Energy Services | Utilities

Solar Carport Brings Clean Power to Scottish Water’s Stepps Headquarters

OCS Team

OCS Team

12 Oct, 2026

Solar Carport Brings Clean Power to Scottish Water’s Stepps Headquarters

OCS has delivered one of Scotland’s largest solar carports at The Bridge, Scottish Water’s headquarters in Stepps. The 2,250-panel installation is now operational and will supply more than a third of the site’s power needs.

Scottish Water Horizons, Scottish Water‘s commercial subsidiary, led the project, with OCS as delivery partner.

Parking Space That Now Generates Power

The carport turns existing parking space into a renewable energy asset. It generates electricity on site, cutting carbon emissions and energy costs for decades to come.

The panels are bifacial, so they capture light from both sides and get more generation from the same area.

OCS announced the £2.4m project in October 2025. The installation connects to the site through a new LV switchboard in a purpose-built enclosure, with underground cabling running to inverters across the car park. Construction was phased to keep the office operating throughout.

What the Installation Delivers

  • Around 0.87GWh of clean electricity a year, enough to power around 320 average UK homes a year
  • More than a third of the site’s power needs, supplied on site
  • A reduction in carbon emissions of around 160 tonnes each year
Aerial view of a parking lot featuring multiple rows of solar panel carports next to office buildings.
A man in a blue plaid suit stands outside while a person in a navy fleece jacket points toward something in the distance.

Delivered in Partnership

This was an all-round effort, and everyone involved should be proud of what has been delivered at The Bridge. The whole OCS team worked hand in hand with Scottish Water and Scottish Water Horizons, and the finished site reflects the care and commitment that went into it. We are delighted to have played our part in bringing one of Scotland’s largest solar carports to life.

avatar
Graeme Hamilton

Managing Director, Energy, OCS UK & Ireland

The completion of the solar carport at The Bridge is a landmark moment in our renewables programme. By making better use of existing space, we have created a significant source of clean electricity that will help power our operations for decades to come while reducing both our carbon footprint and energy costs. The carport also uses bifacial solar panels, which can capture light from both sides, helping us get more generation from the same area. It’s also been a great example of what can be achieved through close collaboration. The project was delivered on time and within budget, which is a great result for a project of this scale.

avatar
Donald MacBrayne

Business Development Manager, Scottish Water Horizons

Benefits Beyond Energy

Planting and habitat improvements around the carport will support wildlife and make the site better for people as well as nature.

Projects like this show how climate action can deliver multiple benefits. The solar carport will help reduce emissions, generate renewable energy and support our wider sustainability ambitions. It is also an excellent example of how we can integrate environmental improvements into our existing estate while supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.

avatar
Elise Cartmell

General Manager for Net Zero, Scottish Water

A man in a light blue suit jacket and collared shirt speaks to two people while wearing a lapel microphone.
A parking lot with several rows of solar panel canopies providing shade for parked cars.

This is an impressive investment in renewable energy and a great example of innovative thinking in action. By turning a car park into a clean energy generator, Scottish Water is demonstrating how organisations can make better use of existing assets to reduce emissions and contribute to Scotland’s climate ambitions. I’m pleased to see this project completed and the benefits it will deliver for years to come.

avatar
Fulton MacGregor

MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston

Part of a Wider Solar Programme

Scottish Water has over 100 solar schemes now operating at sites across the country. It continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio and to invest in projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve operational resilience and support delivery of its net zero commitments.

Scottish Water’s net zero target is 2040.

Discover OCS Energy Services

Discover OCS Energy Services

Explore Energy Services

Share this story