PLANNING GUIDE
Commercial solar carports
Assess your parking area, electricity demand and options for EV charging.
Read guide →
COMMERCIAL SOLAR
Solar carports for Australian commercial sites
Turn a commercial car park into space for solar generation, shaded parking and future EV charging. Shakra Energy can help assess the site and plan an integrated energy project.
What is a solar carport?
A solar carport places solar panels on a purpose-built canopy above parking spaces. It makes use of an area already serving the business, while allowing the roof of the main building to remain available for other equipment or uses. The canopy design, parking layout and electrical system need to be assessed together.
Where solar carports can fit
Shopping centres, workplaces and other commercial sites with open parking areas are candidates for assessment. The first question is not how many panels will fit: it is how the proposed structure will work with the site’s access, parking and electricity demand. Shading from nearby buildings, vehicle clearance, pedestrian routes and existing underground services can all influence the layout.
Start with the electricity demand
A useful feasibility review starts with electricity bills and interval consumption data. Compare the business’s daytime demand with expected solar generation, then consider export limits and planned changes such as EV charging. A large canopy does not automatically make the largest possible solar system the right commercial choice.
What affects project cost?
The steel structure, foundations, drainage, ground conditions, electrical connection and distance to the switchboard can materially affect cost. Parking access during construction is another planning consideration. Request a site-specific scope that separates the canopy works, solar equipment, electrical works and any optional charging or storage systems. A generic price per panel will not capture the whole project.
Can a solar carport include EV charging?
Yes, charging can be considered as part of the electrical design. Start with who will use the chargers and how long their vehicles are parked. Staff parking, customer charging and fleet operations can have different requirements. Charger selection also needs to account for vehicle compatibility and the electrical capacity available at the site.
Does the project need a battery?
Not necessarily. Solar-only and solar-plus-storage options should be assessed separately. A battery may help shift solar energy to another time, but its value depends on the site’s demand, tariffs and operating requirements. Backup power is a separate design requirement and should not be assumed from the presence of a battery.
Brisbane solar carpark experience
The Shakra Energy project portfolio includes the 100kW Car Park Project Brisbane and Buranda Solar Carport. These existing project examples provide a starting point for a conversation about commercial parking areas; a new site still requires its own engineering and feasibility assessment.
What to send for an initial assessment
Provide the site address, a car park plan or aerial image, recent electricity bills, available interval data, information about site ownership or tenancy, and any EV charging plans. Include parking restrictions and your intended project timing so the assessment can consider operational requirements.
Discuss your site
Contact Shakra Energy on 1300 512 662 or sales-service@shakraenergy.com to discuss a commercial solar carport assessment.
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