Solar Energy Solutions for UK Industry-Specific Applications
How can industry-specific solar energy solutions help UK businesses strengthen long-term energy resilience?
Industry-specific solar energy solutions help UK businesses strengthen long-term energy resilience by providing reliable on-site renewable power matched to their demand patterns, reducing exposure to grid outages, fossil-fuel price swings, and future carbon costs.
This article explores solar energy solutions for various industries in the UK. It highlights how different sectors, from manufacturing to retail, can benefit from installing solar panels.
What is industrial solar?
Industrial scale solar is basically using big, high-capacity solar power systems on factories, warehouses, and other industrial sites to generate their own electricity, cut energy bills, and lower their carbon footprint.
What are the industrial applications of solar energy?
Industrial solar is used to power factory machines and production lines, run lighting and HVAC in warehouses, provide process heat/steam, pump water, charge EV fleets, and cut overall grid electricity use across industrial sites.
Many manufacturers in the UK have already seen the benefits of investing in solar panels for their facilities. These systems not only lower operating costs but also assist in achieving sustainability goals, which can enhance a company’s reputation in a market that is becoming more aware of environmental issues.
What are the four main uses of solar energy solutions?
Solar energy serves many purposes across different industries. It helps UK businesses improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Each application plays a vital role in lowering operating costs and ensuring steady energy supply.
Electricity generation.
Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity to power equipment, lighting, and production systems. In manufacturing and logistics, this significantly reduces daytime grid use. Many UK facilities now generate a large part of their own energy. This protects them from changing utility prices and supply risks.
Heating and cooling.
Solar energy also supports thermal systems. It provides heat for industrial processes and keeps buildings at stable temperatures. This is especially useful for sectors like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and retail, where climate control is crucial for product quality and employee comfort.
Battery storage.
Combining solar panels with battery storage allows businesses to keep surplus energy for evenings or high-demand times. This not only boosts energy independence but also offers backup during grid outages. Critical operations can keep running without interruption.
Electric vehicle charging.
As more companies shift to electric vehicle fleets, solar-powered EV charging stations become a green and cost-effective choice. Logistics and retail businesses are increasingly using solar electricity to charge delivery vehicles, forklifts, and company cars. This supports their sustainability goals while cutting fuel expenses.
These combined applications help businesses lower costs, enhance efficiency, and ensure lasting energy security, all of which are vital in today’s competitive market.
Manufacturing Facilities
What industry uses most electricity?
Manufacturing is one of the UK’s most energy-demanding industries. Heavy machinery, nonstop production lines, and strict climate control in some facilities lead to high power consumption. Industries like metal production, automotive, chemical processing, and food manufacturing account for a significant share of industrial energy use.
Retail Businesses
What are the commercial applications of solar panels?
Retail businesses from supermarkets to shopping centres, consume substantial energy for refrigeration, lighting, air conditioning, and point-of-sale equipment. Solar panels offer a viable solution to offset this demand. By producing clean energy on-site, retailers can improve energy efficiency, cut electricity bills, and protect themselves against market volatility.
Solar energy solutions for UK retail businesses
For retailers, solar energy offers both a financial and a reputational chance. Installing solar panels shows a commitment to sustainability, which can boost customer loyalty and enhance corporate responsibility. Systems can be customised for various property types, including single-storey stores, large retail parks, and mixed-use developments.
Retailers can also pair solar power with battery energy storage systems, BESS, to store extra energy produced during the day for use during peak times. This method provides more energy independence and additional savings.
Office Buildings
How is solar energy used in industries?
Office buildings, although they use less energy than manufacturing sites, still require a lot of power for lighting, computers, data centres, and climate control systems. Installing solar panels helps office operators reduce electricity use during the day when both demand and energy prices are highest.
Solar installations can also assist businesses in achieving their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. By using solar energy, companies improve their sustainability reporting, lower carbon emissions, and enhance long-term cost management.
Modern building management systems can integrate with solar arrays to monitor energy performance. This integration allows organisations to track savings in real time and report on carbon reductions accurately.
Logistics and Distribution Centers
What industries use solar panels?
Logistics and warehousing operations are ideal for solar energy due to their large roof spaces and steady access to sunlight. Warehouses, fulfilment centres, and transport hubs consume significant amounts of electricity for lighting, ventilation, and automation systems. This makes solar installations a practical way to reduce costs.
How much energy can logistics centers generate?
The energy output relies on roof size, direction, and system capacity. Many logistics facilities in the UK can produce enough electricity to run most of their operations during the day. Some large installations even reach near self-sufficiency. Solar panels for logistics centres also help meet low-carbon supply chain goals. Many major retailers and distributors now expect this from their partners.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Across the UK, many industrial businesses have achieved measurable results with solar energy.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing:
Quidel Ortho a large-scale Pharma company in Bridgend, South Wales installed a 1.58MW solar PV system, reducing grid dependency by 17.4% and reducing energy bills by an estimated £440,000 annually.
Leisure Centre:
Fort Stamford Health and Fitness in Plymouth installed rooftop solar, cutting energy costs by over 41% and reducing CO₂ emissions by 23.67 tonnes each year.
Aerosol Manufacturing:
Unilever PLC, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, has implemented a 342.22 MWh solar PV system at its Leeds facility. This installation delivers an estimated annual carbon saving of 66.18 tonnes and reduces energy costs by approximately £56,000 per year, reinforcing Unilever’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and operational efficiency.
These examples show that solar energy solutions are no longer experimental they are proven, practical measures that deliver reliable returns and strengthen long-term business resilience.
FAQs About Solar Energy Solutions
Can solar panels meet industrial energy demands in the UK?
Yes. Modern industrial solar systems are scalable and can meet a large share of a facility’s power requirements. When combined with storage, they can supply consistent energy throughout the day and evening.
Are there solutions tailored for retail and office buildings?
Absolutely. Solar PV systems can be custom designed based on roof structure, energy usage, and business needs. Office and retail installations often pair well with energy monitoring systems for maximum control.
How much energy can logistics centres generate?
Depending on the building size and system design, many logistics centres can generate hundreds of kilowatts of clean energy, significantly reducing grid consumption and operating costs.
Request a Custom Solar Panel Quote
If your business is ready to reduce costs and improve sustainability, Excel Energy UK can help. Our experts design and install solar PV systems tailored to your sector, whether you run a manufacturing facility, retail business, office complex, or logistics centre.
Find out how solar energy can cut your business costs today – request a FREE customised solar quote from Excel Energy UK.