Britain’s Biggest Solar Carport Wraps Construction at Lakeside North Harbour

Image Credit: Portsmouth City Council

In a sweeping stride toward energy independence and climate responsibility, Lakeside North Harbour has completed a transformative clean energy project already being hailed as one of the country's largest solar car park and battery storage installations.

Spanning rooftops and car park canopies alike, the installation includes a staggering 8,545 solar panels, now fully operational and shimmering across four buildings and three major parking zones. But this isn’t just about panels—it's a full-scale ecosystem. The project integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays with on-site battery storage, allowing the business park to generate, store, and redistribute renewable energy on demand.

And the numbers? They speak volumes.

This sprawling solar network is projected to generate approximately 4,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually—enough to power more than 1,300 typical three-bedroom homes for an entire year. That output is expected to cover around 40% of Lakeside’s total electricity demand, significantly reducing dependence on grid-supplied power.

On bright days and quiet weekends, when the site’s energy demand dips, excess electricity can be fed back into the grid, further amplifying the system’s impact. Environmentally, the installation is a game-changer: it’s estimated to cut over 900 tonnes of CO₂ emissions yearly, carving out a substantial reduction in Lakeside’s carbon footprint.

The project results from a collaborative effort between Portsmouth City Council’s Energy Services, Building Projects teams, and solar contractor Custom Solar. It’s more than infrastructure—it’s a statement of intent. A physical embodiment of the Council’s Net Zero ambitions, this clean energy milestone underlines the city’s drive toward a resilient, self-sustaining energy future.

What makes this installation unique isn’t just its scale—the thoughtful integration of generation and storage. With on-site batteries buffering solar output, Lakeside can shift energy use to match supply, reducing stress on the national grid and optimising performance even during cloudy periods or peak usage hours.

Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, added: “This is an excellent opportunity for Lakeside businesses to benefit from the council’s Net Zero target at no direct cost to them. We are committed to creating a sustainable and environmentally responsible workspace for the businesses based here, the largest of its kind in this region. We recognise our responsibility to reduce environmental impacts, enhance sustainability, and contribute positively to the community and economy.

“This solar project will enable us to have a green electric supply for all 60 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."

Cabinet Member for Greening the City and Climate Action, Cllr Kimberly Barrett, said: "We are thrilled to have reached the final stage of this ground-breaking project! All teams have been dedicated and relentless in their efforts towards completion. It's truly inspiring to see another solar project land at Portsmouth and make a huge step towards greener energy and our Net Zero goal."