Factories and warehouses are among the most energy-intensive commercial premises in the UK. A typical medium-sized manufacturing facility consumes between 120,000 and 300,000 kWh of electricity annually, with monthly bills often exceeding £8,000–£18,000 depending on production type and operating hours. With UK industrial electricity prices averaging over 18 pence per kWh (excluding CCL), energy now represents 10–30% of total operating costs for most manufacturers.
Installing solar panels on factories and warehouses is one of the most effective ways to reduce these costs. Large, unshaded roof areas, a defining feature of industrial buildings make them ideal candidates for commercial solar PV systems. A well-designed rooftop installation can offset 30–70% of a facility’s electricity consumption, delivering payback periods as short as 3–5 years and an internal rate of return (IRR) above 20%.