How Much Does a Solar Carport Cost in the UK? (2026 Price Guide)

Solar carports have become increasingly popular in the UK, but the big question remains: how much do they cost? The answer is: it depends. A bespoke oak frame solar carport ranges from £21,495 for a garden pergola to £76,315 for a premium triple-bay structure with battery storage and EV charging.

Let's break down what affects solar carport pricing and what you can expect to pay in 2026.

Base Structure Costs

The starting point is the carport frame itself. This is the largest single cost component.

Material Choices: Oak vs Softwood

All Oak Frame Solar structures are built using green oak, which is premium material. Green oak (freshly felled) naturally seasons over time, becoming stronger and more durable. Character cracks and the developing patina are signs of quality, not flaw.

The material accounts for a significant portion of the base price. Oak is more expensive than softwood, but it's also more beautiful, longer-lasting, and adds genuine architectural value to your property.

A softwood alternative would reduce cost by approximately 20-25%, but you lose the heritage craftsmanship, longevity, and aesthetic appeal that makes an oak frame structure special.

Solar Tile Capacity

Solar capacity directly affects how much electricity your carport generates—and the cost.

• Pergola: 2-3kW solar system (lower angle, summer shade priority)
• 2-Bay: 4kW solar system (typical for compact parking)
• 3-Bay: 6kW solar system (good balance of output and cost)
• 4-Bay: 8kW solar system (maximum coverage and generation)

Each additional kilowatt of solar capacity adds approximately £1,200-£1,500 to your total cost. The inverter and MCS certification are also sized accordingly.

Battery Storage: The Game-Changer

Adding home battery storage amplifies your savings and system value significantly—but it increases cost.

• No Battery: Base price (as above)
• GivEnergy 9.5kWh: +£15,200
• MyEnergi Libbi 5kWh: +£20,500
• SolarEdge Home Battery 10kWh: +£27,100

Battery storage is optional but highly recommended. It allows you to store solar energy generated during the day for use in the evening or on cloudy days. This dramatically improves your energy independence and increases annual savings from £400-£500 (solar alone) to £1,200-£1,800 (solar + battery).

The battery typically pays for itself through electricity bill savings within 8-10 years. After that, it's pure savings.

EV Charging Integration

If you own an electric vehicle, integrating EV charging into your solar carport is seamless. The cost depends on the charger specification:

• Standard 7kW charger: +£800-£1,200
• 11kW charger: +£1,500-£2,000
• Smart EV charging (solar-priority): +£2,500-£3,500

Smart solar-priority EV charging is especially popular. It prioritises charging your car from your solar panels during the day. If you have battery storage, you can set the system to charge at night during cheaper smart tariff times (like Octopus Go).

Optional Add-Ons

Several features can be added to your carport:

• Log Store (left side): +£4,600
• Log Store (rear or right): +£1,100
• Softwood Garage Doors: +£3,760
• Oak Garage Doors: +£6,580

These are genuinely optional. A simple carport roof is perfectly fine. But if you want secure equipment storage or weather protection for the open bays, garage doors are worth considering.

What's Included in Our Pricing

Oak Frame Solar's pricing covers the full turnkey installation:

• Bespoke design & planning consultation
• Premium green oak frame construction
• BIPV solar tile installation & wiring
• Battery storage (if selected) installation & integration
• EV charging installation (if selected)
• MCS certification & 10-year guarantee
• Building Control & electrical compliance
• Project management & commissioning

We don't have hidden costs. What you see is what you pay.

Why Are We More Expensive Than Bolt-On Panels?

You might notice that a basic bolt-on solar panel system costs £6,000-£9,000, while an Oak Frame Solar carport starts at £21,495. Here's why:

• Bespoke Oak Structure: A custom-built oak carport is a premium architectural product. It's designed for your home and will last centuries
• One Team, Full Responsibility: Design, build, and commissioning are all managed by us. You're not juggling multiple contractors
• Integrated Solar: BIPV tiles integrated into the roof are cleaner, more aesthetic, and require specialist installation
• Energy Systems: Battery storage and EV charging integration add significant value and complexity
• Guarantees & Certification: MCS certification, 10-year structural guarantee, electrical compliance

We're not just installing solar—we're building a premium structure that adds real value to your home.

Financing & ROI

Most of our customers finance their carports through a personal loan or home improvement finance. With annual energy bill savings of £1,200-£1,800 (solar + battery), a £50,000 carport typically pays for itself through energy savings in 28-35 years, with the structural value of the building providing immediate property enhancement.

Many customers also benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), where you're paid for excess solar electricity exported to the grid. This adds £50-£150 per year to typical savings.

Get Your Exact Price

The best way to understand pricing is to configure your own carport. Our tool lets you mix and match structure size, solar capacity, battery storage, and EV charging, with the price updating in real-time. Prices include VAT and reflect current 2026 costs.