businesses to reduce operating costs, secure their energy supply, and visibly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Unlike short-term cost-saving measures, a business solar carport provides a long-term infrastructure asset that continues to generate value year after year.

A solar carpark is more than an environmental solution; it is a financial strategy. Businesses can protect themselves from energy price volatility, create new revenue through EV charging, and align seamlessly with ESG targets. For decision-makers tasked with balancing profitability and sustainability, a business solar carport delivers both.

As the UK’s leading multi-technology provider, EvoEnergy offers a full turnkey solution, from initial consultation and feasibility studies through to design, installation, and long-term optimisation. Our experience delivering large-scale solar, EV charging, and battery storage projects means we can help you unlock the full potential of your carpark. With our expertise, your business solar carport will be tailored to maximise output, savings, and ROI.

The opportunity is clear: a solar carpark can transform underused parking space into a revenue-generating energy asset while supporting your company’s journey to net-zero. Forward-thinking businesses are already reaping the rewards, now it’s time for yours to do the same.

Contact EvoEnergy today to discover how a business solar carport can reshape your commercial energy strategy for the future.

As the UK accelerates its transition to net zero, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable transport. For forward-thinking businesses, investing in EVs and EV charging stations is no longer just a green gesture, it’s a strategic decision with significant financial, environmental, and reputational advantages. Whether it’s reducing operating costs, complying with regulatory targets, or enhancing employee satisfaction, the adoption of EV infrastructure provides a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

This blog explores why now is the ideal time for UK businesses to invest in EVs and EV charging stations. From cost analysis and incentive schemes to implementation strategies and long-term benefits, we’ll break down the essentials you need to know to futureproof your operations and lead in the low-carbon economy.

Key Takeaways:

• With the government’s 2035 phase-out of new petrol and diesel vehicles and the rise in electric vehicle (EV) purchases, businesses must act now to keep up with shifting transportation trends and customer expectations.

•  Installing EV charging stations helps businesses attract eco-conscious customers, enhance employee benefits, and position themselves as forward-thinking and sustainable brands.

• Many companies are transitioning their vehicle fleets to electric as part of net-zero strategies. Onsite charging helps control energy costs and simplifies fleet management.

• Businesses can benefit from various grants and schemes like the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which subsidises the cost of installing EV charge points, reducing upfront investment.

• Installing EV chargers supports broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and helps businesses meet internal carbon reduction targets, aligning with stakeholder expectations.

• As demand for electric mobility grows, businesses that invest early in EV infrastructure will be better prepared to adapt, grow, and stay ahead of evolving regulations and consumer habits.

Financial Benefits: Save on Fuel, Maintenance, and Long-Term Costs

Investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging stations offers businesses an effective way to reduce operational costs. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs require less maintenance and are significantly cheaper to run per mile, especially when paired with on-site charging.

Key financial advantages include:

• Lower fuel costs: Charging an EV costs around 2–4p per mile compared to 10–15p per mile for petrol or diesel.
• Reduced maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts, eliminating the need for oil changes, exhaust system repairs, and other routine servicing.
• Tax savings: Businesses can write off EVs and infrastructure through capital allowances (more in section 3).
  Operational savings: With EV charging stations installed on-site, businesses avoid paying premium rates at public charging points and gain better control over energy management.

Example: A fleet of 10 EV vans could save over £10,000 annually in fuel alone compared to diesel equivalents.

Environmental Advantages and Net-Zero Commitments

Transport accounts for roughly 24% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to EVs and installing EV charging stations directly supports a business’s carbon reduction goals, making a tangible contribution to the national net-zero target by 2050.

Why it matters:

• Zero tailpipe emissions: EVs reduce CO₂ and nitrogen oxides, improving local air quality.
• Support for Scope 1 & 2 emission reductions: Installing EV charging stations powered by solar or renewable tariffs helps cut indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
• Cleaner supply chains: Transitioning fleet vehicles to electric contributes to more sustainable logistics and delivery operations.

By adopting EVs and clean charging infrastructure, businesses strengthen their environmental credentials and take a leadership role in the UK’s climate action framework.

Government Incentives and Tax Reliefs for EV Infrastructure

The UK government offers several financial schemes to encourage EV adoption and the rollout of EV charging stations in commercial settings. These incentives help reduce upfront costs and improve the return on investment (ROI) for businesses making the switch.

Key opportunities:

• Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): Covers up to £350 per socket for up to 40 sockets. Available to any business, charity, or public authority.
  
• Plug-in Vehicle Grants: Discount of up to £2,500 for small vans and up to £5,000 for large vans.
  
• Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs): Claim 100% of the cost of EVs and charging stations in the first year against taxable profits.
  
• EV Infrastructure Grant for Fleets: For SMEs installing multiple EV charging stations, covering up to £15,000 per site.

Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG Integration

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a core business priority. By adopting EVs and EV charging stations, companies can strengthen their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials.

