Real Projects, Real Numbers

UK Commercial Solar Case Studies

Every install we deliver is PVSyst-modelled at proposal stage and audited against actual generation in year one. Below is a selection of recent UK SME projects with the actual numbers.

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Accredited and certified for UK commercial solar work

75 kW install on a Bristol marketing agency office

A 45-person digital marketing agency operating from a converted warehouse near Bristol. Existing electricity bill £18,000/year, rising fast. Founders wanted client-visible sustainability commitment.

System
75 kW (138 panels, 1 inverter)
Annual saving
£14,500
Payback
6.5 years
Generation
68,000 kWh/yr

Key Outcome

Asset finance over 6 years — cash-flow positive month one. Lobby display shown to all visitors. Featured in three client pitch decks within first year.

180 kW install on a Manchester light-industrial unit

Family-owned plastics manufacturer in a 1990s industrial estate unit. Electricity spend £58,000/year. Asked for a fast-payback no-fuss design.

System
182 kW (335 panels)
Annual saving
£42,000
Payback
5.8 years
Generation
168,000 kWh/yr

Key Outcome

Self-funded with AIA tax relief. 76% self-consumption. Owner used the install to win a Tier-1 supply contract requiring renewable energy disclosure.

320 kW install on a Cambridge Science Park R&D facility

A 280-employee biotech company operating a 24/7 wet lab and pilot manufacturing line at Cambridge Science Park. Pre-install electricity spend £215,000/year. Required Scope 2 reduction for FTSE 100 customer requirements.

System
320 kW (590 panels)
Annual saving
£68,000
Payback
5.4 years
Generation
290,000 kWh/yr

Key Outcome

AIA + asset finance over 7 years. 96% self-consumption thanks to lab baseload. Used to retain £8.5m supply contract requiring renewable energy disclosure.

180 kW install on a West Yorkshire 3PL warehouse

A regional 3PL operator with a 6,000 sqm warehouse outside Leeds. £62,000/year electricity spend driven by LED lighting, EV chargers for fleet, and refrigerated zones. Owner-occupied with 12-year remaining lease term.

System
182 kW (335 panels)
Annual saving
£42,000
Payback
5.8 years
Generation
168,000 kWh/yr

Key Outcome

Self-funded with AIA tax relief. 76% self-consumption. Owner used the install to win a Tier-1 supply contract requiring renewable energy disclosure.

90 kW install on a Cardiff Bay creative agency office

A 60-person digital marketing agency in a converted warehouse near Cardiff Bay. Existing electricity bill £24,000/year. Founders wanted client-visible sustainability commitment for ESG-mandated clients.

System
90 kW (167 panels)
Annual saving
£17,500
Payback
6.7 years
Generation
82,000 kWh/yr

Key Outcome

Asset finance over 7 years — cash-flow positive month one. Lobby display shown to all visitors. Featured in three client pitch decks within first year.

550 kW ground-mount install on a Lincolnshire agricultural processor

A family-run vegetable processing and packing facility outside Spalding. Electricity spend £165,000/year. Significant unused field area adjacent to packhouse. PV economics complicated by seasonal load (peaks in harvest October-March).

System
550 kW ground-mount (1,015 panels)
Annual saving
£105,000
Payback
5.7 years
Generation
525,000 kWh/yr

Key Outcome

Combined planning permission and DNO connection. AIA + 7-year asset finance. 65% self-consumption (lower self-consumption than rooftop due to seasonal load profile, but offset by larger array making PVSyst yield superior).

125 kW install on a Brighton seafront hotel

A 78-room independent hotel on the Brighton seafront. Listed building (Grade II) with rear roof installation possible. £58,000/year electricity spend. Strong daytime baseload from kitchens, hot water, and HVAC.

System
125 kW (231 panels, rear roof only)
Annual saving
£26,500
Payback
7.1 years
Generation
110,000 kWh/yr

Key Outcome

Conservation Officer pre-application consultation. Black-on-black panels chosen for visual minimisation. PPA route chosen — zero capex, immediate savings. Featured in Trip Advisor reviews as a sustainability differentiator.

Specialist Sister Sites

Commercial Solar Across the UK

A network of specialist UK commercial solar sites — each focused on a sector or region we know inside out.

For multi-site portfolios and large industrial estates, talk to UK commercial solar specialists.

Production unit or factory? See our sister specialist site for solar PV for manufacturing facilities.

Distribution or 3PL? Talk to our specialist team for warehouse rooftop solar.

Hotel, conference venue, or restaurant chain? See commercial solar for hospitality.

Multi-academy trust or independent school? Visit solar for schools and academies.

Need capital-light finance? Our finance specialists at commercial solar finance and PPA.

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