UK Car Park Solar Trends Q2 2026: What We're Seeing

Average project size up 24% year-on-year

Across 32 carport projects delivered through 2024-25 plus the 18 currently in active design/build, the average installed kWp has grown from 245 kWp (2024) to 304 kWp (Q2 2026 pipeline). Driver: clients who initially planned 'pilot' carports are now scoping for full estate coverage. The largest project in our current pipeline is 2.4 MWp across two adjacent NHS Trust sites.

EV integration share has hit 92%

In Q2 2026, 92% of new commercial solar carport quotes include EV charging integration at first installation — up from 85% in 2024. Workplace Charging Scheme grant participation now stacks against virtually every commercial project.

PSDS Phase 4 driving 65% of public-sector pipeline

Of the public-sector projects currently in feasibility or design, 65% are PSDS Phase 4-funded. Of the remainder, 22% are Salix Recycling Fund, 8% are direct capital, 3% are PPA, and 2% are private grant/charity routes. The PSDS dominance reflects the £1.4bn 2024-28 commitment.

Battery storage attach rate at 38%

38% of new commercial carport quotes now include battery storage at first install (typically 100-500 kWh). Up from 22% in 2024. Driver: rising time-of-use tariff differentials (Octopus Outgoing Agile peaks now hit 30-45p/kWh in winter evenings).

DC rapid attach rate for logistics depots at 78%

Logistics sector projects continue to lead in DC rapid charger attach. 78% of new logistics carport projects include 50 kW DC rapids — typically 4-12 chargers — for LCV fleet electrification. Some operators now spec for future 150 kW DC capability via oversized AC infrastructure.

Architectural canopy designs gaining share in retail/hospitality

Q2 2026 saw the highest-ever proportion of architectural (vs utility-grade) canopy specifications in our retail and hospitality pipeline. Drivers: B Corp recertification cycles, ESG marketing imperatives, and customer experience metrics (Booking.com / TripAdvisor sustainability filters).

Average planning determination time dropped to 9.2 weeks

From 11.4 weeks in 2024, Local Planning Authority determination time on our carport applications has dropped to 9.2 weeks in Q2 2026. Driver: NPPF para 158 emphasis on renewable energy, plus more LPAs now pre-screening renewable applications for fast-track.

What we expect for H2 2026

Three predictions: (1) PSDS Phase 4 budget exhaustion expected by late Q3 — apply before end August 2026; (2) panel pricing continues to decline ~6-8%/yr — but installation costs (steel, labour) stable to slightly up — net per-kWp turnkey roughly flat; (3) Smart Export Guarantee variability driving more clients to take Octopus Outgoing Fixed (15p/kWh) over Agile.