Commercial solar case studies from UK businesses
Real results from businesses that have installed commercial solar through nu.energy. These examples illustrate the range of system sizes, building types and financial outcomes.
Midlands manufacturing plant — 150 kWp
Business: Metal fabrication company, West Midlands. 2,500m² factory with flat roof.
System: 150 kWp ballast-mounted on flat roof. 340 x 440W monocrystalline panels. SolarEdge inverters with power optimisers.
Cost: £120,000 (before AIA tax relief). Net cost after 25% corporation tax deduction: £90,000.
Performance: Generating 142,000 kWh per year. 78% self-consumption (high daytime energy use from CNC machines and compressors). Annual saving: £35,200 in avoided grid costs plus £1,560 in SEG exports.
Payback: 2.4 years (after AIA). 25-year projected saving: £830,000.
Yorkshire distribution warehouse — 80 kWp
Business: E-commerce fulfilment centre near Leeds. 1,800m² warehouse with mezzanine offices.
System: 80 kWp flat roof installation. East-west configuration to match full-day operations.
Cost: £68,000 (net £51,000 after AIA).
Performance: 74,000 kWh per year. 65% self-consumption (lighting, conveyor systems, office HVAC). Annual saving: £16,300.
Payback: 3.1 years (after AIA). 25-year projected saving: £350,000.
Somerset dairy farm — 50 kWp ground mounted
Business: 300-acre dairy farm with milking parlour and cold storage. Barn roofs unsuitable (asbestos).
System: 50 kWp ground mounted on marginal pasture. Sheep grazing maintained under panels.
Cost: £52,000. REAP grant covered £13,000 (25%). Net cost: £39,000 (before AIA).
Performance: 48,000 kWh per year. 72% self-consumption (milking parlour, bulk tank cooling, lighting). Annual saving: £11,500.
Payback: 2.3 years (after REAP and AIA). 25-year projected saving: £250,000.
Get results like these
Every building and business is different. Request your free, no-obligation quotes through nu.energy and find out what commercial solar could deliver for your business.