As businesses across the UK continue to face rising energy costs and increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, innovative solutions are becoming more essential. One option gaining momentum in the commercial sector is solar canopies—a smart investment that can reduce energy bills, boost green credentials, and make better use of underutilised outdoor space.
At Facilities Management Solutions (FMS), we’re always looking ahead to support our clients with future-ready infrastructure. Here’s why solar canopies could be the next big step for your business.
What Are Solar Canopies?
A solar canopy is a structure fitted with photovoltaic (PV) panels, typically installed over car parks, walkways, or outdoor workspaces. Unlike rooftop solar, which can be limited by space or structural challenges, canopies offer a flexible alternative that transforms everyday areas into energy-generating assets.
Not only do they produce clean electricity, but they also provide shelter from the elements—protecting vehicles, employees, and visitors alike from adverse weather and UV exposure.
The Business Case for Solar Canopies
1. Reduce Energy Costs
The primary benefit of solar canopies is the potential for substantial energy savings. By generating your own electricity on-site, your business becomes less dependent on the National Grid and far less vulnerable to fluctuating energy prices. Over time, this translates to lower energy bills and a stronger bottom line.
In many cases, businesses can also benefit from feed-in tariffs or export payments, meaning excess energy can be sold back to the grid, generating an additional income stream.
2. Fast Payback and Long-Term Savings
Solar canopies are not just a sustainable choice—they’re a financially sound investment. Depending on your energy usage and the size of the installation, many businesses see a return on investment within 5 to 8 years. After that, your canopy continues generating free electricity for 20 years or more, delivering significant cost savings over its lifetime.
3. Access to Incentives and Funding
To support the transition to cleaner energy, various government incentives and financing options may be available to offset installation costs. Whether it’s capital allowances, grant funding, or power purchase agreements (PPAs), the FMS team can help you explore the best route to funding your project.
4. EV Charging Integration
With electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerating across the UK, solar canopies also offer the opportunity to integrate EV charging infrastructure on-site. This allows you to power fleet vehicles with your own solar energy—supporting decarbonisation efforts and future-proofing your business in one move.
5. Maximise Existing Space
Many organisations have large car parks or open outdoor areas that are vastly underused. Solar canopies unlock the potential of this space, turning it into a revenue-generating asset without affecting daily operations. This makes it an especially attractive option for retail parks, business estates, universities, and industrial sites.
6. Support Sustainability Goals
With the UK government’s Net Zero targets on the horizon, companies are under increasing scrutiny to cut carbon emissions. Solar canopies are a visible, effective way to demonstrate your environmental commitment to stakeholders, customers, and the wider community.
They also contribute to corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, which are increasingly influencing investor and consumer decisions.
7. Enhance Brand Image and Customer Experience
Installing solar canopies shows you’re taking real action on climate change. This can help differentiate your brand in a competitive market and attract environmentally conscious customers, clients, and employees.
Additionally, canopies improve the user experience by offering covered parking—keeping cars cooler in summer, drier in winter, and generally improving the overall appearance of your premises.
No Roof? No Problem.
One of the major advantages of solar canopies is that they don’t require installation on your building’s roof—a common barrier for many businesses considering solar energy. For older or heavily-used buildings, roof-mounted panels can introduce added complexity. In some cases, significant repairs may be needed beforehand, and any future maintenance to the roof could mean temporarily removing the panels—adding cost, disruption, and hassle.
Even where the roof is structurally sound, businesses often hesitate because rooftop installations can feel like ‘renting out’ valuable real estate. When funding arrangements involve third parties, it may feel as though you’re relinquishing control over your own premises—something many organisations are understandably cautious about.
By contrast, solar canopies provide a ground-level alternative that avoids these concerns altogether. They make use of underutilised outdoor areas—like car parks—while keeping your building untouched and your operations uninterrupted.
Turnkey Solar Canopy Solution with FMS
At Facilities Management Solutions, we understand that adopting new infrastructure can feel daunting. That’s why we offer a full turnkey service—from feasibility studies and planning applications, to installation and ongoing maintenance.
Our team of experts will assess your site, determine the optimal design, and ensure that every aspect of the project is handled with efficiency and care. Whether you’re looking to offset energy use, hit sustainability targets, or simply future-proof your facilities, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Future-Proof Your Business Today
Solar canopies offer a powerful blend of practicality, sustainability, and financial benefit. As energy prices rise and the demand for greener solutions grows, now is the ideal time to explore how this technology could support your business.
To learn more about solar canopies or to arrange a no-obligation consultation, get in touch with the FMS team today. Call us on 01908 03 40 40 or email info@fmsolutions.co.uk or complete the form to book an initial assessment: