How does the installation of a solar carport work?

As a company, are you thinking about making your car park more sustainable with a solar carport? Good idea: you generate your own green electricity, save energy costs and offer your employees or visitors a convenient charging and parking space. But how does the installation actually work?

In this blog, we explain step by step what to expect: from advice to completion.

1. Introduction and orientation

Everything starts with a non-binding consultation. During this introductory meeting, we look together at:

• the space in your car park;
  
• The number of parking spaces you want to cover;
  
• any requirements such as charging stations.
  

Based on this, we will give you an initial recommendation. That way you will immediately know whether a solar carport suits your situation and what the options are.

2. Customisation and quotation

No two sites are the same. That is why Shift to Solar always delivers customisation.

You have a choice of:

• a wooden or steel construction;
  
• solutions from a single parking space to entire car parks;
  
• optional charging points for electric vehicles.
  

We work out your requirements in a clear quote, including:

• construction and choice of materials;
  
• solar panels (standard: glass-glass panels of 450 Wp);
  
• inverter(s);
  
• estimated yield and payback period.

3. Need a permit? We will help you

For business carports is sometimes an environmental permit is needed. It depends on:

• The format of the carport;
  
• the location (e.g. on public land);
  
• local regulations.
  

During the consultation, we look at whether a permit is needed. Is this the case? Then we support the application - from technical drawings to submission to the Environment Desk. So you are not alone.

4. Preparation and planning

After agreeing to the offer, we start the preparation.

What to expect:

• Measurement on site by our specialists.
  
• Choice of appropriate foundation system (e.g. concrete piles or screw foundations).
  
• Coordination on electrical connection, grid capacity and possible charge management.
  

We coordinate the schedule together to minimise disruption to your business activities.

5. Installation of the carport

Installation takes place in stages:

1. Laying foundations
   At the marked spots, we place the load-bearing foundation.
   
2. Building construction
   The wooden or steel structure is assembled on site.
   
3. Installing solar panels
   We place the solar panels On the roof of the carport.
   
4. Installing an inverter and cabling
   The solar power is converted to usable electricity via the inverter.
   
5. Connecting (optional) charge points
   We install and connect charging stations directly to the system.
   
6. Control and safety
   Everything is tested and checked according to the applicable standards.
   

Installation usually takes a few days to a week, depending on the size.

6. Connection, monitoring and delivery

After construction, we connect the installation to your electricity grid. We check its operation and explain how to monitor its performance via an online portal.

You will receive:

• access to the monitoring system;
  
• delivery documentation;
  
• warranty certificates (e.g. 25 years on solar panels, 10 years on installation).
  

From day one, you can benefit from solar power as well as charge electric vehicles sustainably.

7. What is the total lead time?

On average, a process from advice to completion takes about 8 to 12 weeks. This depends on:

• permit/no permit procedure;
  
• size of the installation;
  
• delivery of materials.
  

We always fine-tune the execution so that your car park remains as usable as possible.

Ready for the next step?

Do you want to future-proof your car park and save on energy costs?

📞 Schedule a free consultation with our specialists.
📄 Or directly request a customised offer to.

Shift to Solar helps companies make smart, sustainable investments in solar energy - with minimum inconvenience and maximum return. Make the shift to solar today.