Solar Car Ports and the Importance of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning Maintenance

As solar energy becomes a key component in the UK’s path to a low-carbon economy, people are also increasingly choosing to embrace electric cars and vehicles. With this in mind, car ports are emerging as a smart solution to maximise solar power’s potential.

These structures provide shade for parked cars while generating renewable energy, making them a win-win for sustainability and utility. In recent years, solar panels on car port structures have surged across the UK, from retail car parks to public spaces and commercial sites.

This blog will expand on why solar panel car ports are becoming so popular and why regular solar panel cleaning and maintenance are key for keeping them performing optimally.

Why are Solar Panel Car Ports on the Rise?

Solar panels on car ports are quickly becoming a popular fixture in the UK, offering unique benefits for businesses, local authorities and communities alike.

Optimised Space Use

Solar car ports utilise parking areas that would otherwise sit idle under direct sunlight. By installing solar panels on top of car ports, property and business owners convert open space into a dual-purpose zone, generating electricity while shading vehicles.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Solar car ports help decrease carbon emissions by generating renewable electricity, directly supporting the UK’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050. A single solar car port installation can offset thousands of kilograms of CO₂ annually, significantly contributing to cleaner, greener cities.

Energy for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

Solar car ports are ideal for integrating EV car charging ports. With more UK drivers switching to electric cars, solar car ports can provide the renewable power needed to charge these vehicles sustainably, supporting a widespread transition to electric transport.

Support for Businesses and Communities

Car port solar panels provide energy savings that can be vital for businesses eager to reduce utility costs, creating an incentive for retail outlets, commercial complexes and local councils to invest in solar infrastructure.

Solar Car Port Statistics and Growth in the UK

The number of solar car ports across the UK is certainly on the rise, alongside the general increase in solar panel interest across the country. The UK passed the benchmark of over 16GW of solar capacity in 2024 alone, with car ports playing a significant role in the rollout of new installations in urban and suburban areas. Notable installations include sites such as Cambridge North Station, along with various supermarket chains that have begun installing solar panels on car ports to power their facilities with renewable energy.

The Importance of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning for Solar Car Ports

While solar car ports offer numerous benefits, they can also be prone to accumulating dirt, dust and other debris that can block sunlight and reduce energy efficiency. This means that they need regular, professional cleaning, without which they might lose efficiency and produce significantly less energy.

Shallow Pitch Challenges

Unlike rooftop solar installations, which are often designed with a steep angle, car ports are typically installed at shallow pitches. This makes them even more likely to accumulate dirt, dust, leaves and other pollutants, since gravity doesn’t naturally clear away debris.

Impact of Nearby Trees

Many car ports are located near green spaces or typical British streets lined with trees, exposing them to additional contaminants like pollen, tree sap and bird droppings. Pollen and sap can be particularly problematic, forming a sticky layer that blocks sunlight, while bird droppings are prone to leaving acidic residues that damage panel surfaces if not removed promptly.

Reduced Efficiency from Debris

Studies show that accumulated dirt and pollutants on solar panels can reduce energy output by up to 75%. For businesses and institutions relying on solar car ports to offset energy costs, this decrease in efficiency can impact their utility savings significantly.

Benefits of Regular Solar Panel Cleaning for Solar Car Ports

Regular professional solar panel cleaning schedules are crucial for keeping solar car ports functioning at their best.

Maximising Energy Output

Regular solar panel cleaning ensures that car port panels capture maximum sunlight, supporting higher energy production. This efficiency is key for installations relying on solar energy for EV charging or on-site electricity.

Extending Panel Life

Dirt and pollutants, especially sticky ones like tree sap, can wear down solar panels and result in long-term damage if left unchecked. Regular maintenance prevents this buildup, helping panels reach or exceed their 25-to-30-year expected lifespan.

Best Practices for Maintaining Solar Car Ports

To keep car port solar panels operating effectively, these best practices can guide maintenance efforts:

Routine Cleaning Schedules

Depending on the environment, solar car ports may require visits from professional solar panel cleaners as frequently as every six months. High-traffic or green areas may need even more regular attention to keep panels clear of debris and dirt.

Use of Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Services Professional solar panel cleaners use tools and techniques specifically designed for cleaning solar panels, achieving a thorough solar panel cleaning job without scratching or damaging the surface of complex panels mounted on car ports.

Monitoring Panel Performance

Regular checks on energy output are an effective way to indicate when solar panel cleaning is needed. If energy production dips noticeably, this may signal dirt or debris impacting performance, and solar panel cleaning should be scheduled promptly.

Solar Car Ports as a Sustainable Infrastructure Solution

Solar car ports are transforming parking spaces across the UK, turning them into green energy hubs, supporting sustainability goals and providing shaded, convenient spaces for cars. However, to maximise the benefits of these tactical panels and car ports, regular professional solar panel cleaning and maintenance sessions are essential. By keeping panels free from dirt, pollen and other pollutants, businesses and communities can make sure their solar investments not only look great, but that they pay off in the long run.

For more insights into the solar panel industry and the importance of solar panel cleaning, check out our blog.