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Solar Carport Structures for Commercial & Industrial Sites

Solar carport structures are engineered steel frameworks designed to support photovoltaic panels while providing covered parking. They allow businesses to generate renewable energy, optimise land use, and future-proof sites for EV charging.

At Kly Solar, we specialise in engineered solar carport structures for commercial and industrial applications across the UK and Europe, focusing on durability, compliance, and long-term performance.

What Is a Solar Carport Structure?

A solar carport structure is a purpose-designed steel system that supports solar panels above parking areas. Unlike rooftop systems, carports utilise existing parking space without consuming additional land.

Key benefits include:

  • Dual land use (parking + energy generation)

  • Protection from weather

  • Reduced grid dependency

  • Improved sustainability credentials

Engineered Solar Carports (Why Engineering Matters)

All solar carport structures must be structurally engineered to meet site-specific loads.

Our engineered approach considers:

  • Wind and snow loading

  • Foundation design

  • Corrosion protection

  • Local building regulations (UK & EU)

  • Long-term service life (25–30+ years)

Types of Solar Carport Structures

1) Cantilever Solar Carports

Cantilever designs use single-sided columns, offering:

  • Clear vehicle access

  • Fewer foundations

  • Cleaner visual appearance

Ideal for commercial car parks where manoeuvrability is critical.

2) Dual-Post / Double-Column Carports

Dual-post systems provide:

  • Increased structural redundancy

  • Cost efficiency for larger arrays

  • Flexibility for wide spans

Commercial & Industrial Applications

Solar carport structures are widely used in:

  • Office buildings

  • Industrial facilities

  • Warehouses

  • Retail parks

  • Public sector sites

  • Logistics hubs

They can be integrated into new developments or retrofitted to existing car parks.

EV Charging Integration

Solar carport structures can be designed to support:

  • EV charging stations

  • Battery storage systems

  • Smart energy management

This enables on-site renewable charging and future EV scalability.

Planning Permission & Compliance (UK & Europe)

Planning requirements depend on:

  • Location

  • Structure height

  • Site designation

  • Local authority rules

Kly Solar works with clients during early project stages to support compliance assessments and documentation.

FAQ

Why Choose Kly Solar

  • Commercial-focused engineering

  • UK & European market experience

  • EV-ready designs

  • Long-term structural reliability

  • Scalable solutions

Discuss Your Solar Carport Project

If you’re planning a commercial solar carport installation, contact Kly Solar to discuss engineered structure options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a solar carport structure?
A solar carport structure is a purpose-built steel framework that supports solar panels above parking areas, allowing sites to generate renewable energy while providing covered parking.

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Q2. Are solar carport structures suitable for commercial sites?
Yes. Solar carport structures are widely used on commercial and industrial sites such as offices, warehouses, retail parks, and logistics facilities.

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Q3. What types of solar carport structures are available?
The most common types are cantilever solar carports and dual-post (double-column) solar carports, each designed for different site layouts and load requirements.

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Q4. Can solar carport structures support EV charging?
Yes. Solar carport structures can be designed to integrate EV charging points, battery storage, and smart energy management systems.

 

Q5. Do solar carport structures require planning permission in the UK?
Planning permission depends on site location, structure height, and local authority requirements. Many commercial projects require assessment before installation.

 

Q6. Are solar carport structures designed for UK weather conditions?
Yes. Properly engineered solar carport structures are designed to withstand UK wind, snow, and environmental loading requirements.

 

Q7. How long do solar carport structures last?
Engineered solar carport structures typically have a design life of 25–30 years or more, depending on materials, coatings, and maintenance.

 

Q8. Can solar carports be installed on existing car parks?
Yes. Solar carport structures are commonly retrofitted onto existing parking areas without reducing usable parking space.

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