UK councils are increasingly looking beyond traditional approaches to renewable energy generation. With limited land available in our towns and cities, innovative solutions are needed. Solar carports are emerging as a promising option.
Research from the University of Sussex found that covering the world’s suitable rooftops with solar panels could help meet 65% of current global electricity consumption, potentially generating 19,500 TWh of electricity annually. These rooftops span approximately 286,000 km² worldwide, an area comparable to Italy or New Zealand. Widespread adoption of rooftop photovoltaics could lower global temperatures by 0.13 degrees.
However, the potential for solar does not stop at rooftops. Car parks represent a vast and often overlooked opportunity for solar generation in urban areas.
A leading local authority has recently demonstrated an innovative approach in exploring alternative solar deployments. Following the completion of its Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), the authority was keen to advance the identified sustainability pathways despite facing the common urban challenge of limited suitable land for traditional solar farms.
The authority already possessed an impressive record in renewable energy, with an operational solar farm, a hydro scheme, and a heat network under development. Yet it recognised that meeting ambitious Net Zero targets required a different strategy.
Urban local authorities do not have abundant open land available for ground-mounted solar arrays. This limitation calls for identifying alternative spaces for renewable energy generation.
Car parks are particularly promising because they are already developed, have minimal competing land use, and are typically situated near existing electrical infrastructure. They offer the dual benefits of generating clean electricity and providing shelter for vehicles, while visible renewable projects in public spaces help reinforce a council’s commitment to climate action.
To identify suitable locations for solar carports, the authority partnered with Energy Systems Catapult for a data-driven solution. Through the Net Zero Data service, a comprehensive dataset was provided that identified existing car parks suitable for solar carport installation and estimated the potential energy generation capacity at each site. The data also assessed the electricity network capacity in the surrounding areas and reported on available headroom at nearby substations.
This approach enabled the authority to quickly evaluate and prioritise potential sites based on reliable, up-to-date information. The bespoke dataset was delivered within two months, a pace considerably faster than traditional consultancy methods.
Solar carports offer councils numerous advantages beyond the generation of renewable electricity. Energy produced can power nearby council buildings and streetlights, potentially reducing operational costs at a time when many local authorities face budget constraints.
Car parks equipped with solar canopies also present natural locations for electric vehicle charging stations, supporting the transition to electric transport while providing a practical amenity for residents. Additionally, excess power can be traded with the grid, creating additional income streams for councils. The prospect of attracting private investment in renewable energy projects further enhances the appeal of solar carports.
For those interested in exploring solar carports, a structured approach is essential. The process begins with using data to identify and prioritise suitable car park locations, following successful case study models. Councils should then assess how these sites can integrate with existing and planned electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Evaluating potential connections to nearby council-owned buildings may reveal opportunities for on-site generation to offset current electricity costs. In light of budget constraints, exploring private sector partnerships can make projects financially viable.
Throughout the process, engaging with the community to build support for visible renewable projects ensures residents understand and appreciate these new additions to familiar spaces.
As the UK progresses towards Net Zero, maximising every suitable space for renewable energy generation is essential. For urban local authorities with limited land availability, solar carports provide a practical method to expand generation capacity while offering additional benefits to residents.
With the right data, councils can make informed decisions about where to prioritise installations, ensuring significant benefits for communities and a meaningful contribution to climate goals. Even space-constrained urban areas can expand renewable generation through innovative thinking and a data-driven approach.
For councils ready to unlock the full potential of solar technology, our datasets offer the insights needed to turn ambition into action. Check out Net Zero Market.
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams