Rooftop vs Solar Carport — commercial installation compared
Rooftop remains the default for commercial solar in the UK — cheapest per kWp, quickest to install, minimal planning. Solar carports cost 40–70% more per kWp but unlock EV charging integration, generate shade and rain cover, and use land that already sits within site boundaries.
Rooftop solar
Panels clamp-fixed to your metal, flat or membrane roof.
Any business with suitable roof: warehouses, factories, offices, retail, agricultural buildings.
Solar carport
Panels on a purpose-built canopy structure over parking spaces.
Sites with 40+ parking spaces, EV charging ambitions, brand-facing visibility, or unusable roofs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Rooftop solar | Solar carport |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost /kWp | £700–£900 | £1,200–£1,600 |
| Payback | 3.5–6 years | 6–9 years (10+ without EV charging) |
| Planning permission | PD in most cases | Usually planning application |
| Install time (100 kWp) | 3–4 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| EV integration | Retrofit possible | Native — chargers under canopy |
| Roof warranty impact | Non-penetrative clamp | None — independent structure |
| Visibility / brand | Low | High |
| Density | ~150 W/m² of roof | ~90–110 W/m² of car park |
Our verdict
Do rooftop first — it's cheapest per kWp with the fastest payback. Consider carports when the roof is unsuitable (fragile fibre-cement, imminent replacement, listed) or where the visitor-facing car park is central to brand and EV charging matters. Many businesses combine both.
Related reading
FAQ
Can I install carports before adding EV chargers?
Yes — most carport designs are 'EV-ready' with pre-installed conduit and headroom for chargers to be added later without structural change.
Do carports need planning permission?
Yes in most cases — carports are new structures, so full planning applies. Some fall under commercial PD when under 3 m eaves and within existing car park boundaries.
Request your free feasibility review
Share a few details and our team will send a no-obligation review of your site — indicative system size, annual generation, savings and payback. Prefer to explore numbers yourself first? Run the calculator or contact us directly.
- MCS & RECC accredited installer
- Response within one working day
- No cost, no obligation