Lakeside takes a shine to solar as they gear up to install one of the UK’s largest parking canopies

Plans for a raft of new solar photovoltaic arrays throughout Portsmouth’s Lakeside North Harbour business campus have been approved.

Between 1,820 roof-mounted panels across five buildings and another 7,105 above car parking spaces, the installation will represent one of the largest solar parking canopy projects in the UK once complete.

It’s set to generate over 4 million kWh a year – enough to power 1,300 three-bedroom homes and save more than 860 tonnes in CO₂ emissions.

As well as hooking up to EV charging points, the photovoltaic panels will also feed into a 2MW battery installation in order to supplement the local electricity network during peak times.

Simon Bateman, Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Lakeside businesses to benefit from the council’s 2030 net zero target at no direct cost to them.

“This solar project will enable us to have a 100% green electric supply for all 55 businesses at Lakeside.

“The environment is a fundamental core value at Lakeside – from creating the right atmosphere for our occupier community, to driving sustainability and efficient use of our valuable resources.”

Mitie’s Custom Solar will carry out the works alongside the council’s in-house energy services and building projects team, who are managing and funding the installation.

They start this week with an aim to get the array up and running by Autumn 2024.

Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, added: “We’re constantly aiming to improve our solar power in Portsmouth.

“To begin working on possibly the largest solar canopy project in the UK is a great step in coming closer to our goal of Net Zero by 2030 and using greener energy in the city.”

• lakesidenorthharbour.com