Solar Panel Installation for Manufacturers
Manufacturers can cut their energy bills by up to 70% with rooftop solar. The roof is otherwise dead space, but prime real estate for commercial solar. Coupled with high electricity demands, solar makes perfect sense.
Turn your roof into an on-site generator of clean, green, free electricity.
Free business solar assessment
Why Commercial Solar for Manufacturers?
The primary benefit is a significant reduction in operational overheads by generating free electricity on-site. This provides the manufacturing business with protection against rising and volatile grid electricity prices, effectively locking in a lower, predictable energy cost. Manufacturers can also gain a rapid Return on Investment (ROI), often achieving a payback period of under 7 years, and potentially benefit from tax incentives like the Annual Investment Allowance on the capital cost.
Many manufacturing sites and warehouses possess expansive roof space that is currently unused. Failing to utilise their entire property means manufacturing businesses could be missing a significant opportunity. Your premises can do much more than just house your daily operations.
This valuable roof area is perfect for hosting a solar PV panel installation. Generating your own power through solar panels offers substantial financial benefits for your business while simultaneously protecting you from energy price increases and improving your environmental credentials.
Ready to cut costs and achieve your sustainability goals?
Case Study: Fluke
Electronics manufacturing company Fluke installed a large 480kWp solar PV system across two factory roofs to advance their global sustainability journey and reduce long-term operating costs.
Geo Green Power completed the installation after accommodating Fluke’s preference for asset financing, which reduced their upfront capital expenditure and improved cash flow.
The system is estimated to generate 380,000kWh of energy annually and save 95 tonnes of carbon emissions, with the client praising the installation team’s professionalism and efficiency.
Tailored Solar Power for Manufacturers
Geo Green Power has partnered with numerous manufacturing businesses and large industrial operators across the UK, successfully developing bespoke renewable energy systems for their specific production needs. The trend for manufacturers is clear: they are increasingly choosing to take control of volatile energy costs by investing in renewable energy. By doing so, they are not only securing their future power supply but also adding value to their properties and actively supporting a low-carbon future through the adoption of solar power in the industrial sector.
Types of Manufacturers we partner with include: Aerospace and Defence, Automotive, Chemical and Pharmaceutical, Electronics and Technology, Food and Beverage, Textiles and Apparel, Heavy Industry/Machinery, Wood, Paper, and Printing.
Recent solar panel installations for manufacturers
Solar Guide for Manufacturing Plants
We’ve produced the ultimate guide to solar, specifically for the manufacturing sector.
Aimed at Operations Directors, Plant Managers, and Sustainability Leads, this guide takes you through everything you need to know about how solar PV can transform your facility’s energy profile.
Case Study: Sodick
Geo Green Power completed a 214kWp solar PV installation at the European headquarters of Sodick Europe in Warwick, supporting the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable product design and Net Zero growth. This bespoke system is projected to generate 184,000kWh of clean electricity annually, resulting in expected energy bill savings of over £37,000 per year and an annual reduction in carbon emissions by 46 tonnes. Chosen for their strong industry credentials and customer referrals, the Geo Green Power team successfully delivered an efficient installation that empowers Sodick to power their world-leading machining manufacturing facility with renewable energy while significantly reducing operational overheads.
How We Install Solar for Manufacturers
When planning your system, our expert team meticulously assesses crucial factors:
- The vast, available space on your facility’s roof or land
- Your facility’s current, heavy energy consumption patterns.
- The likelihood of future energy demand increases due to new production lines or machinery
Our design ensures that your solar solution is comprehensive and scalable. It addresses essential operational needs, including integrating battery storage for energy resilience, the provision of a backup power supply for critical processes, or enabling the export of surplus power to the grid.
Crucially, installation planning is focused on zero disruption. We schedule all work, including managing deliveries and access, around your strict production times. Any necessary power interruptions are executed outside of core operating hours to guarantee seamless continuity.
