WAREHOUSE SOLAR SYSTEM: A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR UK BUSINESSES
In this guide, we’ll answer the most asked questions about a warehouse solar system, including system sizes, installation costs, and benefits for UK businesses.
Energy prices continue to fluctuate, and sustainability remains a key priority. The ‘Net Zero Government Initiative’ aims to reduce carbon emissions ‘from public sector buildings by 50% and 75% by 2032 and 2037’, expecting all UK emissions to achieve net zero by 2050 (Gov.UK, 2022). More businesses are reducing costs while improving their environmental credentials, and a commercial solar system has become one of the most effective solutions for achieving both a Return on investment and compliance with the government initiative.
Warehouses usually have large roof space and high daytime electricity usage, making them ideal candidates for commercial solar panels and PV systems. Whether you operate a logistics centre, distribution centre, manufacturing facility, or industrial warehouse, investing in solar PV can help generate clean, renewable energy, reduce dependence on the grid, and provide substantial long-term savings.
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WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A SOLAR-POWERED WAREHOUSE?
You should choose a solar-powered warehouse because they offer significant advantages for modern logistics operations. By harnessing renewable energy, warehouses can dramatically cut electricity costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and meet sustainability goals.
Solar panels provide long-term protection from energy price volatility and support the transition to electric vehicle fleets. Additionally, solar-powered facilities often achieve a rapid return on investment and enhance a company’s ESG profile, making them an attractive choice for forward-thinking businesses.
Advantages of a solar-powered warehouse include:
Uninterrupted Operations
Solar installations can be completed with minimal impact on site activities, so there’s no disruption to vehicle movement, loading processes, or shipping schedules.
Ready for the Future
Solar power gives you access to affordable, scalable energy, making it easier to adopt electric delivery vehicles as your business grows.
Fast Payback
Most solar systems for warehouses pay for themselves within 4 to 6 years, thanks to significant savings on grid electricity.
Sustainability Advantage
Operating on clean solar energy strengthens your company’s reputation for environmental responsibility, a key factor for many customers.
Financial Stability
By generating your own power, you can better control energy costs and protect your warehouse from unpredictable utility rate fluctuations.
WHAT CUSTOMISED SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS FOR WAREHOUSES DO WE INSTALL?
Across the UK, Excel Energy have installed renewable energy solutions at distribution centres, logistics providers, and warehouse owners, who are turning to custom solar solutions to manage rising energy expenses.
Adopting solar power helps secure a reliable, low-carbon energy supply, ideal for supporting electric vehicle charging and increasing property value for commercial sites.
REAL-WORLD CASE STUDY: QUIDELORTHO’S 1.58 MW COMMERCIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATION
QuidelOrtho, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company, partnered with us to transform its energy infrastructure by installing a large-scale solar PV system across its facility.
The project demonstrates how businesses with large roof spaces can use renewable energy to reduce electricity costs, improve sustainability, and increase energy independence.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
✅ Client: QuidelOrtho
✅ Sector: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
✅ Location: Bridgend, South Wales
✅ System Size: 1.58 MW solar PV system
✅ Estimated Annual Output: 1.41 GWh
✅ Payback Period: 2.8 years
✅ 25-Year Net Profit: £20,572,264
✅ Annual Carbon Savings: 272.16 tonnes
TURNING UNUSED ROOF SPACE INTO A RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION ASSET
QuidelOrtho had a large roof area that presented an ideal opportunity for commercial rooftop solar panels. Rather than leaving this space unused, the company invested in a bespoke solar energy solution designed around its operational requirements.
The installation involved premium REC TwinPeak solar modules, SolarEdge Synergy inverters, and SolarEdge optimisers to increase energy generation and system performance. The total installation cost for QuidelOrtho (estimated) was around £1.3 million.
This approach highlights why warehouses are considered some of the best candidates for solar PV systems. Large roof areas, consistent daytime electricity usage, and long operating hours allow businesses to generate and consume significant amounts of their own clean electricity.
Learn more about Pencoed, Bridgend, Wales, 1.58 MW commercial solar installation
WHERE CAN I FIND A GUIDE TO SOLAR PANELS FOR INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE UK?
You can find a complete guide to ‘Solar Panels for Industrial Buildings’ in the UK right here on our website!
It covers everything you need to know – from system design and installation processes to costs, benefits, and long-term savings.
Large industrial buildings often have significant unused roof space, making them ideal locations for industrial solar panels.
By installing a bespoke commercial rooftop solar system, businesses can reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower operating costs, and support their sustainability goals.
Visit our full guide to Solar Panels for Industrial Buildings in the UK.
What ARE THE COSTS FOR SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION FOR WAREHOUSES?
The cost for a solar PV system for each warehouse is bespoke, costs are usually based on the system size, the style of roof, and grid connection.
System size and costs (estimated):
Solar System Size | Estimated Cost | Return On Investment (ROI) |
100kW | £100,000 | 4 – 5 Years |
250kW | £200,000 | 4 – 5 Years |
500 kW | £400,000 | 4 – 5 Years |
750 kW | £700,000 | 4 – 5 Years |
1 MW | £1,000,000 | 4 – 5 Years |
2 MW | £1,800,000 | 4 – 5 Years |
5 MW | £5,000,000 | 4 – 5 Years |
10MW | £10,000,000 | 4 – 5 Years |
What ARE THE COSTS FOR SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION FOR WAREHOUSES?
