Solar Glass FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Discover everything you need to know about solar glass with NewFrame. From how photovoltaic glazing works and the benefits of solar canopies and carports to installation, planning permission and potential energy savings, we’re here to answer your questions.
Explore our frequently asked questions below to learn more about solar glazing and how it could work for your home or business.
Understanding Solar Glass
What is solar glass?
Solar glass is photovoltaic glazing that generates renewable electricity from sunlight while forming part of a glazed structure. Available in transparent and semi-transparent options, NewFrame solar glass is ideal for carports, canopies, conservatories and other spaces where natural light and energy generation are equally important.
How is solar glass different from traditional solar panels?
Traditional solar panels are typically mounted onto an existing roof, while solar glass can be integrated directly into a glazed structure. Solar glass also lets in natural light, making it suitable for canopies, carports, and conservatories where both appearance and practical performance matter.
How does solar glass work?
Solar glass uses photovoltaic cells within the glazing to convert sunlight into electricity. An inverter converts the generated electricity into usable power for your home or business. You can also store excess electricity in a compatible smart battery for later use.
Does solar glass still allow natural light through?
Solar Canopies & Carports
Where can solar glazing be installed?
Solar glazing can be integrated into a wide range of residential and commercial structures, including carports, garden canopies, pergolas, verandas, conservatories and greenhouses. NewFrame offers standard and bespoke solar glazing solutions designed around your available space, preferred appearance and energy requirements.
Can solar glass be installed on an existing structure?
Solar glass may suit certain existing structures, provided they can safely support the glazing and meet the required installation requirements. NewFrame can assess your project and advise whether an existing structure is suitable or a purpose-built solar canopy or carport would be more appropriate.
What are the benefits of a solar carport?
A solar carport combines sheltered parking with renewable electricity generation. The solar glazing protects from the weather while producing electricity that can help power your home or charge an electric vehicle. NewFrame solar carports can also incorporate EV chargers, smart battery storage and integrated lighting.
Can solar carports and canopies be customised?
Yes. NewFrame offers bespoke solar carports and canopies tailored to your property’s dimensions, appearance and energy requirements. Depending on the project, you can explore different structural designs, solar glass specifications, finishes and additional features such as EV charging, battery storage and lighting.
Costs, Savings & Battery Storage
How much does solar glass cost?
The cost of solar glass depends on the size, design and specification of your installation. Bespoke structures, additional glazing, EV charging and battery storage can increase the overall investment. NewFrame provides tailored quotations based on your property’s requirements and preferred features.
How much electricity can a solar carport generate?
The electricity a solar carport generates depends on its size, solar panel specifications, orientation, and exposure to sunlight. Larger installations can generally accommodate more photovoltaic glazing, increasing their potential energy output. NewFrame can help you explore a system that fits your property’s energy needs.
Can solar glazing reduce my electricity bills?
Yes. Solar glazing generates renewable electricity that can help power your home or business, reducing the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid. Actual savings depend on your system’s output, electricity tariff and how much of the generated power you use.
Can solar glass work with battery storage?
Yes. NewFrame solar glazing can be paired with compatible smart battery storage to retain excess electricity generated during daylight hours. You can then use the stored electricity when solar generation is lower, helping you make better use of the renewable energy your installation produces.
Installation, Planning & Maintenance
Do solar canopies need planning permission?
Some solar canopies and carports may be installed under permitted development rights, depending on their size, location and design. Additional restrictions can apply to listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. NewFrame can help you explore your project requirements, but you should confirm with your local planning authority whether planning permission is needed.
How long does solar glass installation take?
Installation times vary depending on the size, design and complexity of your solar glazing project. A standard solar carport may have different installation requirements from a larger bespoke canopy. NewFrame can discuss the expected project timescale once it has assessed your design, site conditions, and installation requirements.
How do you clean solar glass?
Keep solar glass clean to maintain its appearance and energy-generating performance. Dirt, leaves and other debris can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the photovoltaic cells. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance and use a professional cleaning service when access is difficult or unsafe.
How durable is solar glazing?
Solar glazing is designed to function as part of an external glazed structure while generating renewable electricity. Its durability depends on the glass specification, supporting structure and installation conditions. NewFrame can advise on suitable solar glazing options for your project, including the structural and performance requirements of your chosen installation.
Choosing NewFrame For Solar Glazing
Can NewFrame design a bespoke solar glass installation?
Yes. NewFrame offers bespoke solar glazing solutions designed around your property’s dimensions, appearance and energy requirements. Our team can help you explore different structural designs, glazing specifications and optional features to create a solar canopy, carport or glazed structure tailored to your project.
Does NewFrame work on residential and commercial projects?
Yes. NewFrame works with homeowners and businesses across the UK, providing solar glazing for residential carports, garden canopies and larger commercial structures. Our experience in glazing, construction, and renewable technology lets us support projects of different sizes and specifications.
How do I request a solar glazing quotation?
Contact NewFrame to discuss your project and request a tailored quotation. Our team will consider your available space, preferred design, intended use and energy requirements before recommending suitable solar glazing options.
Whether you’re planning a solar carport, garden canopy or bespoke commercial installation, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities.
Get in touch for a free quote today!
Our products & services
Newframe offer a full Design, Manufacture and Build Project Management service. We offer technical advice that works best for your property and your needs and our range of Solar Carports are the only ones available on the UK market today
Newframe’s products integrate into your existing home and way of life in a way that delivers best-in-class performance at the best price for endless power and lower energy costs from Day 1

