Solar panels on Exeter car parks a UK first

The installation of solar panels on top of Exeter car parks is a UK first.

The pioneering initiative at John Lewis and Mary Arches Street Car Parks is being delivered by Devon firm Sungift Energy on behalf of Exeter City Council.

Once in place it will provide a gross income of over £50,000 per annum, generating 285,227 kwh per year of electricity and saving more than 150 tonnes of carbon.

Extensive structural engineering and canopy design work has allowed the City Council to build Solar PV Car Port frames to the roof of both car parks. This is the first carport system of its type in the UK. The two car parks comprise of 150kW systems each, which includes over 500 solar panels and will provide for zero carbon car parks during the summer months.

This demonstrates the value of renewable technology, providing much needed income and environmental benefit. Additionally, it is hoped the covered top decks, previously open, will provide a more attractive parking option, generating increased use and revenue for parking services.