Project process
Solar Carport Project Process: The 5 Phases
How a commercial solar carport project typically runs in the UK, from feasibility to switch-on. A standard project often takes 16-28 weeks end to end, but planning, the grid connection offer and equipment lead times set the real timetable, so treat every duration here as typical, not guaranteed.
1
Feasibility (typically weeks 1-2)
- A site visit by the installer or a surveyor
- Structural and irradiance modelling
- Car park layout assessment
- Indicative system size and capex range
- ROI modelling — simple and after-AIA payback
- A written feasibility report: ask when it will be delivered and whether it is charged for
2
Design & Consents (typically weeks 2-18)
- Concept to detailed structural and electrical design
- Planning: prior approval under Class OA in England where it applies, otherwise a full application to the local planning authority
- DNO G99 connection application (and G100 if needed)
- Building regulations submission
- Heritage / Conservation Officer consultation if relevant
3
Procurement & Build Commitment (typically weeks 18-22)
- Panel and inverter procurement: check which manufacturers are specified and what warranty terms they carry
- Steel-frame carport fabrication (a 6-10 week lead time is typical)
- EV charger procurement, if specified
- Battery storage procurement, if specified
- Finance drawdown (capital, asset finance or PPA)
- Final commit-to-build sign-off
4
Build & Commissioning (typically weeks 22-28)
- Site mobilisation, welfare and a Traffic Management Plan
- Pad-and-screw or driven-pile foundations (typically 1-2 weeks)
- Steel frame erection (typically 1-2 weeks)
- PV panel installation and DC cabling (typically 1-2 weeks)
- AC commissioning, G99 protection relay testing and DNO sign-off
- Monitoring portal setup, handover and training, plus an MCS certificate where the system falls within the scheme
5
Operate & Maintain (year 1 onwards)
- Day 1: switch-on and handover documentation
- An optional long-term O&M contract: ask for the scope and the price per kWp per year in writing
- Typical O&M scope: annual panel cleaning (de-ionised water brush) and quarterly remote monitoring with a fault-response commitment
- Panel and inverter warranty claims, usually managed through the installer or O&M provider
- Year 10 inverter replacement planning (panels remain under warranty to year 25)
- End-of-life decommissioning planning around year 23-24
Questions to ask an installer about the process
- Who will act as principal contractor and principal designer under CDM 2015?
- Which phases does the quoted price include, and which items are provisional sums?
- What does the programme depend on: the planning decision, the DNO connection offer and the steel and panel lead times?
- How will construction be sequenced so the car park can keep trading?
- What documents are handed over at completion: commissioning certificates, warranties, as-built drawings and the monitoring login?
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