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August 11, 2025UK Government Considers Mandatory Solar Carports – A Turning Point for Greener Infrastructure
By: Guy Chilvers and Jamie Delargy
Published: 11th August 2025
The UK Government is considering a major policy shift that could see solar canopies become a standard feature across car parks nationwide. In a recent call for evidence, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) invited feedback on whether solar PV installations should be made mandatory for large new and existing car parks, echoing similar laws recently introduced in France.
For those of us already working to integrate clean energy into the UK’s built environment, this development is not just encouraging, it signals that solar infrastructure is moving from ambition to action. At SIG Building Solutions, our Solar Canopy Structures team has long advocated for more intelligent use of urban space, and this announcement provides real momentum for practical, scalable change.
Unlocking the Power of Underused Space
Car parks represent one of the most underutilised assets in our built landscape. Spread across towns, cities, and industrial sites, they cover vast surface areas that receive ample sunlight and are already connected to roads, utilities, and often the grid. Converting these spaces into localised clean energy hubs could help reduce strain on the national grid, lower emissions, and accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero.
The appeal of solar carports lies in their dual functionality. They not only produce renewable electricity on site but also offer shelter from the elements, enhance the visual appeal of a facility, and support electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Importantly, this kind of development avoids any encroachment on agricultural or natural land.
A recent example cited during the DESNZ consultation estimates that an 80-space solar car park could generate upwards of £28,000¹ of clean electricity annually. That’s before considering potential savings from on-site energy use, EV integration, or surplus energy export. These aren’t theoretical benefits, they are commercially and operationally compelling.
Following France’s Lead
The UK’s proposed policy direction mirrors the bold approach taken by France, where all car parks with 80 or more spaces are now legally required to install solar canopies. While that law made headlines across Europe, its logic is difficult to dispute. Infrastructure that already exists can be upgraded to meet climate goals without additional land use or delays in planning.
The UK government’s consultation focused on how a similar scheme might be implemented domestically, weighing not only the environmental gains but also the cost, grid readiness, and potential need for incentives or transitional support. That consultation has now closed, and the sector awaits next steps with anticipation.
A Role for Industry Leadership
This is where companies like SIG Building Solutions have a critical role to play. As a leading provider of engineered solar canopy systems, we help organisations, from local councils and NHS trusts to logistics parks and universities, convert their parking areas into productive, futureproofed assets.
Our solar canopy structures are tailored to each site, combining structural expertise with integrated energy and EV charging systems. From early design and planning to installation and maintenance, our end-to-end service ensures that clients maximise both performance and return on investment. It’s not just about installing panels, it’s about designing the energy infrastructure of the future.
Challenges Ahead – But Big Gains in Reach
Of course, challenges remain. Some regions may require grid upgrades to accommodate large-scale EV charging or peak-time generation. Planning processes may need to adapt to enable faster deployment. Public and private sectors alike will look to government for clarity on funding models, timelines, and policy certainty.
But the gains far outweigh the obstacles. Solar canopies are a visible, functional symbol of progress, generating local energy, reducing operational costs, and demonstrating environmental leadership to communities, stakeholders, and customers alike.
Ready to Build Tomorrow’s Energy Infrastructure
If the government moves forward with a mandate, or even a strong recommendation, solar carports will become a key part of the UK’s net zero toolkit. And we’ll be ready to deliver.
At SIG Building Solutions, we believe car parks are no longer passive infrastructure. With the right partners and vision, they can become essential assets in a cleaner, smarter energy system.
Citations:
¹ https://www.gov.uk/government/news/better-deal-for-motorists-and-businesses-with-solar-car-parks
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