A new eco-friendly car wash in Leicester will run almost entirely on the sun’s energy, thanks to solar panels installed by Solar Maintenance Services (SMS).
Operated by Carbana, the site offers drivers a premium self-service wash, putting professional-grade equipment in their hands.
And the 30-kilowatt (kW) solar installation from SMS will supply around 70 per cent of the site’s energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
The site marks the next step in Carbana’s growth since it launched its first car wash in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, in 2023, and the first to be powered by solar energy.
Under a new partnership, Carlisle-based SMS will install and maintain solar systems at new Carbana sites as the company continues to grow across the UK, and plans to retrofit its existing sites.
John Richards, Commercial Business Development Manager at SMS, said: “The energy generated by the solar panels is typically fully consumed by the carwash so it’s very efficient.
“It’s a great installation for us because it proves how solar power is environmentally friendly and also reduces energy costs.”
The site is fitted with 66 solar panels covering 85 per cent of its roof.
At its 30kW maximum output, the system can meet the power needs of up to five homes. It will pay for itself in energy savings in around 3.5 years and has a lifespan of at least 25 years.
SMS will monitor the installation remotely to make sure it runs efficiently. The site opens in early October.
Carbana’s slogan, ‘Clean Car, Clean Conscience’, reflects its commitment to operating ethically and sustainably. The company uses only biodegradable cleaning products, and its self-service model offers an alternative to hand car washes, some of which have been linked to illegal employment practices.
Carbana’s self-serve bays give drivers everything they need for a professional-quality finish, from thick snow foam and softened water to pH-neutral shampoos and high-quality wax. A final rinse with reverse osmosis water leaves vehicles gleaming and spot-free.
Beyond the wash bays, every Carbana site has dedicated valeting areas with vacuums, air dryers, tyre inflators and screen wash dispensers. Customers can also make use of on-site launderettes, dog-washing facilities and vending machines stocked with car finishing products – making each visit about more than just a clean car.
Carbana’s Doncaster site also draws water from a borehole to reduce demand on mains supplies.
Josef Pike, of Carbana said: “We didn’t have solar power at the outset but as we build on our eco credentials, having solar is going to be important for us.
“Using solar power matters more than ever because it cuts both carbon emissions and our energy costs.
“We want our sites to be solar powered wherever possible.”
