Millions of square metres of empty warehouse rooftops across the UK are under-utilised and could be utilised to generate renewable energy. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to rise, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a game changer for large buildings around the country. If you are the owner or manager of a commercial building such as a warehouse or distribution centre in the UK, you have access to untapped potential to reduce your energy costs, increase your property value, and contribute positively towards the sustainable world.
Whether you own one unit or multiple commercial properties and premises, be they warehouses, data centres or something else, you could be missing out on large cost savings by not utilising PV solar panels.
In the case of warehouses, installing commercial solar panels can save a business many thousands of pounds. Warehouses may find themselves using a lot of electricity to power and operate machinery like conveyor belts, chargers, lighting and much more. In a nutshell, installing solar panels on warehouses can offer a number of benefits:
Lower Energy Bills
By generating electricity on-site, warehouses can significantly lower their energy bills and protect their business from rising energy costs. With warehouses often having large, unused rooftop spaces, installing solar panels optimises your property and transforms it into a productive asset. Rather than just using energy, you can ensure
your warehouse truly benefits from what commercial solar in the UK offers.
Energy Resilience
Recent global events have highlighted how dependent we all are on external suppliers, and the impact this can have on business operations. As solar panels stand independently on your rooftop and harness clean and renewable energy from the sun, they can help reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.
Enhance Brand Image
Opting for a solar PV system will further demonstrate a commitment to sustainability which can enhance brand images and attract environmentally conscious consumers. Solar panels ultimately provide a reliable and cost-effective energy solution while promoting environmental responsibility.
Free or price-matched solar PV – Electron Green wants to make it easy for you to switch on solar.
Traditionally solar PV involves a significant upfront spend. Is it value for money, is it worth investing in solar PV?
First, commercial solar panels are a tried and trusted technology with a long lifespan. The manufacturer’s guarantee is standardly 25 years, and a system should continue to produce electricity for another 10 years or so.
Secondly, there a now new options open to businesses interested in solar including, from Electron Green, free solar and a price-match guarantee for purchased solar. Both programmes are underpinned by our quality assurance guarantee.
Free Solar
This is our fully-funded model. Electron Green pays for the surveys, the solar PV system, the installation, insurance, parts replacement, and maintenance for the term of the contract. You don’t pay a penny; instead we will supply you with clean and green solar electricity at 20p/kWh. This is a great option for businesses that do have the upfront capital for solar, or in-house resources to select and manage a solar installation. But if circumstances change, the buy-out option means that you aren’t tied in if you don’t want to be.
Price-Match Purchase Solar
We want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to have solar. So, aside from the free solar solution, for those who want to own their solar PV systems from day 1, Electron Green will price match any installation offered on a like-for-like basis. This gives the buyer the confidence that they have the right system at the right price.
With large rooftop spaces, warehouses are particularly well-suited for solar PV Most roofs don’t require planning permission (unlike ground-mount solar) and can be installed rapidly.
It’s a common myth that flat roofs aren’t suitable for solar panels, but this isn’t true. While the ideal roof for solar panels has an angle of between 30 and 40 degrees, almost any roof space can still generate electricity effectively.
Mounting systems typically fix either into the roof sheets using sealed fixings, or for flat roofs use ballast to hold the frames in place. The ballast weight is assessed to ensure the roof can support the additional weight.
Is My Warehouse Roof Suitable For Solar PV?
South-facing roofs typically receive the most sunlight throughout the day, making them the optimal choice for solar installations.
Evaluating potential shading from nearby structures or trees is key as shading can significantly impact the performance of solar panels. By conducting a thorough site analysis, Electron Green’s team of experts can determine the suitability of your warehouse space for solar PV installations and devise an optimal design that maximises energy generation.
To install solar panels on warehouses, there are a number of key steps which ensure a smooth and efficient transition to clean energy. Electron Green follows a comprehensive process to deliver high-quality solar PV systems around the UK.
1. Initial Consultation & Site Assessment
Our team conducts an in-depth consultation to understand your energy needs, assess your warehouse space, and discuss your budget and goals. This information helps us to design a customised solar solution tailored to your specific requirements. Our experts will then perform a detailed site assessment to determine the suitability of your warehouse for solar PV installation. We evaluate factors such as roof orientation, tilt, shading, and structural integrity to optimise the placement and design of the solar panels.
2. System Design
Based on the findings from the site assessment, our engineers develop a detailed system design. This includes determining the optimal number of solar panels, inverters, and other necessary components required to generate the desired amount of clean energy. It is also worth noting that we handle all necessary paperwork and permit applications required for solar panel installations. Our team ensures compliance with local regulations and guidelines, streamlining the process and saving you time and effort.
3. Installation
Once all permits and documentation are in place, our professional installation team begins the process of mounting the solar panels on your warehouse roof. Our technicians are skilled and experienced in handling solar installations, ensuring a high-quality and efficient installation process. Once installed, we will connect the solar PV system to your warehouse’s electrical infrastructure. This includes integrating the inverters, wiring, and configuring the system to feed the generated electricity into your building’s electrical grid.
4. Switch on
We will conduct rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance of your solar PV system. Our team will then provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance services to keep everything working perfectly. This is included free-of-charge for our free solar solution, and at a competitive rate for purchased systems. Our monitoring systems track energy production, identify any issues, and allow for timely maintenance to maximise the efficiency and lifespan of your system.
Why Choose Electron Green?
We have over 30 years in renewable energy and a team of highly skilled professionals who specialise in commercial solar PV installations. We understand that each warehouse is unique, with specific energy requirements and budget constraints. Our team works closely with you to assess your needs and develop customised solar solutions that optimise energy generation and maximise ROI. Our clients can feel confident they are receiving a tailored energy solution at a competitive rate and with ongoing support.
For more information on solar panel installation for warehouses and distribution centres, contact the Electron Green team today.