There are several commercial grants for solar panels, financial benefits, tax allowances, and funding options available that can help businesses make the transition to commercial solar panels more affordable.
While there is currently no single government grant specifically designed for all warehouse solar installations, UK businesses can benefit from a range of incentives and finance solutions that improve the overall return on investment of a solar PV system.
Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)
The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) allows eligible businesses to claim tax relief on qualifying investments in plant and machinery. Solar equipment may qualify as a capital investment, allowing businesses to reduce their taxable profits by claiming eligible costs within the relevant allowance limits.
For warehouse owners, this can help reduce the effective cost of installing warehouse solar panels, making a large-scale commercial rooftop solar system a more attractive investment. Learn More
Capital Allowances and First-Year Tax Relief
Businesses investing in energy-saving equipment may also be able to benefit from available capital allowances. Depending on eligibility and the type of investment, companies may be able to claim tax relief against qualifying expenditure.
Tax rules and available allowances can change, so businesses should seek advice from their accountant to understand how solar investment may apply to their individual circumstances. Learn More
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
If a warehouse generates more electricity than it uses, the surplus power can potentially be exported back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.
The SEG requires participating electricity suppliers to provide payments to eligible generators for exported low-carbon electricity, including solar PV systems that meet the required criteria.
For warehouses with large industrial solar panels or significant roof space, exporting excess electricity can provide an additional revenue stream alongside the savings achieved from using solar energy on-site. Learn More
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Depending on the circumstances, certain solar installations may benefit from available exemptions or reliefs, particularly where renewable energy improvements are made to business premises.
Because business rates are assessed differently depending on property type, location, and installation details, warehouse owners should check their individual position before making investment decisions. Learn More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SOLAR PANELS FOR WAREHOUSES
WHAT ARE SOLAR SYSTEMS FOR WAREHOUSES?
Solar systems for warehouses are photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on warehouse roofs or surrounding areas to generate renewable electricity from sunlight.
These systems convert solar energy into electricity to power warehouse operations, including lighting, machinery, refrigeration, heating, ventilation, and office facilities.
A typical warehouse solar system includes PV solar panels, inverters, monitoring equipment, and optional commercial battery storage.
WHY ARE WAREHOUSES IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR SOLAR ENERGY?
Warehouses are among the best locations for commercial solar panels because they typically have large, unused roof spaces and high electricity consumption during daylight hours.
Many warehouses operate throughout the day when solar panels are producing the most electricity, allowing businesses to use more of the energy they generate rather than purchasing electricity from the grid.
WHAT TYPES OF SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS ARE SUITABLE FOR WAREHOUSES?
The most suitable solar PV system depends on the warehouse size, electricity usage, roof structure, and business objectives.
The most common types of systems are roof-mounted, grid-connected, battery-storage, and large-scale industrial solar systems. Roof-mounted solar panels increase available space without interfering with daily operations.
WHAT SIZE SOLAR SYSTEM DOES A WAREHOUSE NEED?
The size of a warehouse solar system depends on several factors such as available roof space, annual electricity consumption, operating hours, energy demand patterns, and future business growth plans.
A small warehouse may require a system of around 30-100 kW, while larger distribution centres and industrial facilities may benefit from systems ranging from several hundred kilowatts to multiple megawatts.
HOW MUCH WILL COMMERCIAL SOLAR PANELS COST?
The cost of installing solar panels varies depending on factors such as the number of solar panels required, roof size and condition, electrical requirements, equipment selected, whether battery storage is included, and installation complexity.
Although the initial investment can be significant, businesses benefit from long-term savings, reduced energy bills, lower operating costs, and improved efficiency.
Many warehouse owners explore options like asset finance, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and tax allowances to make solar panels more affordable.
WHY ARE MORE UK BUSINESSES INVESTING IN SOLAR FOR THEIR FACTORY OR INDUSTRIAL BUILDING?
More UK businesses are investing in solar panels for industrial buildings as energy costs, sustainability targets, and carbon-reduction commitments become increasingly important.
Factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities often consume large amounts of electricity, making them ideal candidates for commercial solar panels.
By installing a solar PV system, businesses can reduce electricity costs, generate their own renewable energy, improve energy security, reduce carbon emissions, support Net Zero targets, and demonstrate environmental responsibility. As energy prices fluctuate, many businesses see solar as a long-term investment for both financial and environmental benefits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PV SOLAR PANELS FOR WAREHOUSES?
Installing PV solar panels on a warehouse provides multiple benefits, such as lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, long-term financial savings, improved energy independence, stronger sustainability credentials, and better use of the warehouse roof space.
Large warehouse roofs are ideal for solar panels, transforming unused space into a productive energy-generating asset.
COULD SOLAR BE FOR YOUR WAREHOUSE?
Complete our online form to arrange a free, no-obligation desktop consultation from one of our renewable energy experts.
They will discuss your individual project in detail and provide you with a personalised warehouse solar system along with a custom-designed proposal to your site-specific requirements.