Solar parking and EV infrastructure in Portsmouth -> Portsmouth's Solar-Powered Parking and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

author: FutureCar Staff    

Portsmouth City Council has started a new project to enhance solar panel provision and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure for the community. The project will be based at Lakeside North Harbour and will be one of the largest solar parking canopy projects in the UK. It will include roof-mounted solar PV arrays across five buildings and solar car park canopies across three car parks, along with battery storage provisions.

The solar canopies will be created above existing car parking spaces and will consist of 7,105 solar PV panels. In addition to this, electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be implemented, and more charging points can be added as demand increases. The battery will provide service to the local electricity network during times of high demand by storing excess energy.

This facility is expected to save over 860 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The solar PV system will generate more than 4 million kWhs annually, which is equivalent to powering 1,300 homes for a year. Approximately 64% of this power will be consumed by the facility, while the battery will provide additional power. The battery's charging and discharging will be controlled to maximize efficiency and benefit the facility's users. For example, during times of high-power prices, the battery will discharge to Lakeside to reduce grid consumption.

Cllr Kimberly Barrett, the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, expressed the council's commitment to improving solar power in Portsmouth. The project marks a significant step towards their goal of achieving Net Zero by 2030 and using greener energy in the city.

The facility in Portsmouth is similar to one being implemented by Northumberland County Council to revolutionize their fleet operations.

Image credit: iStock

FutureCar Staff