How EV adoption enhances CSR/ESG:

• Aligns with internal climate goals and external frameworks, such as B Corp or ISO 14001.
• Improves transparency in ESG reporting and annual sustainability disclosures.
• Demonstrates leadership in innovation and environmental stewardship.
• Contributes to cleaner communities, especially in urban environments.

Whether you report publicly or not, having visible infrastructure like EV charging stations on-site sends a strong message about your values and commitment to sustainable development.

Enhanced Customer and Employee Experience

Offering access to EV charging stations on your premises isn’t just a practical move, it’s a brand-enhancing one. Whether you operate a retail park, office campus, or industrial site, EV infrastructure adds tangible value to both customer and employee experiences.

Business benefits include:

• Increased footfall: Drivers are more likely to visit or stay longer where charging is available.
• Staff satisfaction: Employees with EVs appreciate workplace charging as a valuable perk.
• Corporate image: On-site EV charging stations create a visible symbol of innovation and eco-consciousness.

Future-Proofing Fleets and Commercial Facilities

With the UK’s planned 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and vans, businesses that start preparing today will be better positioned to meet future transportation and compliance requirements.

Installing EV charging stations now means you:

• Avoid last-minute costs and infrastructure bottlenecks.
• Can scale your system incrementally as fleet needs grow.
• Maintain operational continuity as regulations tighten.

Forward-looking strategies:

• Build charging into CAPEX planning.
• Design sites with scalable, modular charging infrastructure.
• Integrate with renewable energy or battery storage to maximise ROI.

By preparing now, you’ll avoid costly retrofits and ensure your facilities and fleet stay competitive in a low-carbon economy.

Combining EV Charging Stations with Solar Car Parks

Integrating EV charging stations with solar carports is a smart way to compound sustainability benefits. These installations provide shade, generate clean electricity, and enable honestly zero-emissions charging, all within the same footprint.

Key advantages of solar + EV:

• Dual-purpose infrastructure: Efficient use of space and capital.
• Energy self-sufficiency: On-site generation reduces reliance on the grid.
• CO₂ offsetting: Charging from solar delivers the greenest possible transport solution.
• Positive PR: Solar carports are a clear demonstration of climate leadership.

How EvoEnergy Helps You Deliver Smart EV Infrastructure?

As a trusted renewable energy partner to large UK businesses, EvoEnergy provides turnkey solutions for EV charging stations and beyond. Our services span consultancy, design, planning, installation, and monitoring, ensuring your EV rollout is smooth, compliant, and scalable.

Why choose EvoEnergy:

• Experienced in large-scale installations for public and private sector clients.
• End-to-end project management, from feasibility to commissioning.
• Solar, storage, and EV integration to maximise ROI and sustainability.
• Support with funding applications and DNO grid connection approvals.

We tailor each solution to your business goals, fleet size, and energy strategy, ensuring your investment in EV charging stations aligns with broader decarbonisation and growth plans.

Drive Your Business Toward a Greener Future

The case for investing in electric vehicles and EV charging stations has never been stronger. Whether you’re seeking to reduce costs, meet ESG targets, enhance your brand, or prepare for the future, EV infrastructure is a strategic asset with long-term benefits.

With government incentives available, customer demand rising, and zero-emission transport becoming the standard, now is the time to act. Get ahead of the curve. Contact EvoEnergy to explore your options for EV charging stations, solar car parks, and integrated renewable energy systems. Visit our EV Charging Solutions page to learn more.

Thermal solar panels are important in producing renewable energy and providing efficient solutions for heating water and spaces. However, when considering their installation, one key factor that often gets overlooked is their weight. Understanding the weight of thermal solar panels is essential to ensuring that they are installed safely and effectively. 

How Thermal Solar Panels Work?

Thermal solar panels, also known as solar thermal collectors, absorb sunlight to generate heat, typically used to warm water or air for domestic, commercial, or industrial use. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight into electricity, thermal panels focus on capturing and utilising heat. These panels are made from glass, metal, and insulation layers, all contributing to their overall weight.

Types of Thermal Solar Panels

Understanding these types helps choose the right panel based on your building’s structural capacity and energy needs. There are various thermal solar panels, each with different weight characteristics.

Flat-Plate Collectors

Flat-plate collectors are among the most common thermal solar panels used in residential and commercial applications. They consist of a flat absorber plate that captures solar energy, a transparent cover that reduces heat loss, insulation to prevent energy from escaping, and a metal casing.

Flat-plate collectors generally weigh between 20 to 30 kg per square metre. The actual weight can vary depending on the specific materials used, the glass’s thickness, and the insulation’s quality.

Evacuated Tube Collectors

Evacuated tube collectors are another popular type of thermal solar panel, especially in colder climates where heat retention is crucial. These panels contain rows of glass tubes, each with a vacuum inside to minimise heat loss.

