In 2022, solar energy accounted for 4.5% of global electricity generation—an impressive statistic when you consider the scale of energy consumption worldwide.
Solar power presents a wealth of opportunities, from lowering energy costs to creating more sustainable business and education spaces. One innovative way to harness solar energy is through solar panel canopies—providing shade, protection, and clean energy all in one.
What Are Solar Panel Canopies?
Solar canopies are a modern, energy-efficient alternative to traditional canopies used in schools, businesses, and public spaces. These structures integrate solar panels or solar glass roofs with embedded photovoltaic (PV) modules, enabling them to generate electricity while providing shelter.
Unlike standard canopies, solar canopies require a robust structure to support the added weight of solar technology, along with external factors like wind, rain, and snow. Our Spaceshade® solar canopies are designed for durability, ensuring they safely accommodate solar panels while standing up to all weather conditions.
These are the perfect solutions for schools and businesses looking to invest in their premises while decarbonising their estate and generating a return on investment.
This makes solar canopies an ideal solution for schools and businesses looking to decarbonise their estates, lower energy bills, and generate a return on investment.
How Do Solar Panels on Canopies Work?
Solar canopies function similarly to traditional solar panel systems but are independent of a building’s roof. The solar cells are connected to the site's power supply via an inverter, allowing the generated electricity to be:
✅ Used on-site for lighting, heating, and equipment
✅ Stored in batteries for later use
✅ Used to charge electric vehicles for staff or visitors
✅ Fed back into the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme
Solar panels don’t require direct sunlight to generate energy—they work year-round from UV exposure, making them an efficient energy solution in all seasons.
What Are The Benefits of Solar Panel Canopies?
While cost savings are a major advantage, solar canopies offer many other benefits, including:
Versatility
Suitable for schools, commercial sites, and logistics hubs, with applications including walkways, playground shelters, carports, and outdoor dining areas.
Sustainability
Reduces carbon footprint by sourcing more energy from renewables instead of the grid.
Educational Value
In schools, solar canopies provide a real-world learning opportunity, inspiring students about renewable energy and sustainability.
Universal Compatibility
Can be installed on sites of any age, size, or location, even when building roofs are unsuitable for solar panels.
Energy Cost Protection
Helps shield businesses and schools from rising energy prices.
Revenue Generation
Offers a potential revenue stream if excess electricity is sold back to the grid.
Additional Solar Capacity
Expands a site’s solar footprint without relying on building roofs, maximizing energy production.
Case Study: Three Peaks Academy
Three Peaks Academy in Tamworth had an aging playground shelter that needed replacing. They removed the shelter and chose to install a Spaceshade® solar panel canopy instead with 50 solar panels on top.
The new canopy generates over 40,000 kWh per year, enough to save approximately £10,000 in electricity bills and over 9 tonnes of CO2.
Are You Looking For A Solar Carport or School Canopy?
At Kensington Systems, we offer custom solar PV canopies designed to suit your specific needs. Our team provides expert advice on installation, configuration, and maximizing ROI, ensuring your investment in solar is as efficient and beneficial as possible.
