How factories and warehouses can reduce energy costs with solar panels
With energy prices remaining high and sustainability expectations growing, factories and warehouses – two of the UK’s most energy-intensive sectors – are looking for new ways to manage their costs and environmental impact.
Installing solar panels is an increasingly popular solution, helping businesses take control of energy bills, move toward a lower-carbon future, and build resilience against unpredictable electricity markets.
The challenge: managing energy costs and ESG pressures
Manufacturing and warehousing businesses are facing high operating costs, with recent research showing energy bills for the sector rose by over £2,000 per month on average this winter, compared to September 2024 prices.
At the same time, businesses are facing increasing calls to demonstrate environmental responsibility and greener supply chains from shareholders and customers alike. New energy efficiency standards coming into force over the next few years will further sharpen the focus on operational sustainability, with non-compliance expected to affect the lettability of 60% commercial buildings by 2030.
With labour shortages also driving higher automation (and therefore energy use), it’s clear that a cost-effective energy strategy is becoming a business necessity. With many businesses rethinking how they power their operations, solar energy is emerging as a powerful way for factories and warehouses to turn these challenges into long-term advantages.
Solar panels: A proven solution for manufacturers and warehouses
At Good Energy, we design and install solar systems for manufacturers, factories, and warehouses that are built for fast and reliable return on investment, with most customers achieving payback in 3-5 years. Here are some of the advantages:
- Reduce your electricity bills: Take control of daytime energy costs by generating your own clean power on-site. By partnering with Good Energy, Bridec, Britain’s oldest melamine board manufacturer, saves over £57,000 annually thanks to their 257.07 kWp solar panel system and 104 kWh battery.
- Earn by selling excess power: Good Energy offers enhanced export rates when you sell your surplus electricity back to the grid, boosting your savings further.
- Lower your carbon footprint: A typical installation (77kW peak output) can save around 11 tonnes of CO₂ every year, helping you meet emissions targets and enhance your sustainability credentials.
Solar systems designed for industrial operations
Every manufacturing or warehousing site is unique. That’s why Good Energy works closely with you to design a system optimised for your needs, with future performance, maintenance and scalability in mind.
Maximum output
Our installations can be fitted with SolarEdge optimisers, helping assure reliable system output even if individual panels experience shading or faults.
Minimal disruption
In-built safety features make it simple to isolate and repair any issues, with minimal impact on day-to-day operations.
Battery storage options
If greater energy independence is a priority, you can add battery storage to your system, helping you store solar energy for use during peak times.
Full support
From planning permissions to grid connection upgrades, Good Energy’s solar experts support your project from concept to completion.
Can factories and warehouses make money from solar panels?
By carefully sizing your system, we aim to maximise the amount of generated electricity you can use directly onsite. This is where the greatest savings are achieved, reducing the energy you need to buy from the grid. And, while your system will be optimised to match your daytime demand, there will still be periods (such as evenings, weekends, and other non-operational hours) when surplus energy is generated. At these times, any excess electricity is exported to the grid, creating further economic opportunity for your business.
Good Energy offer Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to buy your exported power with market-leading rates. From simple to bespoke agreements available, the process is designed to be seamless, allowing manufacturing and warehousing sites to get paid for every kWh of surplus solar sent to the grid.
Unlock the potential of your factory or warehouse roof
Your roof is one of your business’s most valuable, yet underused, assets. In fact, UK warehousing alone has the capacity for up to 15GW of new solar power – that’s enough to almost double the UK’s current solar PV capacity. By installing solar panels, you’re not just cutting energy costs, you’re turning your site into a resilient facility that adds long-term value to your business.
“We are extremely impressed by the expertise and commitment both to sustainability and to great service displayed by the Good Energy solar installation team.
“Installing solar is easy. It’s good for business and it’s good for the planet. I really can’t think of a reason not to do it.”
Matthew Stevens, MD, bigHead
Ready to see what solar could do for your business?
Solar panels offer a proven way to cut energy costs, strengthen resilience, and make tangible progress towards sustainability targets.
Get in touch with our solar experts today to start your free, no-obligations consultation and discover how your factory or warehouse roof can work harder for your bottom line.
Read manufacturing and warehousing case studies
Deceuninck
We installed a 1034 kWp optimised solar panel solution for window and door manufacturer Deceuninck. Read their case study here.
bigHead
We installed a 49.05 kWp solar array for manufacturer, bigHead. Read their case study here.
Bridec
We installed a 257 kWp solar array for manufacturer, Bridec. Read their case study here.
