SOLARWATT teams up with Centregreat Group to develop solar and storage EV carports

SOLARWATT has teamed up with Centregreat Group to develop solar-power electric vehicle (EV) carports with built-in battery packs.

The German manufacturer’s solar glass-glass photovoltaic panels will be integrated into the off-the-shelf structure, which will be capable of charging four vehicles in daylight hours.

Containerised high-capacity battery packs will sit in the central cabinet and will charge during low demand, increasing the load-balancing capacity of the system.

South Wales-based transport infrastructure and engineering company Centregreat Group has developed the system with help from Swansea University’s solar-focused SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre.

Jeff Jenkins, estate manager for Centregreat said the carports feature  “the practical innovation valued by organisations demanding innovation and sustainability as well as efficiency.

“By incorporating robust, high-yield solar panels and battery storage, our modular carports will help users and their visitors play their part in decarbonising the UK economy. SOLARWATT has an industry-leading technology in Vision glass-glass panels, and we’re impressed by the great work it’s been doing with construction partners in Europe.”

Installations will be done by Centregreat’s solar and battery design and installation association SolarCentric. The structures are designed primarily for business and public-sector clients such as local authorities, hospital and park-and-ride facilities, but are also adaptable to domestic spaces.

The partners have created a double-pitch prototype, equipped with SOLARWATT’s Vision 36M glass-glass modules. This now carries 30-year product and performance warranties and free Full-Cover insurance.  

“On-site EV charging is the obvious answer for organisations as they embrace net zero while looking to improve efficiency,” said Neal Goddard, SOLARWATT sales manager, UK.