Electricity and energy consumption are major expenses for manufacturing and logistics businesses, as they need them to operate machinery, illuminate and heat their facilities, and transport their goods. Warehouse solar panels can significantly reduce these costs and enhance the company’s financial performance, while also contributing to its sustainability objectives.
Installing commercial solar panels on your warehouse
Warehouses are known for their large size and flat surfaces, which make them suitable for photovoltaic panel installation. The panels can be optimally placed to maximize solar exposure and multiple arrays can be fitted on spacious rooftops. Since warehouses are usually located in industrial zones with other commercial buildings, the visual appeal of warehouse solar panels is less of a concern than in residential or rural areas. On the contrary, warehouse solar panels can enhance the appearance of a bland roof and encourage nearby businesses to adopt them as well.
A long-term business investment
Commercial renewable energy projects are most effective when the business plan allows for long-term investment. Warehouse solar panels entail an upfront cost for their acquisition and installation, as well as ongoing expenses for annual service and regular maintenance. However, the longer the warehouse solar panels operate, the more they can reduce the company’s energy expenditure on heating, lighting, and machinery. Excess electricity can also be fed back to the National Grid, generating additional revenue for the commercial property over time.
Climate change, sustainability and the journey to net zero
Business plans and corporate objectives are increasingly aligned with the green agenda. Manufacturing and logistics businesses have higher carbon and energy footprints than other sectors. Hence, warehouse solar panels can significantly mitigate the carbon impact of fossil fuels and promote the transition to renewable energy sources. Warehouse solar panels can generate electricity that can enhance the sustainability performance of these businesses and help them achieve their targets of lowering carbon emissions and reaching net zero.
Employee engagement and productive PR
Climate change initiatives are a key factor for many companies to attract qualified employees and promote their environmental efforts in the media. Increasingly, people prefer to work for companies that share their values of sustainability and conservation. Finding and retaining skilled manufacturing and logistics staff is challenging due to the high demand and competition. Displaying your warehouse solar panels that help reduce fossil fuel dependence can be a powerful incentive for potential employees. Moreover, warehouse solar panels can enhance your company’s PR and marketing materials. They provide appealing visuals for promotional photos and the data on how much energy is generated, stored and sold to the National Grid can reinforce your green agenda.
Future proofing for your warehouse business
Warehouse solar panels are the beginning of a company-wide transition to renewable energy and green electricity production. An effective and efficient solar panel system can motivate other actions that will make the company more resilient. Reducing dependence on oil, gas and other fossil fuels for manufacturing or logistics operations can offer stability in times of geopolitical and conflict uncertainty. The concept can extend to other facets of the business. For instance, electric or hybrid vehicles can transport goods and move pallets in the warehouse. Employees can be encouraged to use electric vehicles for their daily commute. Electric charging stations and bike racks can be set up in the parking lot. These can be powered by warehouse solar panels to enhance the alignment between existing green energy initiatives and employees’ sustainable resources.
Are you ready to invest in Commercial Solar Panels & convert to clean energy?
If you are a UK business owner and interested in learning more about how much money you could save with a Commercial Solar PV System, contact our expert solar energy team today. We specialise in commercial solar panels in Essex, but we also do installations across the south-east of the UK. By filling out our contact form, our team will provide you with a free no-obligation quote to install a bespoke commercial solar PV system, catered to your business energy needs. Call us on 01268 928 690 or click the ‘Enquire Now’ button below to claim your free no-obligation quote & commercial solar PV system design.
NXTGEN Energy – Your Trusted Solar Energy Solutions Partner 💚
FAQ: Commercial Solar Panels
Commercial solar is the use of solar energy to power businesses, such as factories and offices. Commercial solar panels are usually bigger than residential ones, because they need to capture more sunlight and produce more electricity. The most common types of commercial solar panels are Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline solar panels, which are also used in homes. By switching to solar energy, businesses can lower their energy bills and their environmental impact.
Saving money is the main reason why businesses in the UK go solar. You can lower your energy bills and use the extra cash for other things. Current UK Government incentives make it even better. Going solar is good for the environment too. It lowers the carbon footprint of the business, and many people care about that and choose where to work or buy based on that information. Setting these solar energy goals early will make the solar research easier. It will help with the proposal and ROI (Return On Investment) analysis when you talk to a solar design team, like NXTGEN Energy Ltd.
Commercial solar is not the same for everyone. Each solar PV system is different. The price depends on your solar energy goals and your building details. For example, roof space, and infrastructure. How much energy do you use during the day or the night? How much tax do you pay and can solar incentives help? These and other factors affect the cost and the energy output of commercial solar panels. A good commercial solar consultant, like the team at NXTGEN Energy can help you with the process and give you a savings and cost estimate that matches your goals and facility.
Cutting costs is always a good idea for any business in the UK. Solar energy is a great option for that. It may seem pricey at first for your business, but it pays off in the long run. The advantages of solar panels are much bigger than their cost.
Most businesses and community buildings can install solar panels without planning permission, as long as they follow some rules. These rules are meant to reduce the visual impact of the solar panels on the building and the local area.
For example, the solar panels should not stick out too much from the roof or the wall, or be too close to the edge. They should also not face a road in some protected areas, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ground-mounted solar panels should not be bigger than 9m2.
However, some buildings or sites that are historically important, such as listed buildings or ancient monuments, need planning permission to install solar panels. The same applies to solar PV systems that are larger than 50kW.
If you are not sure about the planning requirements for your solar panel installation, you can always ask us at NXTGEN Energy. We have years of experience in the solar industry and we can help you with any solar questions.
