Gibson Road: Big carport built at multi-storey car park in Sutton

A huge new solar-powered carport has been built on top of it.

The system, which holds 492 solar panels and is designed to cover 57 spaces, is expected to generate around 120,000kWh of energy every year.

That makes the car park in Gibson Road almost entirely “energy neutral”, using only renewable energy – such as solar power – to fully operate.

It was funded by Sutton Council, as part of a £500,000 solar PV rollout, but the scheme was taken on by Campbell and Kennedy in collaboration with FlexiSolar.

Council energy manager Ian Watts said: “This is a very exciting project. Not only because it’s an attractive proposition but also because we are creating a new landmark in the borough that will show our commitment to cut our carbon emissions.

“The council is embracing the new digital era and this project is a clear statement of our commitment to adopt new green technologies as part of our daily operation.”

It’s hoped the new carport will help Sutton Council become a zero-emission authority by 2025.

Keenan Gratrick, FlexiSolar’s managing director, believes this is an “unusual, first of a kind” multi-storey project.

He said: “We worked closely with Campbell and Kennedy and Sutton Council to develop a completely tailored solution, and one at height, to enhance the existing parking provision and fully harness the opportunity to capture energy of it.”

Gerry Kennedy, managing director at Campbell and Kennedy, said: “The entire team at Campbell and Kennedy are delighted with the results already discernible through delivery of this contract for Sutton Council.

“We have amassed a wealth of experience working in close partnership with both private and public bodies in the implementation of energy efficiency projects, which result in significant cost savings.”

He added that Campbell and Kennedy “remain excited” at working with other councils, as well as FlexiSolar, in the future.