Case Study: Rapala
Geo Green Power has helped Rapala VMC (formerly Dynamite Baits) significantly reduce its carbon footprint and energy overheads through a bespoke 143kWp solar PV installation at its Cotgrave facility. The system, comprising 356 panels across the factory and office roofs, generates approximately 106,000kWh of clean electricity annually, covering roughly 25% of the site’s energy needs and saving over 37 tonnes of CO2 per year. This investment has led to annual energy cost savings exceeding £50,000, with the company expecting a full return on investment within just four years. The project was completed while the site remained fully operational, further supporting Rapala’s ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral alongside their existing use of LED lighting, biodiesel, and organic waste recycling.
Investment for Manufacturing Solar PV
Every manufacturing solar PV project is unique, and the required investment will vary. The cost of your installation is influenced by factors such as the size of the system, the complexity of the factory roof structure (e.g., roof type, plant layout), and specific installation requirements like the need for specialist health and safety protocols or crane access to avoid impacting production schedules.
If you are interested in finding out what you would need to spend to achieve a healthy return and significant energy cost savings for continuous production, we can provide a strong indication over the phone. We will then finalise a detailed proposal after conducting a thorough, on-site survey of your manufacturing premises.
|
System Size |
Costs |
|
50kW |
£45,000 |
|
100kW |
£70,000 |
|
250kW |
£165,000 |
|
500kW |
£300,000 |
Solar Funding Options for Manufacturers
Investing in commercial solar doesn’t have to mean large upfront costs. There are several funding routes available to help manufacturers make the switch to clean energy—while protecting cash flow and improving ROI.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
A Power Purchase Agreement allows you to install a solar PV system with no upfront capital investment. A third-party investor funds the system and sells you the electricity at a lower rate than your current supplier. This is ideal for manufacturers wanting to cut costs and carbon without tying up capital.
Learn more about Power Purchase Agreements for solar projects →
Asset Finance
Spread the cost of your solar installation over time with asset finance, such as lease or hire purchase agreements. This allows manufacturers to preserve working capital while still benefiting from reduced energy costs and potential tax efficiencies.
Find out about asset finance and hire purchase for solar →
Government Grants & Incentives
Eligible manufacturers may be able to access regional or national grant funding, especially for projects that support sustainability or decarbonisation goals. These can significantly lower the cost of your solar project and improve payback periods.
We felt that Geo Green Power’s values aligned with our own in terms of customer service, quality and sustainability goals.
Jacquie Silvester
Head of Sustainability
The Cotswold Company
We have a system designed specifically to optimise energy production at our site and the Geo Green team did a great job – they were highly professional and completed their work on time and on budget.
Dave Spence
Operations Manager & Sustainability Ambassador
Dynamite Baits
Very refreshing that Geo Green did what they said they would and thought about the fine details of how to complete it safely and efficiently.
Adam Reeves
Engineering Manager
F.Ball & Co
Investment for Manufacturing Solar PV
For more information about commercial solar panels for manufacturing, or to learn exactly how your business can benefit from renewable energy and secure your production power, we invite you to get in touch.
Call us directly on 0800 988 3188 or simply send us a message using our online enquiry form, and we will ensure a swift response.
Solar Panels for Manufacturers’ FAQs
What is the ROI and Payback Period for a Factory System?
Due to high, consistent daytime demand, manufacturers typically see a rapid Return on Investment (ROI). The payback period for the system cost is often 4 to 7 years, driven by substantial reductions in peak-time energy spending.
Can Solar Protect Our Production from Power Interruptions?
Yes. While solar alone does not provide 24/7 power, when integrated with a battery storage system, it offers a crucial backup power supply to prevent costly stoppages and protect sensitive machinery during grid outages.
How much Disruption will the Installation Cause to our Operations?
Our planning focuses on zero disruption. Installation work is carefully managed around your production schedule, and any necessary power-downs are strictly completed out of production hours to ensure continuity.
Is Our Large Roof Space Suitable for Supporting Solar Panels?
We conduct a full structural survey. Large, flat manufacturing roofs are ideal, and we ensure the system is correctly weighted and mounted to maximise the available space without compromising the building’s structural integrity.
Will the Solar System Handle Our Future Energy Needs (e.g., Electrification)?
Yes. The system is custom-designed based on your current load and future energy forecasts (e.g., adding new machinery or transitioning to electric vehicle fleets), ensuring the installation is sized for long-term growth and has the flexibility to scale alongside your plans for growth.

