Benefits of Commercial Solar Carports for Your Business
A car park doesn’t have to be just a place to park. It can be a powerful asset for your business.
Across Australia, businesses are turning empty asphalt into energy assets—with solar carports, solar garages, and solar carparks becoming a key part of the shift toward cleaner, smarter infrastructure. Whether it’s the shaded rows outside your head office or the expansive lot behind your warehouse, that space could be doing a lot more than sheltering utes and hatchbacks.
At DS Energy, we’ve helped some of Australia’s biggest names transform their carparks into high-performing solar solutions. But this isn’t just about big business. From office precincts to industrial hubs and everything in between, solar-integrated carparks are a practical and powerful step toward energy independence.
We share what makes them such a smart move below.
The Basics: What Is a Solar Carport?
A solar carport is a custom-built structure that combines vehicle shade with solar generation. Think of it like a pergola for your carpark—with solar panels mounted on top, soaking up the sun and converting it into clean electricity.
These structures can be standalone (great for open lots), built over existing bays, or integrated into multistorey carpark roofs. And unlike traditional rooftop systems, solar carports make use of space that’s otherwise unused—unlocking solar benefits without compromising your building’s roof or layout.
They also fall under different planning and engineering considerations, making them ideal for businesses that want flexibility without a full rooftop redesign.
Case Study: Youi Headquarters, Queensland
When insurance company Youi approached DS Energy, they had a clear goal: dramatically reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint, without impacting day-to-day operations.
The solution? A 520kW dual system featuring both a solar carport and a rooftop solar installation at their Sunshine Coast HQ.
- 840 panels were installed across the carpark structure
- Another 77 panels were integrated into the building’s rooftop
- Combined, the system delivers around 829 MWh of clean energy every year
- That covers nearly 50% of the site’s total energy needs
- And it’s saving the business an estimated $165,000 annually on electricity costs
With a sleek, modern design that fits seamlessly into the carpark’s layout, the solar carport now provides shade, energy, and sustainability gains in one integrated solution. It’s the kind of practical infrastructure upgrade that pays dividends—financially and environmentally—for years to come.
You can view the full details of Youi’s project here.
Port of Brisbane Cruise Terminal: Powering a Landmark
In 2020, DS Energy was engaged by Autonomous Energy to help deliver a large-scale solar system for the new Port of Brisbane Cruise Terminal. The challenge? Design and install a custom-built solar car park structure that could support passenger flow and generate enough energy to make a measurable impact.
- The system featured a massive 790kW capacity, designed into the carpark’s layout
- It provides shaded parking for 230 vehicles
- The panels produce around 1,300 MWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power over 100 homes annually.
- It also supports the broader Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) sustainability strategy
This is a perfect example of how solar carports can be tailored to large-scale infrastructure projects without disrupting operations or requiring major design compromises. For PBPL, it was a win-win: future-focused energy, minimal disruption, and a more comfortable experience for visitors.
You can view the project here.
The Broader Benefits for Business
Still wondering if solar carparks are the right move for your business?
Here are a few more reasons to consider them:
1. Dual-purpose functionality
Solar carports combine clean energy with comfort. They provide valuable shade for staff, customers, or fleet vehicles—reducing heat, improving onsite amenities, and offering potential integration with EV chargers.
2. Grid independence + savings
By generating your own solar power, your business becomes less exposed to grid volatility and rising energy prices. Depending on system size and usage, commercial solar carports can significantly cut electricity bills while improving site resilience.
3. Visible sustainability
A solar garage or carpark is highly visible. These structures make a bold statement about your commitment to sustainability, helping meet ESG goals while building stakeholder and community trust.
4. Future-ready infrastructure
Solar carports can be designed with smart infrastructure in mind—from battery storage integration to EV charging bays. That means you’re not just solving today’s energy challenge, but setting your site up for long-term flexibility and growth.
Ready to explore solar carports for your business?
If you’ve got a carpark, you’ve got solar potential. Whether you’re managing a national HQ, a transport hub, or a business park, solar carports and garages offer a flexible, high-impact way to cut costs, reduce emissions, and future-proof your site. At DS Energy, we’ve delivered high-performing commercial solar solutions for a number of clients, big and small, helping them turn passive spaces into powerful energy assets.
Want to see more? Check out our article on how to choose the best solar panels for your business, how to determine what size solar system you need, plus how solar works to sustain the industrial sector. You can also explore our commercial solar services to learn how we design, install, and manage systems tailored to your needs.
Contact DS Energy today to book your free site consultation and see what your carpark could be doing for you.