Solar Carports UK: Costs, Types & Installation
A solar carport combines covered parking with solar energy generation. Here's what they cost, whether you need planning permission, and if one is worth it for your home or business in 2026.
Quick Answer
A solar carport is a covered parking structure with solar panels integrated into the roof. A single-car carport (2.5kW) costs £8,000–£12,000 and a double-car (5kW) costs £15,000–£20,000. They are more expensive than roof-mounted solar per kW due to the structural framework, but provide covered parking and can integrate EV charging. Planning permission is required for most residential installations.
What is a solar carport?
A solar carport is a covered parking structure with solar panels mounted on top of, or integrated into, the roof. Unlike a traditional carport that simply provides shelter, a solar carport generates electricity from the panels while keeping your car protected from rain, frost, and bird droppings.
Solar carports are growing in popularity across the UK for homes, businesses, and public car parks. They are sometimes called solar canopies or solar pergolas, though a pergola typically refers to a garden structure rather than a parking one.
Residential
Single or double-car carports for homeowners who want covered parking plus solar generation, often with an integrated EV charger.
Commercial
Multi-space canopies for supermarkets, retail parks, and offices. Can include paid EV charging for additional revenue.
Public Car Parks
Council and transport authority installations at park-and-ride sites, railway stations, and airports.
How much does a solar carport cost?
Solar carports are more expensive per kW than roof-mounted panels because you are paying for both the structural framework and the solar panels. The framework alone accounts for 40–60% of the total cost.
| Carport Size | System Size | Typical Cost | Annual Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Car | 2.5kW | £8,000–£12,000 | 2,000–2,500 kWh |
| Double Car | 5kW | £15,000–£20,000 | 4,000–5,000 kWh |
| Commercial (10+ spaces) | 20–50kW+ | £40,000–£100,000+ | 16,000–40,000+ kWh |
Why are solar carports more expensive than roof panels?
A typical 5kW roof-mounted system costs £5,000–£7,000. The same 5kW on a carport costs £15,000–£20,000. The difference is the structural framework — steel or aluminium posts, beams, and foundations that need to be engineered to withstand wind loading and support the panel weight. This is the single biggest factor in solar carport pricing.
Solar carport vs roof-mounted panels
The right choice depends on your situation. Here's how the two options compare:
| Factor | Solar Carport | Roof-Mounted Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per kW | £3,200–£4,000/kW | £1,000–£1,400/kW |
| Roof Modifications | None required | Roof penetrations needed |
| Panel Angle | Can be optimised to ideal tilt | Limited by roof pitch |
| EV Charging | Natural integration point | Separate installation |
| Covered Parking | Yes | No |
| Planning Permission | Required (freestanding structure) | Usually permitted development |
| Extra Land Needed | Yes — driveway or parking area | No — uses existing roof |
| Pure Solar ROI | Longer payback (15–20+ years) | Shorter payback (6–10 years) |
If your primary goal is the cheapest solar electricity, roof panels win. A solar carport makes sense when you value the covered parking, your roof is unsuitable, or you want a combined parking and EV-charging solution.
Types of solar carports
Solar carports come in several structural designs. The choice affects cost, aesthetics, and solar performance.
Cantilever (Single Post)
Supported by posts on one side only, creating a clean, modern look with unobstructed access. More expensive due to the engineering required for the cantilevered structure.
Dual Post
Supported by posts on both sides. Stronger, cheaper, and more traditional in appearance. The most common choice for residential installations.
Flat Top
A horizontal roof with no tilt. Simpler and cheaper to build, but solar panels generate less electricity without an angle — typically 10–15% less than an optimally tilted system.
Angled / Mono-Pitch
A tilted roof, typically at 15–35 degrees facing south. Better solar generation than flat designs and natural rain runoff. The most efficient option for UK conditions.
Solar carport with EV charging
One of the strongest arguments for a solar carport is the natural integration with EV charging. Your car is parked under the panels, and a charger can be mounted directly on the carport structure — no need to run cables from the house.
A 5kW solar carport can generate enough electricity to drive an electric car 8,000–10,000 miles per year for free, saving around £800–£1,200 annually compared to charging from the grid.
Smart Chargers
The myenergi Zappi is the most popular choice — it can automatically divert surplus solar energy to your EV. Other options include the Ohme Home Pro and Andersen A3. All are OZEV-approved for the £350 EV charger grant.
Solar-Only Charging Mode
Smart chargers like the Zappi have an “Eco+” mode that only charges your car when surplus solar is available. This means zero electricity cost for your driving miles — effectively free fuel.
Adding a Battery
Adding a battery (e.g. GivEnergy 5.2kWh or Tesla Powerwall) to your solar carport lets you store daytime solar generation and charge your EV overnight. This maximises self-consumption and means you can charge even when the panels are not generating. A battery adds £2,500–£5,000 to the total cost.
Do you need planning permission for a solar carport?
Yes, in most cases. Unlike roof-mounted solar panels, which benefit from Class A permitted development rights, a solar carport is a freestanding structure. This means it falls outside permitted development and you will likely need to apply for planning permission from your local council.
