---
title: Easy Upgrades For An Existing Canopy At School, Business or Building
description: Optimize your existing canopy with solar panels, EV charging, and flexible modifications for better energy efficiency, cost savings, and versatile spaces.
image: https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/hubfs/Website%20Imagery/Spaceshade/Cleeve%20School%20(2).jpg
---

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If you already have a canopy at your [school](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/education), [business](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/commercial), [healthcare](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/healthcare), or [leisure](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/leisure) organisation, there are several easy upgrades that could optimise your current space and help save money.

[Canopies](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade) include [walkways](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/covered-walkway-canopies) between two buildings, bike shelters, [entrances,](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/entrance-canopies) and [covered areas](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/covered-walkway-canopies) over [playgrounds](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/outdoor-learning-playground-canopies) or [sports grounds and courts](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/muga-shade).

## Be your own energy supplier

Many organisations are switching to renewable energy to cut their electricity bills by installing solar panels on top of canopies.

Our [Spaceshade canopies](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/why-us) are built to withstand the extra weight of solar panels, so it’s easy to retrofit the panels.

[Our experts](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/why-us) can help you calculate your return on investment as well as the amount of money you will be saving on electricity bills.

As an example, we installed 40 solar panels on a [dining canopy](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/outdoor-dining-canopies) at [Cleeve School](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/case-studies/cleeve-school), Cheltenham, and 50 solar panels on a playground canopy at [Three Peaks Academy](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/case-studies/three-peaks-academy-case-study), Tamworth, which are generating thousands of pounds worth of savings for each school.

### Redirect money where it's needed

Businesses, schools, hospitals, and leisure centres are struggling with energy bills, spending more and more of their budgets on electricity over the last few years.

[Installing solar panels](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/solar-panel-canopies) reduces energy bills, so you can manage your finances more efficiently and target resources where they are needed the most - whether that’s customers, students, or patients.

![Kensington Systems Covered Walkway Solar Canopy](https://26880358.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26880358/hubfs/Website%20Imagery/Spaceshade/Kensington%20Systems%20Solar%20Canopy.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Kensington%20Systems%20Solar%20Canopy.jpg)

Spaceshade canopy with solar panels

### Be the change you want to see

Solar panels will help you to meet your carbon emission reduction commitments by producing cheap green energy.

The move is not only good for the planet but also for anyone who visits your facilities, helping them to see you are serious about attaining your net-zero goals.

It also provides a great marketing opportunity for your business or organisation by showing the world you are serious about net zero goals and will inspire customer and employee loyalty.

### Provide an EV charging point

Nothing advertises your commitment to net zero better than offering EV charging to customers and employees.

EV charging can be fitted into [solar canopies](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/why-us), depending on where they are located, and bring in extra income and increase dwell time for retail and customers, and boost customer and staff loyalty.

## Create the canopy space you need

We understand that an organisation’s requirements change over time.

So, while you may have chosen to install a canopy to provide a covered outside area, you may now need an enclosed space for another classroom, dining area, cafe, or visitor reception.

Whatever the reason, our canopies can be easily upgraded and modified.

We can add glass or polycarbonate side walls to completely enclose your canopy or leave it partially open.

Alternatively, we can install retractable side screens so you can be as flexible as you like with the space and open them up during warmer days.

![School canopy with retractable screens](https://26880358.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26880358/hubfs/Website%20Imagery/Spaceshade/School%20canopy.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=School%20canopy.png)

Spaceshade canopy with retractable screens

## Keep cool in summer and warm in winter

If you like the idea of an enclosed canopy, we can [add motorised retractable blinds](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/why-us) to provide privacy and stop solar gain from overheating the space.

Likewise, in colder weather, we can install [infrared heaters](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/why-us) to make a canopy more inviting and comfortable.

We can also add LED lighting to increase light levels on dark winter days and at night to help users feel safe and comfortable.

## Flexible solutions to suit your needs

We pride ourselves on providing flexible solutions tailored to your requirements and love working with clients to find the right fit for you.

Our modular system allows us to design solutions that use your space as efficiently as possible.

We provide no-obligation surveys to measure up projects before providing quotes, followed by bespoke visualisation so our clients can picture exactly what the installation will look like.

[Contact us](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/contact-us?hsCtaTracking=4360e871-e1e5-43a9-8203-ff802786b686%7Cc39241de-1c0a-430a-a717-7921a30366cd) today to find out more about upgrades to your canopy.

[![Contact us today](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26880358/interactive-96799264711.png) ](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKDCSpQimffG6AtnIyP%2FvY%2FM8HG7p%2BpTExQafyEMWxEVhh9ueQ%2BtpZo7kBcbJ6V1YCNg%2BFRn%2BH5e5FkxaLYc5%2Ffo1mOIsjI86jfGANh6En35pGPhk%2BdAGBsdPwXtNg0YA5%2BSwCVJDaiX2%2BP62UhQ27yXGVtY4K94UsieS3MZV6t3fkLkfgTqQKddutN&webInteractiveContentId=96799264711&portalId=26880358)

 

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