Solar Panels for Launderettes & Car Washes

Launderettes and coin-operated car washes are among the highest electricity consumers per square metre of any UK business. Industrial washing machines draw 2-4kW each. Commercial tumble dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances in existence at 5-10kW each. For a 10-machine launderette running continuously from 7am to 10pm, electricity costs of £12,000-£25,000 per year are not unusual.

Automated car washes present a similar profile. High-pressure pumps, drying blowers, roller brush motors, water heating systems, and computerised control equipment combine to make a busy car wash one of the most energy-hungry businesses on a typical retail park.

Solar ROI for High-Energy Businesses

The economics of solar improve as a business energy bill grows. For a launderette spending £18,000 per year on electricity, a 20kW solar system generating 17,000 kWh annually and saving £4,000-£6,000 per year delivers a payback of 4-5 years. Remaining system life of 20+ years delivers cumulative savings of £80,000-£120,000 from a single investment of £18,000-£25,000.

Because launderettes and car washes typically operate from early morning to late evening, there is good overlap between operating hours and solar generation. Battery storage can extend benefits into early morning and late evening trading periods.

Hot Water Diversion

Solar can also be connected to an immersion diverter (such as the Eddi or Solar iBoost) to heat hot water tanks using surplus generation. For launderettes where hot water is a significant cost, this provides an additional savings channel beyond direct electricity offsets.