UK opens solar carport consultation to scale clean power and EV support

The UK government, headquartered in London, has launched a consultation to explore the large-scale deployment of solar carports across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As part of its Plan for Change, the government has stated that an 80-space solar carport could save up to £28,000 (~$36,960) annually in electricity costs for commercial operators. This consultation supports the UK’s broader goal of reaching 45 GW to 47 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030, with nearly 3 GW approved since July. To demonstrate existing viability, the government has cited examples such as Bentley Motors’ 2.7 MW carport, installations at hospitals in Eastbourne, and solar-equipped park & ride sites in Leeds. At the Metrocentre in Gateshead, rooftop and carport solar panels now supply 40% of the site’s electricity. The initiative is also linked to plans for expanding EV charging and fuel price transparency.