Installation Guide
Solar Canopy Installation: How It Works
A complete guide to commercial solar canopy installation in the UK — from first feasibility through to MCS commissioning. What happens at each stage, how long it takes, and what disruption to expect.
Typical total programme: 4-9 months
The biggest variable is grid connection. For systems under 50 kWp (G98 notification only), total programme can be as short as 10-12 weeks. For 250 kWp+ systems requiring a DNO capacity upgrade, allow 9 months.
- Aerial imagery analysis
- Half-hourly meter data review
- PVSyst P50 yield model
- 25-year financial DCF (IRR, NPV, payback)
- Planning status assessment
- Indicative structural scheme
- Grid connection desk study
Returned within 5 working days at no cost.
- Ground investigation (CPT or trial pits)
- Structural engineer site visit
- DNO G99 capacity application
- Full structural calculations (Eurocode)
- Electrical single-line diagram
- Foundation design and specification
- Detailed panel layout (AutoCAD/PVSyst)
Structural survey takes 1 day on site. Design returned within 3 weeks.
- G98 notification (systems under 50 kWp): 20 working days
- G99 technical study (systems 50-250 kWp): 8-12 weeks
- G99 connection works (if required): additional 4-16 weeks
- Multi-party G99 (above 250 kWp): up to 26 weeks
- We submit the application on day one of design
- We manage all DNO correspondence throughout
Grid connection is the longest item on most projects. We start it immediately.
- Structural steel fabricated to approved drawings
- Hot-dip galvanising to BS EN ISO 1461
- Quality inspection at fabrication facility
- Panel and inverter procurement
- Electrical equipment schedule finalised
- Delivery schedule coordinated with site programme
Fabrication runs in parallel with grid connection application.
- Site mobilisation and welfare setup
- Foundation piling or ground screw installation
- Column erection and base plate grouting
- Rafter and purlin installation
- Panel clamping and wiring (DC strings)
- Inverter installation and AC connection
- Earthing and lightning protection
- Final inspection and MCS commissioning test
We phase works to keep minimum 80% of car park spaces operational throughout.
- MCS commissioning certificate issued
- DNO G98/G99 commissioning notification
- SEG application submitted to chosen supplier
- Monitoring platform configured and tested
- Facilities team training (1 hour)
- O&M documentation pack handed over
- First-year production report scheduled
Full commissioning paperwork takes 5-10 working days from energisation.
What disruption should I expect?
We manage installation to minimise disruption. Our phased approach keeps at least 80% of car park spaces available throughout the installation. Here is what to expect at each phase:
Foundation installation
Foundation piling is the noisiest and most disruptive phase. We use compact piling rigs where possible (typically 3.5m track width) to minimise access impact. Works typically take 2-3 days per section of car park. We work in sections, releasing each section back to parking before moving to the next.
Steelwork erection
The quietest phase. A mobile crane or telehandler lifts pre-fabricated sections into position. Typical closure zone: 10-15m around the working area. Duration: 1-2 days per section.
Panel installation and wiring
Quiet, clean work. Panels are lifted by a tracked spider lift or MEWP. Car park spaces directly beneath the canopy are temporarily closed while panels are installed above. Released within 1-2 days.
Electrical connection
Requires a brief supply interruption (typically 30-60 minutes) to connect inverters to the main distribution board. We coordinate this with your facilities team for minimum operational impact — typically done outside business hours.
What we guarantee
- Minimum 80% of car park spaces available throughout installation
- No installation noise before 07:30 or after 18:00 on weekdays
- Saturday working by agreement only (residential neighbours)
- Daily site clean-up — no tools or materials left on live car park surface overnight
- Designated pedestrian routes kept clear throughout
- Insurance certificate and method statements provided before mobilisation
Roles and responsibilities
Certification and compliance
MCS Certification
All our installations are certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). MCS certification is required to access the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and validates the quality and safety of the installation.
NICEIC Approval
All electrical work is carried out by NICEIC-approved contractors. Every installation receives a full BS 7671 Electrical Installation Certificate covering the DC and AC elements of the system.
Structural Certification
All structures are designed by a chartered structural engineer to Eurocode 1 (EN 1991) wind and snow loading for the specific site location. Foundation design is certified separately.
CDM Compliance
For installations above a defined threshold (more than 30 working days or 500 person-days of construction work), we comply with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 — appointing a Principal Designer and preparing a Construction Phase Plan.
Building Regulations
Free-standing solar carport structures require Building Regulations Part A (structural) compliance. Our structural engineer certifies compliance as part of the design package.
DNO G98/G99 Approval
Systems below 50 kWp require G98 notification to the DNO. Systems above 50 kWp require G99 application and technical approval. We manage all DNO correspondence from submission to commissioning.
Start with a free feasibility study
Send us your half-hourly meter data and car park dimensions. We return a full proposal — yield model, financial DCF, planning assessment — within 5 working days. No charge, no commitment.
Request free feasibility