Solar-powered car park for workplace electric vehicle charging in the UK

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【Summary】A solar car park has been launched at Eastbourne District General Hospital in the UK. It is the first of its kind in the country and features over 2,400 solar panels across eight canopies, providing renewable energy for the hospital and 10 solar-powered EV charge points for staff. The scheme is expected to generate over 1,000MWh of electricity per year, reduce reliance on the national grid, and cut energy costs and emissions.

FutureCar Staff Oct 31, 2023 4:21 PM PT

Solar-powered car park for workplace electric vehicle charging in the UK

A new solar car park has been launched at Eastbourne District General Hospital (EDGH), featuring staff EV charge points. This innovative project, installed by sustainable resource management company Veolia alongside 3ti, is the first solar car park in the UK to provide renewable energy for a hospital.

The solar car park consists of over 2,412 solar panels spread across eight canopies, which cover 400 car parking spaces. This solar array is expected to generate more than 1,000MWh of solar-generated electricity annually. By utilizing this renewable energy source, the hospital will reduce its reliance on electricity from the national grid, resulting in lower energy costs and emissions.

In addition to generating renewable energy, the solar car park also addresses the need for workplace electric vehicle charging. It offers 10 solar-powered EV charge points exclusively for staff use. The canopies covering the car parking areas not only provide shade and protection from the elements but also enhance security with overhead lighting.

This project is part of a £27m energy management contract with Veolia, aimed at implementing various energy upgrades and achieving carbon savings of 4,129 tonnes per year. Tim Evans, founder and CEO at 3ti, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that it benefits all parties involved. The solar car park provides low-cost and low-carbon electricity for the hospital, while car park users benefit from the cover and lighting provided by the canopies. Furthermore, staff with electric vehicles can conveniently charge their cars while at work. Evans believes that EDGH has set an example for other organizations to transform their car parks into renewable energy sources, leaving a better legacy for future generations.

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