What Planners Consider
- Height and size of the structure
- Proximity to boundaries and neighbours
- Impact on street scene and character of the area
- Whether you are in a conservation area
- Whether your property is listed
Tips for Approval
- Contact your council's planning department early
- Consider a pre-application consultation (£50–£200)
- Use materials that match your property
- Keep the height below 2.5m where possible
- Position away from the front boundary
Planning application fees are currently £258 for a householder application in England (as of 2026). The process typically takes 8 weeks. Some councils have dedicated sustainability or renewables officers who are supportive of solar structures.
Commercial solar carports
For businesses, solar carports offer a way to generate electricity, provide covered parking for staff and customers, and earn revenue from EV charging. You will see them at supermarkets, retail parks, office car parks, and transport hubs.
Capital Allowances
Businesses can claim 100% first-year capital allowances on solar equipment under the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), reducing the effective cost by the corporation tax rate (currently 25%).
EV Charging Revenue
Installing public EV chargers on a solar carport creates an additional revenue stream. Businesses typically charge 40–60p/kWh while generating solar electricity at effectively 5–8p/kWh.
ESG & Corporate Image
Visible solar carports demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. They are a tangible way to meet carbon reduction targets and improve your business's environmental credentials.
Commercial solar carports typically have a payback period of 8–12 years, faster than residential due to higher daytime electricity consumption and potential EV charging revenue.
Is a solar carport worth it?
An honest assessment: if your only goal is generating cheap solar electricity, roof-mounted panels are the better investment. They cost significantly less per kW and have a faster payback period.
A solar carport makes financial and practical sense if:
Good reasons to get a solar carport
- You want covered parking and solar generation
- Your roof is unsuitable (wrong orientation, shading, listed building)
- You want integrated EV charging at the parking point
- You've already maxed out your roof with panels
- You are a business with a large car park
- Budget is not the primary concern
Reasons to stick with roof panels
- Best solar ROI and fastest payback
- No planning permission needed (usually)
- No extra land or driveway space required
- Significantly cheaper per kW installed
- Simpler, faster installation
- Well-established installer market
Bottom line: A solar carport is a premium product at a premium price. It is best suited to homeowners and businesses who want the dual benefit of covered parking and solar generation, and have the budget to justify a longer payback period. If you simply want the cheapest way to go solar, roof panels remain the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Carports
How much does a solar carport cost in the UK?
A single-car solar carport costs £8,000–£12,000 for a 2.5kW system, while a double-car carport with 5kW of panels costs £15,000–£20,000. Commercial solar carports with 10+ parking spaces start from £40,000 and can exceed £100,000 depending on size.
Do I need planning permission for a solar carport?
Yes, in most cases. Solar carports are freestanding structures, so Class A permitted development rights for solar panels do not apply. You will need to submit a householder planning application to your local council. Some councils are more favourable than others, so check early.
Can I charge my electric car from a solar carport?
Yes, solar carports are ideal for EV charging. You can integrate a smart charger such as the myenergi Zappi directly into the carport structure. The charger can be set to use only solar-generated electricity, maximising your savings.
Is a solar carport better than roof-mounted panels?
Not for pure solar ROI. Roof-mounted panels cost less per kW because they use your existing roof structure. A solar carport makes sense if you also want covered parking, your roof is unsuitable for panels, or you want integrated EV charging. The carport structure itself adds significant cost.
How much electricity does a solar carport generate?
A typical single-car solar carport with 2.5kW of panels generates around 2,000–2,500 kWh per year in the UK — enough to drive an electric car 8,000–10,000 miles. A double-car 5kW carport generates 4,000–5,000 kWh, which can cover a significant portion of a household's electricity needs.
What is the difference between a solar carport and a solar canopy?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A solar carport typically refers to a covered parking structure with integrated solar panels. A solar canopy is a broader term that can include any overhead solar panel structure, including walkway covers and patio canopies. Solar pergolas are a similar concept designed more for garden or patio use.
How long does a solar carport last?
The solar panels on a carport last 25–30 years, the same as roof-mounted panels. The steel or aluminium framework is typically guaranteed for 10–25 years depending on the manufacturer, and can last much longer with proper maintenance. The structure should be galvanised or powder-coated to prevent corrosion.
Are there grants for solar carports in the UK?
There is no specific grant for residential solar carports in 2026. However, the solar panels themselves benefit from 0% VAT (until March 2027), and any electricity you export to the grid earns payments through the Smart Export Guarantee. For businesses, solar carports qualify for capital allowances, making them more tax-efficient.
Related Guides
Solar & EV Charging
Charge your electric car with solar panels and save £2,000+/year.
Planning Permission
Permitted development, listed buildings, and when you need to apply.
Solar Panel Costs
Full cost breakdown and payback periods.
Commercial Solar
Solar panels for UK businesses: costs, capital allowances, and ROI.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust — Solar Panels — energysavingtrust.org.uk
- MCS — Microgeneration Certification Scheme — mcscertified.com
- Planning Portal — Solar Panels Permitted Development — planningportal.co.uk
- Ofgem — Smart Export Guarantee — ofgem.gov.uk
- GOV.UK — Capital Allowances for Business — gov.uk
Last updated: March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official MCS and Ofgem data and maintains relationships with MCS-certified installers across the UK.
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