A solar battery can store the excess electricity that your solar panels produce, so you can use it later when you need it. This can be useful if your business works outside normal business hours or has a large rooftop that can generate more solar power than you use. However, not every business needs a solar battery. It depends on how much energy you use and when. To find out if a solar battery is right for you, you can book a free consultation and survey with us at NXTGEN Energy. We will design a commercial solar PV system that suits your needs. Call us today on 01268 928 690 to book!
Solar panels do not work if the National Grid is down. This is for technical and regulatory reasons. Technically, solar panels make power when the sun is up. They send extra power to the National Grid for a credit. They get power from the National Grid when they need more. This is a balance. Commercial solar helps you buy less power in the day and save money. Regulations are the other reason. Solar arrays can be dangerous for repair crews if they send power to the National Grid during outages. So energy rules say solar arrays must shut down when the National Grid is down.
Latest Solar Panel Posts
- Guide to Solar Powered Generators☀️ Solar powered generators are generally small, quiet and ideal for camping or boating trips. ☀️ Solar powered generators are usually easier to maintain than fossil fuel-powered generators. ☀️ Solar powered generators can be expensive, and don’t always have a high power output. Solar energy is essential for a greener future. And portable solar powered… Read more: Guide to Solar Powered Generators
- Why Leisure Centres Should Invest in Solar PanelsIn recent years, the concept of sustainability has become increasingly vital in various industries, including leisure centres. As the global focus shifts towards environmental conservation and renewable energy sources, leisure centres are recognizing the importance of investing in sustainable practices to reduce their operating costs and their carbon footprint. One such sustainable solution gaining traction… Read more: Why Leisure Centres Should Invest in Solar Panels
- Solar Panels and EPC RatingsSolar panels have become increasingly popular as a sustainable energy solution, offering numerous benefits for both residential and commercial properties. In parallel, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings serve as indicators of a building’s energy efficiency. Understanding how solar panels can impact EPC ratings is crucial for maximizing energy savings and environmental benefits. This blog post… Read more: Solar Panels and EPC Ratings
- SunSynk Batteries: Innovative Energy StorageSunSynk Batteries have emerged as a leading solution in the realm of energy storage, offering a range of innovative features and benefits that cater to various applications. With a focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technology, SunSynk Batteries have captured the attention of residential, commercial, and industrial consumers alike. This blog post delves into the intricate… Read more: SunSynk Batteries: Innovative Energy Storage
- Solar Industry Update: Battery Installations in LoftsThe British Standards Institute (BSI) has recently released new recommendations regarding home battery installations, including those in loft spaces. One common inquiry we receive from our customers following the publication of the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) is whether a solar battery can be installed in a loft. The answer is a resounding yes, with some… Read more: Solar Industry Update: Battery Installations in Lofts
- Voltage Optimisers, What Are They and How Do They Work?What is voltage optimisation? A voltage optimiser is a smart device that can help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. It works by adjusting the power supply from the National Grid to the ideal level for your electrical devices and appliances at home or work. This way, you can use less electricity and… Read more: Voltage Optimisers, What Are They and How Do They Work?
- Powering Care with Sunshine: How Solar Panels Benefit Nursing HomesNursing homes are the backbone of our communities, providing essential care for our elderly population. But keeping these facilities running smoothly requires a significant amount of energy – lighting, heating, cooling and medical equipment all contribute to a hefty energy bill. This is where commercial solar panels come in, offering a win-win solution for both… Read more: Powering Care with Sunshine: How Solar Panels Benefit Nursing Homes
- Who are NXTGEN Energy Ltd?NXTGEN Energy Ltd are a solar energy company based in Rayleigh, Essex, UK. They specialize in the installation of solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle chargers for homes and businesses across the UK. They are MCS certified, which means they meet the Microgeneration Certification Scheme’s standards for quality and safety. This makes them… Read more: Who are NXTGEN Energy Ltd?
- String Inverter vs Microinverter: Centralized vs ModularImagine waking up to a sunny morning, not just because the birds are chirping, but because your roof is silently turning sunlight into clean energy for your entire home. That’s the beauty of solar power, but with all the different equipment options, it can feel overwhelming. One crucial decision you’ll face is choosing between string… Read more: String Inverter vs Microinverter: Centralized vs Modular
- Why UK Homeowners with Solar Panels Need Bird Proofing (Beyond the Basics)Imagine waking up to the quiet hum of your solar panels, generating clean energy to power your home. It’s a beautiful image, symbolizing lower electricity bills and sustainability. But what if a gang of birds decided the solar panels on your roof were the perfect spot for their new condo complex? Unfortunately, this idyllic scene… Read more: Why UK Homeowners with Solar Panels Need Bird Proofing (Beyond the Basics)
- How AI could supercharge your solar panelsImagine stepping outside on a crisp January morning, a mug of steaming tea warming your hands. You glance at your rooftop, not with dread at energy bills, but with a mischievous grin. Why? Because the sun, that cheeky orb in the sky, is being squeezed for every juicy watt it holds thanks to your AI-powered… Read more: How AI could supercharge your solar panels
- New solar panel concept could reduce payback time to just five yearsResearchers have conducted a comprehensive analysis and determined that a ground-breaking renewable energy concept has the potential to significantly reduce the payback period for solar panels to less than five years. This innovative approach, known as agrivoltaics or Agri-PV, involves the integration of solar farms with “shadow-friendly” crops. A team of experts from the esteemed… Read more: New solar panel concept could reduce payback time to just five years