When solar carports add value
Carports add value where: roof PV capacity is constrained (small or shaded roof); existing car park or HGV yard area is large; EV vehicle fleet electrification is planned; customer staff or visitor charging is required for ESG credentials.
Carport vs roof PV economics
Carport PV typically £1,200-£1,600/kW vs roof PV £700-£900/kW — higher per-kW cost due to structural steel. But: doesn't require roof access, doesn't affect roof warranty, can be delivered alongside operational continuity, integrates EV charging architecture cleanly.
EV charging integration
Typical depot install: 6-24 charge points (7 kW each for vans, 22 kW for HGV depot lay-up) alongside 200-800 kW PV. Smart charging management software optimises self-consumption — daytime charging during driver breaks and weekend boost-charging absorbs solar at near 100% efficiency.
National programme rollouts
Royal Mail, Evri, DPD, Yodel, Amazon Logistics — all running national EV van fleet programmes. We work with the major last-mile operators on portfolio rollouts: standardised system designs across the depot network, pre-negotiated DNO templates, single PPA facility.
Common questions
Should we install carport PV or roof PV?
Roof PV is usually first priority (lower per-kW cost, better economics). Carport PV adds value where roof capacity is constrained or EV charging is the primary driver. Many depots install both.
How does EV charging affect solar economics?
Significantly improves self-consumption. Typical last-mile depot with 250 kW PV and 12 EV charge points: 95%+ self-consumption versus 60-70% without charging. Material improvement to financial DCF.