Solar PV has long been synonymous with rooftop arrays on warehouses, schools, or office blocks. But the landscape is changing rapidly. As demand for decarbonisation accelerates and estate managers face increasing pressure to maximise on-site generation, new applications for solar PV are emerging that go far beyond the roof…
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
One of the most exciting trends is the rise of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV): solar modules built directly into the fabric of a building. From solar glazing in windows to cladding and shading systems, BIPV offers dual functionality: generating clean energy while serving as a construction material.
For schools, universities, and corporate campuses, BIPV provides a highly visible statement of sustainability while reducing the need for additional land or roof space. Advances in aesthetics, such as coloured, patterned, or semi-transparent PV, are making it easier to blend solar into modern architectural design.
Solar Carports and Canopies
Car parks are increasingly being recognised as underutilised real estate for solar PV. Solar carports and canopies not only generate renewable energy but also provide weather protection for vehicles and a platform for integrated EV charging.
Local authorities and NHS trusts are already trialling solar carport projects, using them to support fleet electrification strategies. For private sector estates such as retail parks or logistics hubs, they offer a visible way to demonstrate sustainability commitments while unlocking new revenue streams through EV charging services.
Floating Solar
With land availability a growing challenge, floating solar (floatovoltaics) is gaining traction on reservoirs, lakes, and water treatment facilities. By reducing evaporation and keeping panels cooler, floating solar can actually improve efficiency.
Water utilities, industrial sites with lagoons, and universities with large estates are exploring this option as a way to expand renewables capacity without compromising valuable land assets.
Hybrid and Off-Grid Applications
Solar PV is also being integrated with other technologies—such as heat pumps, CHP, and battery storage—to create hybrid systems that reduce grid dependency and improve resilience. Off-grid or behind-the-meter systems are particularly attractive for rural schools, hospitals, and manufacturing sites where grid reliability is a concern.
A Strategic Opportunity
For energy managers in both the public and private sectors, thinking beyond the roof opens up new possibilities to meet carbon targets, improve resilience, and showcase leadership in sustainability.
By embracing innovative applications like BIPV, carports, and floating solar, organisations can transform overlooked spaces into productive assets, delivering both environmental and economic returns in the drive to net zero.
Are you searching for Solar PV solutions for your organisation? The Energy Management Summit can help!
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
