As the warehouse sector possesses approximately a third of all commercial roof space, it has the potential to double the UK’s solar PV capacity, which means the warehousing sector alone could deliver the entire UK requirement for 2030 forecast by the National Grid future energy scenarios (FES).
Laurence Robinson, Senior Analyst at Delta-EE and co-author of the report, says: “Warehouse rooftop solar panels can play a significant role in delivering local renewable energy, particularly in urban areas where limited alternative options are available due to land and planning constraints.
“The UK’s 20% largest warehouses can provide 75million square metres of roof space, avoiding the need to develop new land equivalent to the footprint of 500,000 houses.”
Commenting on the report, Chief Executive of UKWA Clare Bottle said: “As energy costs continue to rise, it is essential that we seize this opportunity to potentially double UK’s solar PV capacity and massively reduce electricity costs for businesses in this vital sector. The current crisis in Ukraine has underlined the necessity for a more secure power supply for the UK and adopting solar PV across the country clearly supports the journey towards the government’s 2050 net zero targets.
“UKWA is calling on the government to support the sector in embracing solar PV as it transitions to electrification with transport fleets, forklifts and other mechanical handling equipment (MHE), automation and robotics, all of which will drive up requirement for low-cost, sustainable electricity.”
Solar PV is widely predicted to be a major part of future sustainability, providing low cost, secure and green electricity, but so far this option has been largely unexplored and untapped in the warehousing sector. Although warehousing is in a unique position for the installation of this type of green power, providing an unparalleled amount of accessible, unobstructed roof space close to industrial and residential centres.
Unlike utility scale solar, warehouse rooftop solar does not compete with farmland, and the panels are also becoming an increasingly affordable source of renewable energy.
Based on the new report, UKWA has created a compelling evidence-based policy paper for government to demonstrate that solar PV on warehouses delivers clear environmental and cost benefits, not only to businesses in the sector, but to the UK as a whole.
UKWA has developed a solar PV installation tookit, a step-by-step guide for members keen to adopt solar PV and reap the benefits of lower costs, increased energy security and reduced carbon emissions.
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