According to the UK Warehousing Association, there is 424 million square feet of warehousing space spanning over 100,000 sq ft. This alone could deliver nearly 10,000 acres of space for solar PV use, not to mention the potential in other property uses such as office buildings, supermarkets, and so on.
David Thomas, Partner at Vail Williams (read article)
Solar panel systems help warehouse owner reduce energy bills, improve ESG targets, and potentially generate additional revenue from energy trading. Although the capital costs vary by system sizes, many warehouses have achieved a payback period within 5 years, through energy savings and other incentives. Here are 5 key benefits from investing in solar panels for UK warehouses.
Warehouses have large rooftop areas, able to receive sufficient irradiance for solar panels to generate electricity. By installing rooftop solar panels, businesses can drastically reduce their electricity consumption from the grid and lower monthly energy bills. For commercial buildings in the UK, you can request a free solar survey here.
Using representative market values in 2025, a typical warehouse-based solar project delivers >30% Internal Rate of Return (IRR), with an average payback period of less than 4 years. With a lifespan of 30+ years, solar offers long-term energy price stability and strong financial performance for UK warehouse owners.
Solar panel investments on warehouses are considered a capital improvement that can significantly enhance the value of the warehouse. With access to asset-based finance through Absolar's Finance Partners, warehouse owners can unlock renewable energy solutions without upfront capital, helping to maintain healthy cashflow while upgrading the warehouse's sustainability credentials.
When your solar system generates more power than the warehouse consumes, Absolar enables you to export the excess electricity back to the grid. By selling surplus energy to certified suppliers, you create a new income stream while supporting the UK's transition to cleaner energy.
More businesses in the UK are taking leadership roles in climate action. Installing commercial solar panels is one of the most effective ways to cut carbon emissions, improve energy security, and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. commercial solar helps your organisation meet ESG targets and progress towards Net Zero.
Absolar are proud to support businesses in their transition to clean, renewable energy through expertly delivered commercial solar installations. Our team bring deep technical expertise and local knowledge to every project. We have helped organisations across the UK reduce their energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and gain greater energy independence with systems tailored to their operational needs.
The UK has bold sustainability goals, and we’re proud to be playing a role in supporting that ambition. Whether it's working with industrial parks or transforming commercial rooftops in city centres, our cutting-edge AI technology and in-house design team ensure each project delivers long-term performance and maximum return on investment. With every installation, we’re not just helping businesses - we’re contributing to a greener, more resilient energy future for their mission.
At Absolar, engineering is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to quality starts with rigorous site analysis and design, ensuring every solar installation is tailored for optimal performance and longevity. We don't cut corners; we design systems to last, using proven technologies and components that meet the highest industry standards. Every detail, from panel placement to cable routing, is carefully considered to ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
For any commercial solar project in the UK, our in-house engineering team brings together decades of experience across electrical, structural, and renewable energy disciplines. This expertise allows us to anticipate and solve challenges before they become problems, giving our clients complete confidence throughout the project lifecycle. From feasibility studies to final commissioning, we operate with a no-nonsense mentality - clear communication, sound decisions, and no surprises.
We believe that true engineering excellence lies not just in technical skill, but in accountability. That’s why we stand behind our work, with robust quality assurance processes, performance monitoring, and post-installation support.
The solar PV system has been a significant investment for us as a business but one that we hope represents our commitment to the future and to sustainable business practices. We might be over 100 years old but we’re not standing still, we’re always looking to the future, adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers.
Matt Sheen, CEO at Draper Tools
I had the privilege of unveiling Draper Tools' ambitious 900+ solar panel installation at their North Baddesley site this week. This is already generating 73% of the facility’s power needs and is set to prevent over 100 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
Delivered by local solar specialists Absolar, this project sets a strong example of how businesses can lead the way in sustainability while also securing long-term energy savings.
Caroline Nokes, MP
An exceptional service from start to finish. Planning, preparation and installation of our 489 PV panels was completed with clear and detailed communication and there was no interference to day-to-day operations. Highly recommended.
Chris Hobbs, Business Development Director at Hobbs the Printer
From the very first meeting, I was won over and every touch point since has just reinforced my view of Absolar. They are brilliant and at what they do - and infectiously passionate about it. The initial proposal was logically laid out, compelling and contained all the financial justification elements a business would need (this made a potentially subjective decision highly objective). Having had our system for 3 years, we have experienced amazing ongoing collaboration and support. I could not be happier with our PV system and the support we get from Absolar… just awesome...
Dr Stephen Rowe, Managing Director at DEKRA UK
Agricultural
Our client owns multiple cattle farms across Berkshire together with wider agricultural activities. With energy prices fluctuating and usage continuing to rise, they wanted a stable, sustainable power source that aligned with their long-term operational goals. In total four farms were assessed (27buildings) and two agricultural units were identified as the most suitable given the generation profile and existing infrastructure.
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Office | Laboratory
The Epsilon House building is situated in the University of Southampton Science Park and is a two-floor, multi-tenanted property with a standing seam Kalzip roof. The property experiences high energy consumption during office hours due to the research labs and offices situated inside the building.
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Office | Commercial
Located in the centre of Cambridge in a Conservation Area with severely restricted access, the head office of Bidwells LLP is a 3-storey office building equipped with state-of-the-art office spaces and facilities. The building has recently been renovated with a new roof using a Sarnafil membrane covering material. As a result, the solar PV system was custom designed to be compatible with the specialist roof covering whilst retaining the warranty, utilising integrated mounting system to construct the unique solar PV system.
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Our latest whitepaper is designed to help businesses and commercial landlords navigate the opportunities and challenges of solar energy adoption. This in-depth guide explores the key steps to developing successful commercial solar projects, whether you own a single property or manage a diverse portfolio. Drawing on our real-world experience, the whitepaper covers everything from assessing rooftop suitability to understanding performance guarantees and compliance requirements.
Crucially, it also breaks down the latest financing options available, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), capital investment models, and landlord-tenant cost-sharing strategies. For commercial landlords, we offer practical guidance on how to structure solar projects that align with lease terms and add long-term value to your properties. Whether you're looking to reduce operational costs, meet ESG targets, or attract sustainability-minded tenants, this whitepaper is your essential roadmap to making solar work for your business.