A bright idea for long distance EV charging

RenEnergy is making the case for solar carports at motorway services

Research by renewable energy specialist RenEnergy suggests that the UK's service station network found that 46,153 parking spaces across 151 UK service stations are suitable for solar carport installations. These carports could produce around 124 GWh of energy per year, equivalent to powering 1.9 million electric vehicle (EV) trips from London to Manchester.

At current energy rates, RenEnergy calculatees represents potential savings worth £19.3m per year for service station operators – savings that RenEnergy suggests could be passed directly onto EV drivers through reduced charging costs, making longer journeys more affordable and accessible for thousands of motorists.

The energy calculation assumes: 124GWh per year potential generation; cost savings based on 2025 Q1 average market rate of 23p per kWh; and a London to Manchester EV trip distance of approximately 320km (200 miles)

Solar carports sit above parking spaces and generate energy from solar panels on the canopy, which can be used for EV charging at every space while providing shelter and shade for vehicles. Beyond cost savings, RenEnergy says solar carports offer service station operators energy security in often remote locations, reduced reliance on the grid, and substantial carbon savings, all while addressing one of the biggest concerns for EV drivers: reliable charging infrastructure on long journeys.

Damian Baker, founder and managing director of RenEnergy, said: “The answer to a significant EV charging conundrum is sitting right in front of us in car parks across the country. We know many people are concerned about being able to access chargers on long journeys, and service station operators need more electricity supply to provide more charging spots. Solar carports can provide renewable energy supply along with a number of other benefits to road users, like protection from the elements and EV charging for every space.

“Our research shows that there could be a significant amount of energy harnessed from service station car parks that could go towards creating the EV infrastructure we need. With energy savings of over £11m on the table annually, there are clear incentives for providers to pass on cost savings to road users for cheaper EV charging.

“Leveraging solar for car parks can not only provide benefits to road users but can also deliver on cost savings and energy security for the businesses they are attached to. As the cost of rolling out renewables is a key concern for many businesses, working with an organisation like RenEnergy can provide flexible models to implement it on site to make it commercially viable.

“If we add to this opportunity the car parks across the UK at offices, hospitals, supermarkets, retail parks, airports, train stations and other places we live, work, and play, we could see a massive increase in secure energy and lower costs for businesses and the public. To help harness this technology, we need to see the government incentivise and mandate the technology like countries such as France have already done.”

The research comes as solar energy roll-out and development of the electricity grid to accommodate more demand from the electrification of homes, businesses and vehicles forms a central part of the government's Clean Power 2030 strategy. This includes a government consultation around solar carports and their viability, which has closed and is awaiting results, following RenEnergy's previous research on carports in commercial car parks.

Baker said: “The Clean Power 2030 strategy highlights the role of solar in improving our energy capacity, and the challenges posed by the great grid upgrade and EV charging. If we harness solar and battery energy storage, we can overcome these challenges and get the rollout underway. It doesn't have to be difficult or expensive either. We have the technology at our disposal and are already seeing success across the UK, so let's use it.” 

Founded in Norwich in 2006, RenEnergy is a specialist in renewable energy solutions, including solar carports, electric vehicle charging stations and bespoke solar installations. It works in the UK and South Africa.