As the UK cools from record temperatures in excess of 40oC, a new Solar Car Park has been getting more than half of its power from sun, figures show. 

Since installation at the end of May, the prototype of 3ti’s pop-up mini solar car park and electric vehicle charging hub, “Papilio3”, has generated sufficient solar power to drive an average family electric car in excess of 20,000 miles: well over twice the average UK driver’s annual mileage. 

“Solar is an abundant source of renewable energy – yield from our first Papilio3 unit at Surrey Research Park has already topped 4.86MWh, and all 12 charging points have been in regular use,” says Tim Evans, 3ti founder and CEO. 

In June, the first Papilio3 unit generated 2.36MWh and is on track to exceed this figure in July. Currently, this represents a 53% PV Generation to Charging ratio, although this will reduce throughout the year and expected to average around 20% after the winter. 

Papilio3 is built around a recycled shipping container, can be deployed within 24 hours and integrates the three technologies of 3ti: solar electricity generation, battery energy storage systems (capacity of up to 250 kWh) and EV charge points (of 7, 11 and 22 kW). 

“SCPs have already displayed vast potential as a method of generating renewable energy,” continues Evans. “In June, for example, just one of our customer sites produced 290MWh from a 2.2 MWp solar array. At current prices that’s over £65,000 worth of electricity. It will also help to deliver on renewable energy targets and reduce the carbon intensity of EV charging, especially during peak hours where the grid relies on a carbon-rich safety net.” test testtest test​

The first Solar Car Park hub is located in the Surrey Research Park in Guildford