Solar PV Carport Systems
Grid-connected solar PV carport systems with three-phase inverters, G99 application, optional battery and DNO export agreement.
At a glance
Solar PV carport refers explicitly to the photovoltaic (electrical generation) component of a commercial solar carport project. While 'solar carport' refers to the system as a whole, 'solar PV carport' emphasises the underlying technology: solar photovoltaic modules generating direct current (DC) which is then inverted to alternating current (AC) for use on-site or export to grid.
The Five Reasons Solar PV Carport Make Commercial Sense
Grid-connected by default
Every solar PV carport we install is grid-connected via a G99 application. This allows surplus generation to export to grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
SEG export tariffs
Current SEG tariffs range 4-15p/kWh exported, with Octopus, EDF and OVO leading. Carport export typically 10-25% of annual generation.
Behind-the-meter advantage
Self-consumed solar at site offsets ~47p/kWh grid retail (vs ~10p/kWh true generation cost). Behind-the-meter use is always more valuable than export.
Battery hybrid configurations
Many carports now pair with on-site battery storage (Tesla Powerpack, BYD, Pylontech Force) — particularly useful for sites with TOU/peak charges.
Combined with EV charging
Pairing solar PV with EV chargers behind the same meter is the highest-value commercial configuration.
How Big Should Yours Be?
Solar PV carport sizing follows commercial solar carport sizing — typically 1.5 kWp per bay. Inverter selection: SolarEdge for shaded sites, SMA/Sungrow/Huawei for unshaded. Inverter-to-array ratio typically 0.85-0.95 for UK conditions (mild over-sizing of array vs inverter to optimise yield).
| Site size | Bays | System (kWp) | Annual yield (kWh) | Capex (turnkey) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 50 | 75 | ~64,000 | £95k-£115k |
| Medium | 150 | 225 | ~191,000 | £245k-£290k |
| Large | 300 | 450 | ~382,000 | £430k-£510k |
| Estate | 750 | 1,125 | ~957,000 | £1.0m-£1.2m |
Step-by-Step Process
Five phases from feasibility to switch-on.
DC design
String design (panels per string × strings per inverter), shading analysis, mismatch analysis.
Inverter selection
Choose between string, optimiser-string, microinverter, and central depending on site profile.
DNO G99 application
Full grid connection application. Larger projects (>500 kWp) may go via G100 (export-limited) where DNO capacity is constrained.
Commissioning
DC string testing (Vmpp, Voc, Isc), AC quality testing, G99 protection relay testing, MCS certification.
Monitoring portal
Per-string yield, alarm, fault and revenue data via monitoring portal.
Three Routes to Pay For Your Solar PV Carport
Solar PV is the energy-generation half of the carport project — typically £450-£550 of every £950-£1,300/kWp turnkey cost. The other ~£500/kWp is the carport structure plus electrical/groundworks.
Solar PV Carport FAQs
What's the difference between solar carport and solar PV carport?
What inverters do you install on solar PV carports?
Does a solar PV carport need a battery?
Can a solar PV carport be expanded later?
Compare With Our Other Specialisms
Solar Carports
Bespoke steel-frame solar carports for commercial car parks. From 50 to 5,000+ spaces, fully designed, planned and installed UK-wide.
Learn moreSolar Canopies
Architectural solar canopy solutions that combine shelter, shade and clean energy generation. Cantilever, hip and butterfly designs for any site.
Learn moreCommercial Solar Carport
Commercial solar carport specialists UK — MCS-certified, end-to-end delivery from feasibility through DNO, planning, build and O&M. 200-2,500 kWp, AIA and PSDS routes.
Learn moreSolar Car Park Canopy
Engineered solar car park canopies covering entire bays or aisles. MCS-grade construction, integrated rainwater management, EV-ready DC stubs.
Learn moreIndustry-Specific Designs
Retail & Supermarket Car Parks
Cover customer car parks, slash store energy bills, and offer free EV charging as a footfall driver.
Business Parks & Office Estates
Shared-tenant business parks turning under-utilised tarmac into a Scope 2 emissions reduction and an estate-wide amenity.
Schools, Colleges & Universities
Salix Finance, DfE Condition Improvement and HE-sector grants — fully-funded solar carports for staff and student car parks.
Healthcare & NHS Estates
NHS Greener Plan-aligned solar carports for hospital and clinic car parks. PSDS-funded options, sheltered staff and patient parking.
Ready to Spec Your Solar PV Carport?
Free site visit, indicative ROI inside 5 working days. No obligation.