FAQs - Solar Canopy Structures

A solar carport is a structure that provides covered parking while generating clean energy through solar panels installed on its roof. It combines the functionality of a traditional carport with the benefits of solar power generation.

Solar carports use photovoltaic (PV) panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity can be used on-site to power your business, stored in batteries, or exported to the grid for financial returns through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

SIG BS is a brand of Building Solutions (National) Ltd which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SIG PLC.

We design and supply the steel super structure including posts, rafters, purlins, mounting rails, PV panel fixings and interface beams/stubs. General layouts of grids (foundation positions) are included.

We do not supply the PV Panels, foundations, connections to the foundations.

No, but we can suggest installers who have experience erecting the superstructure.

Yes - while we do not design the foundations there are a few options. We provide the loadings, and the client instructs a structural Engineer to design the foundation solutions. Our canopy designer can offer to design the foundations including layouts through their company. This is independent of SIG Building Solutions.

The Soil Investigation Report alongside the canopy loadings will determine the best option for the foundations in a specific car park. This may be shallow concrete reinforced concrete pads or steel piles.

Topographical Survey – It’s very important that an up-to-date topographical survey including white lines is provided so that levels are considered, and posts are positioned on the white lines. Utility Survey – In order to provide the best canopy layout location of any utilities need to be considered. Underground services – drainage is a major issue in car parks. The underground services report will help determine the solution for dealing with rainwater.

No, but we work alongside companies that know what is required for our canopies and you can ask for a quotation.

To provide a conceptual overview, our designers need the location (Post Code or a Google KMZ), identification of the car parking spaces to be covered and the PV panel datasheet that it is proposed to use. If required, we can recommend a suitable PV panel at this stage.

Once we have the information required, we aim to produce the initial conceptual overview within 7 days.

The initial overview will have a proposed layout displaying the most suitable type of canopies, number of grids (foundations), length of canopy, spaces covered and the costs and options available.

Gull Wing – covering 2 car parking spaces back-to-back the Gull Wing canopy provides the most power with 6 PV panels in portrait on each rafter. Good for rainwater dispersal as it has a structural central gutter with downpipes on the centreline. Double Mono – Covering 2 car parking spaces back to back the Double Mono is ideal for south facing PV panels. Single Mono decline/Incline - Covering a single row of car parking spaces the Single Mono is available in Incline or Decline design depending on the car park layout.

As the value engineered twin post cold rolled canopy would infringe upon the car parking space the alternative is a Hot Rolled Single post design which is available in all canopy types.

Yes, the PV panel fixed to the mounting rail provides a watertight canopy with any rainwater going between the PV panels directed to the gutter via the mounting rail channels.

Once we have received all survey results, the layout design is agreed and we have received a PO from our client, the lead time for delivery of the solar structure is between 6-8 weeks. This includes 3 weeks for construction drawings that will need to be signed off by our client.

No, SIG design their canopies so that posts are on the white lines so no car parking spaces will be lost.

If possible, the end posts (foundations) are moved one space in from the end of the row. This results in less disruption and reduces the civils costs. The steel structure including PV panels will cantilever over the end spaces.

In most cases, solar carports fall under permitted development rights, meaning planning permission is not required. However, there are exceptions, such as if your car park is in a conservation area, the curtilage of a listed building or AONB and the canopy is over 4m high. Always check with your local planning authority before proceeding.

Yes, SIG Building Solutions solar carports are designed to withstand UK weather conditions, including rain, wind, and snow. They are built with durable materials and engineered to meet UK building codes and safety standards.

No, SIG solar carports are bespoke and can be designed to suit any size of solar panel.

Our standard structures use Z600 Galvanised Steel for the posts and canopy. Our bespoke single post design uses Hot Rolled galvanized steel posts with cold rolled canopy to suit the specific project.

SIG steel structures are built to last. With regular maintenance in line with the O&M manual, the structure will have a lifespan in excess of 25 years.

The cost varies depending on the size, design, and location of the carport.

Installation timelines depend on the project size and complexity. It can take between 6 - 18 months depending on complexity, DNO and planning approvals.

Our suggested installers can generally install the steel superstructure including the PV panels on 30 car parking spaces in 7 days.

Solar carports require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning of the solar panels (to remove dirt and debris) and inspections of the structure in line with the O&M manual.

Yes - all SIG Building Solutions solar structures are manufactured in the UK in our own factories, enabling prompt replacement parts should there be any issues on site.

No, all prices quoted include delivery to site in agreed phases as required. Any changes requiring split loads may incur extra costs. Offloading on site is the responsibility of the client.

Generally, either 2 or 3 spaces can be covered between posts, but this is determined based on the width of car parking spaces.

SIG Building Solutions offer optional extras including barge boards, end gable facades, guttering (note that for a gullwing design, the central gutter is structural and is included along with the downpipes), EV beams or pattresses and cable containment.

Heights will be dependent on the site requirements. If the project is under permitted development, rather than full planning, then SIG Building Solutions can design the canopies to have a maximum height of no more than 4m and advise you of the resultant minimum height. Alternatively, if the site has a minimum height requirement, then SIG Building Solutions will design the canopies to achieve this and advise what the maximum canopy height would be. SIG Building Solutions can provide indicative drawings (for illustration only) to assist with planning application.

We have many canopies installed where our clients don’t allow visitors, but some are in public areas. Please ask for latest locations. We also have a demonstration Gull Wing at our main factory near Carlisle.

Yes, our main factory is near Carlisle. We can arrange a factory tour by appointment.

Visit our contact us page to find contact details for Solar Canopy Structures.