How to choose the right solar carport for your business?

A car park can be so much more than just a place to put cars. With a solar carport turn that space into a source of renewable energy. This system not only generates electricity, but also protects vehicles from rain, hail and bright sunshine.

For many companies, this is a smart investment. Less reliance on the energy grid, lower costs and a more sustainable image. But how do you know which solar carport best suits your business? In this blog, we take you step by step through the main choices.

Why a solar carport is a smart choice

A solar carport is more than a canopy. It helps businesses in several ways:

✔ Lower energy costs - Generate your own energy and reduce your power bill.
✔ Weather protection - Vehicles stay dry and cooler in summer.
✔ Less reliance on mains power - Reduce peak loads and energy costs.
✔ Sustainable and future-proof - Invest in renewable energy and improve your ESG score.

A well-designed solar carport pays for itself. With the right choices, you benefit from maximum energy yield and minimum costs.

1. What do you want to achieve with the carport?

Before you choose, you need to know what you want to do with it. Do you mainly want to generate energy? Or is charging electric cars just as important?

• Energy generation as a priority - Choose a design with maximum solar irradiation.
• Integrate charging points - Ensure sufficient charging capacity and smart charging stations.
• Making the best use of space - Match the construction to the parking layout.

A smart set-up prevents you from running into limitations later on.

2. Which type of carport suits your situation?

Solar carports come in different designs. The right choice depends on the space available and the number of vehicles.

Single carport

• Suitable for smaller businesses and parking spaces.
• Canopy for one row of cars.
• Compact design and easy to install.

Double carport

• Provides space for two rows of vehicles side by side.
• Ideal for larger car parks or corporate campuses.
• Efficient in space use and energy yield.

Custom solution

• Designed for specific terrains and energy needs.
• Ability to integrate battery storage and smart charging stations.
• Fully aligned with energy consumption and parking policies.

A standard solution is sometimes sufficient. In other cases, customisation.

3. Which solar panels do you choose?

Not all solar panels are the same. The right choice depends on the desired yield and budget.

• Glass-glass solar panels - Durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions.
• Bifacial solar panels - Catch sunlight on both sides and provide additional energy.
• Thin-film solar panels - Lightweight and flexible, suitable for special applications.

A business battery can be a valuable addition. Excess energy is stored and used later, preventing peak loads.

4. Link with charging stations

A solar carport and charging stations make a logical combination. With the right infrastructure, you charge electric vehicles with self-generated electricity.

• AC charging stations - For standard company cars and visitors.
• DC fast charging stations - Ideal for fleets and logistics companies.
• Smart charging solutions - Energy efficiency and lower peak costs.

A smart charging strategy prevents unnecessarily high energy costs and ensures efficient use of generated energy.

5. Subsidies and tax breaks

Investing in a solar carport becomes more attractive thanks to various grants. This will reduce your costs and recoup the investment faster.

✔ EIA (Energy Investment Allowance) - Up to 45.5% tax deductible.
✔ KIA (Small Scale Investment Allowance) - Extra benefit for smaller companies.
✔ SDE++ (stimulation of sustainable energy production) - Grant for large solar projects.
✔ MIA/Vamil scheme - Extra tax benefit for environmentally friendly investments.

Because of these schemes, it pays to invest now. Shift to Solar helps with the application and ensures you don't miss out on any benefits.

Why choose Shift to Solar?

At Shift to Solar, we understand that every business is different. That is why we provide tailor-made solutions.

✔ Solar carports tailored to your business - From compact to large-scale.
✔ High-quality solar panels - Maximum yield and long service life.
✔ Integration with charging stations - Smart technologies for energy efficiency.
✔ Full guidance - From grant application to installation and maintenance.

We make sure your investment pays off and contributes to a more sustainable business.

Request a no-obligation consultation

Want to know which solar carport is best for your business? We will be happy to help.

✔ Free advice on the best solution.
✔ Guidance on grant applications.
✔ Expert installation and maintenance.Contact us for a non-binding consultation and find out how to make smarter use of your car park.