MIZANPOWER INSIGHT
Commercial Solar for Warehouses: Roof Space Is Only Half the Story
UK warehouse roofs offer large solar potential, but site demand and project structure determine the commercial case.
The opportunity is real
The UK Government's Solar Roadmap cites industry research estimating around 75 million m² of roof space across the largest 20% of UK warehouses, with roughly 15 GW of rooftop solar potential.
But roof size is not enough
A high-energy logistics hub, refrigerated warehouse and low-use storage shed can have completely different economics even with similar roofs. The important question is where the generated electricity goes.
What the published savings figure means
The same government roadmap cites an industry estimate of 40–80% potential annual electricity-cost reduction from warehouse solar. That is sector-level research, not a site guarantee. Real savings depend on demand, tariff, export, grid and final design.
Then choose the structure
CAPEX can maximise ownership and control. PPA or finance can reduce upfront capital. Site tenure, cost of capital and contract terms decide which route is stronger.