Evacuated tube collectors typically weigh between 10 and 20 kg per square metre, which makes them lighter than flat-plate collectors. However, the total weight depends on the number of tubes and the volume of fluid they contain.

Integral Collector-Storage Systems

Integral collector-storage (ICS) systems are designed to collect solar energy and store heated water in the same unit. Due to the combined function of heat collection and water storage, these systems are heavier.

Depending on the amount of water stored and the materials used in the construction, ICS systems can weigh 30 to 50 kg per square metre.

Mounting Systems

Mounting systems are an essential part of any solar panel installation. They ensure that the panels are securely attached to the roof or structure and can withstand environmental factors such as wind and snow.

Mounting systems generally add an additional 5 to 10 kg per square metre to the total weight, depending on the complexity and materials used.

Weight Considerations in Operational Conditions

Weight per Square Metre

Weight per square metre is a critical measurement that defines the load a thermal solar panel imposes on a surface area of the building’s roof or structure. This metric is vital for calculating whether a building can support the panels without compromising structural integrity. A higher weight per square metre requires a more robust and load-bearing structure.

Factors Affecting Weight in Operational Conditions

Several factors influence the actual weight of thermal solar panels when in operation:

• Fluid Content: Fluids (like water or glycol) within the panels add to their operational weight.
• Insulation Materials: The type and thickness of insulation used in the panels can increase the weight.
• Mounting Systems: The brackets and frames that secure the panels add weight, which must be factored into the overall load.
• Thermal Expansion: Temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract, which can subtly affect the weight and stress on the mounting systems over time.

Practical Implications for Installation

Structural Integrity and Load-Bearing Capacity

Before installing thermal solar panels, it is crucial to assess the load-bearing capacity of the roof or structure. An expert evaluation can determine if the current structure can handle the added weight or if reinforcements are necessary. This assessment should consider not only the weight of the panels but also the dynamic loads from wind, snow, and thermal expansion.

Building Regulations and Compliance

In the UK, building regulations require that any solar panel installation must not exceed the structural load capacity of the building. Compliance with these regulations is critical to avoid potential safety hazards. Ensuring that the installation meets local building codes will help prevent structural failures and legal issues.

Expert Tips for Managing Thermal Solar Panel Weight

Choosing the Right Panels for Your Building

Selecting the appropriate type of thermal solar panel is crucial. Evacuated tube collectors, due to their lighter weight, might be a better option for buildings with limited load-bearing capacity. Flat-plate collectors, offering higher durability and efficiency, can be considered for structures with more robust roofs.

Installation Best Practices

To minimise the impact of weight on your building, consider these best practices:

• Professional Assessment: Always consult a structural engineer before installation to ensure the building can handle the additional load.
• Proper Mounting: Use high-quality mounting systems that distribute the weight evenly across the structure.
• Regular Maintenance: Periodically check the panels and mounting systems to ensure they are secure and functioning properly, especially after extreme weather conditions.

Ensuring a Safe and Effective Thermal Solar Installation

Understanding the weight of thermal solar panels and how it affects your building is crucial for a successful installation. By considering factors such as weight per square metre and the structural integrity of your building, you can make informed decisions that ensure both safety and efficiency. Proper planning, compliance with building regulations, and choosing the right panels will help you reap the benefits of thermal solar energy without compromising your property’s structural integrity.

Take the Next Step Today! Consult with EvoEnergy for Your Solar Needs

If you’re considering installing thermal solar panels, contact EvoEnergy today for a consultation. Our experts can help you assess your building’s load-bearing capacity and recommend the best solar solutions tailored to your needs. Let us help you maximise the sun’s power safely and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do common types of thermal solar panels weigh per square metre?

• Flat-plate collectors typically weigh 20–30 kg/m², depending on material thickness and insulation quality.
• Evacuated tube collectors are lighter, generally around 10–20 kg/m², depending on the number of tubes and fluid volume.
• Integral collector‑storage (ICS) systems are heavier, approximately 30–50 kg/m², because they integrate both heat collection and fluid storage in one unit.

2. How much additional weight do mounting systems add to the panels?

Mounting systems add another 5–10 kg/m² to the total load, depending on bracket design and materials used.

3. What factors affect the operational weight of thermal solar panels?

Several elements influence the actual load when panels are operational:

• Fluid content, such as water or glycol, increases weight.
• Insulation materials and their thickness contribute to the overall mass.
• Mounting hardware, frames, supports, and connectors, also add to the load.
  Thermal expansion, due to temperature fluctuations, can subtly affect the stress and perceived weight on mounting systems over time.

4. Why is knowing weight per square metre important for installations?

Weight per square metre is a key metric for assessing whether a roof or structure can safely support the panels without structural risk. Buildings with lower load-bearing capacity may need reinforcement before installation. It’s essential to conduct a structural assessment to ensure safety, considering both static and dynamic loads (e.g., wind, snow, thermal movement).