Meet the Solar Canopy Structures Team
August 4, 2025
Transforming a Historic Hertfordshire Site with Gemello® Revive
August 8, 2025Holmeside Mobility Hub – A Landmark in Solar-Powered Car Parks
Overview:
Sunderland’s Holmeside Mobility Hub has been transformed into a pioneering low-carbon transit centre, powered by a bespoke solar canopy. Leveraging unused car park space, the project seamlessly integrates 56.64 kWp of solar PV, 400 kWh battery storage, and EV charging, showcasing how urban infrastructure can deliver clean energy, convenience, and sustainability.
Client Objectives:
Commissioned by Sunderland City Council and supported by the Transforming Cities Fund, the project aimed to create:
- Renewable energy generation on-site
- EV charging infrastructure without civil disruptions
- Aesthetic integration with architectural surroundings
- A scalable model for future mobility hubs
Here’s what Sunderland City Council representative Andrew Atkinson had to say about the project:
Innovative Solution: Tailor-Made Mono Decline Solar Canopy
SIG Building Solutions designed a Mono Decline canopy tailored to Holmeside’s layout and orientation. Their UK-manufactured, galvanised steel frames featured:
- Integrated “solar-as-roof” canopy, panels serve as structural sheeting, eliminating additional fixing layers
- Built-in cable containment, all wiring concealed within beams for clean visuals and quicker install
- Components labelled for assembly, pre-marked parts matched drawings to support a simplified installation process
- Under-canopy installation with scissor lifts, no high-level work required, reducing health & safety risks
These features combined to deliver a swift, safe, and cost-effective assembly, without scaffolding or trenching.
Energy System Integration:
AR Power engineered and installed the energy infrastructure, complete with:
- A 96-panel bifacial N‑type PV array (total 56.64 kWp)
- A 400-kWh commercial battery housed in a nearby shelter
- Full integration with the grid and EV charging points
The canopy also utilises EV Beam technology, a single under-canopy beam that securely holds and powers chargers without ancillary foundations.
Performance & Benefits:
- CO₂ reduction: Estimated saving of ~10 tonnes annually
- Cost savings: Around £12,000 in yearly energy offsets
- Efficiency gains: Installation time cut by almost 40% compared to traditional approaches
- User-friendly for car park operators: No lost bays during install, watertight canopy, and low maintenance upkeep
Why It Works:
SIG’s Building Solutions expertise shows up in:
- Custom engineering suited to site layout and orientation
- UK manufactured Z600 galvanised steel structures, offering longevity with quick delivery
- EV Beam innovation, which embeds EV charger foundations into canopy design, no extra cost or complexity
- Support for partners: Parts, training, and technical assistance backed by SIG and AR’s team
As AR Power’s Operations Director Chris Balmer said:
Conclusion:
The Holmeside Solar Canopy project redefines urban parking, transforming an everyday car park into a clean energy hub. It proves that sustainable infrastructure can be:
- Efficient: solar-as-roof + battery + EV integrated neatly
- Cost-effective: faster installs, minimal equipment, reduced foundation work
- Scalable: a blueprint for mobility hubs, retail parks, NHS sites, universities, and more.
With 14 EV bays, energy savings surpassing £12k p.a., and zero scaffolding during installation, the Brownsfield site now stands as a model for sustainable transport infrastructure.
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