Manufacturing
Commercial solar for manufacturing
For manufacturers, electricity is often one of the largest controllable overheads.
For manufacturers, electricity is often one of the largest controllable overheads. On-site solar PV and battery storage cut that cost and hedge against volatile grid prices — with no capital outlay when funded through a Power Purchase Agreement.
Manufacturing runs on power. Motors, compressors, ovens, injection moulding and process cooling create a heavy, consistent daytime load that lines up neatly with solar generation, so a high share of the energy you produce is used on the line.
Because energy is such a big slice of unit cost, even a modest reduction in your pence-per-kWh rate flows straight to the bottom line — and a fixed PPA rate makes budgeting far more predictable.
Why it fits
Why manufacturing suit solar & battery
High, steady daytime load
Continuous process demand means excellent solar self-consumption — you use what you generate rather than exporting it.
A hedge against price shocks
A fixed PPA rate insulates a big part of your energy bill from wholesale market swings, protecting margins.
Own it and claim allowances
If you would rather own the system, hire purchase or outright purchase can qualify for capital allowances — worth discussing with your accountant.
Cut Scope 2 emissions
On-site renewable generation lowers reported emissions and supports tender requirements and customer sustainability audits.
Fund it your way
Zero upfront, or own it outright
Most manufacturing choose a PPA for zero upfront cost and a fully managed system. If you would rather own the asset and claim the tax benefits, hire purchase or outright purchase (CapEx) may suit you better.
Questions
Manufacturing solar FAQs
Our processes run three shifts — is solar still worth it?
Yes. Daytime shifts capture solar directly, and battery storage plus a smart tariff can support night running by storing cheaper off-peak or self-generated energy for later use.
Should we fund it as a PPA or buy it outright?
Both work. A PPA means zero upfront cost and no maintenance; outright purchase or hire purchase means you own the asset and may claim capital allowances. We help you compare on our funding options page.
More industries
Solar for other sectors
Explore commercial solar, battery storage, funding options or read our guide to PPAs.
Ready to cut your manufacturing energy bills?
Get a free, no-obligation proposal — a tailored system design and a fixed rate at least 30% below your current supplier.