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From Roof to Revenue: How Warehouses Can Cut Costs and Cash In on Solar

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  • /From Roof to Revenue: How Warehouses Can Cut Costs and Cash In on Solar

Overview

Warehousing is energy-hungry. Refrigeration, lighting, automation and round-the-clock operations all drive bills sky-high. Add in volatile grid prices and pressure to hit net zero, and it’s no wonder operators are searching for smart ways to cut costs and stay competitive.

 

The answer could be right above your head. Large warehouse roofs are an untapped asset. Im this blog we look at how, with a solar installation, that space becomes your own power plant - cutting bills by around a third every year, protecting you from grid volatility and even creating new revenue streams by selling surplus power back to the grid.

 

For cost-conscious operators, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make.

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From Roof to Revenue: How Warehouses Can Cut Costs and Cash In on Solar

Cut your bills by a third
On average, warehouses that install rooftop solar can save around a third on their electricity bills annually. And with ROI typically within three to four years, sometimes just two for high-consumption sites, the financial benefits arrive fast.

 

Take our solar installation at HB Humphries in Kettering. Their 145 kWp system is saving almost £29,000 a year on energy bills and will deliver more than £770,000 profit over 20 years, all while cutting 378 tonnes of CO₂. That’s a roof space working hard for the business’s bottom line.

 

Protect against price volatility
Energy costs aren’t just high, they’re unpredictable. Solar shields your business and puts you in control. By generating your own electricity on-site, you reduce reliance on the grid and stabilise one of your biggest operating expenses.

 

At Cummins Logistics in Daventry, our installation is expected to generate nearly 1.4 million kWh a year. That translates to a projected £7.8 million profit over 20 years and 5,380 tonnes of CO₂ saved. Proof that solar doesn’t just reduce exposure to price spikes, it delivers long-term energy security.

 

No capex? No problem
Not every business can commit upfront capital for solar. That’s where Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) come in. With a PPA, Plug me in funds and installs the system at no cost to you. You simply buy the solar power at a cheaper rate than the grid.

 

That’s exactly what Voestalpine Rotec UK - a high-consumption automotive manufacturer, did. Their system now powers offices, warehousing and manufacturing facilities under a PPA, saving them more than £8,000 a year on fuel bills and cutting over 150 tonnes of carbon. Find out more about our finance options. 

 

From roof to revenue
Your warehouse roof isn’t just overhead, it’s an asset waiting to work harder. Solar can cut your bills, protect your business from volatile energy prices and even create a new income stream. And with ROI measured in just a few years, the sooner you start, the faster you save.

 

At Plug me in, we’ve helped logistics operators and manufacturers across the UK turn wasted roof space into cost-cutting, revenue-generating solar installations. With proven results, flexible funding and fast payback, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.

 

Turn your warehouse roof into revenue. Talk to us today about a solar installation.

Further reading
Powering Profits: How Solar Transforms Warehouses into High-Value, Future-Ready Assets
In this blog we explore how warehouse landlords that invest in solar can create an asset that stands out in a crowded market, expect an increase in property value and strengthened tenant relations.
Keeping Warehouses Powered Through the Peaks: How Solar and Storage Safeguard Operations Against Grid Instability
In this blog, we explore what’s driving grid instability, why it’s becoming a growing risk for warehouse operations, and how on-site solar and battery storage provide a powerful solution.
Meeting Customer Demands for Green Supply Chains: Solar as a Competitive Advantage in Manufacturing
In this blog we explore how installing solar is one of the fastest, most visible ways to cut emissions, lower costs and turn sustainability into a genuine competitive edge.
From Production Lines to Profit Lines: How Solar Powers Smarter Manufacturing
In this blog, we explore how rising energy costs are reshaping UK manufacturing, why energy has become a strategic issue for productivity and competitiveness - and how solar is helping UK manufacturers turn one of their biggest overheads into a long-term advantage.
Sun-Powered Supply Chains: Boost Your ESG Score with Solar
Refrigeration. Lighting. Automation. Round-the-clock operations. There’s no doubt that warehouses and logistics hubs eat electricity. This has a massive impact on their carbon footprint and bottom line. In this blog we explore how solar is a simple solution that tackles both.
From Roof to Revenue: How Warehouses Can Cut Costs and Cash In on Solar
Warehousing is energy-hungry. Refrigeration, lighting, automation and round-the-clock operations all drive bills sky-high. Add in volatile grid prices and pressure to hit net zero, and it’s no wonder operators are searching for smart ways to cut costs and stay competitive. In this blog we expore how warehouse operators can cut costs by cashing in on solar.
Don’t Pay for Carbon Twice – How Solar Protects You from CBAM Costs
Carbon now comes with a cost. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — coming into force in 2026, with the UK following in 2027 — charges for emissions embedded in imports of high-carbon goods like steel, cement and aluminium. Investing in onsite solar is a smart way to cut emissions, reduce CBAM costs, and stay competitive
From Obligation to Opportunity: How Solar Helps You Meet Net Zero Targets
UK carbon rules are tightening, but onsite solar lets businesses cut emissions, stay compliant, and turn net zero obligations into a competitive advantage.
Rising Energy Costs: Why Solar is the Intelligent Choice for UK Businesses
Wholesale energy costs are rising again. Ofgem recently confirmed a rise in the domestic energy price cap in October. While this cap doesn’t apply to businesses, it signals a trend: wholesale prices are creeping upwards again. For businesses that will mean higher bills and squeezed margins.
The Benefits of Solar Panels for Commercial Landlords
As energy costs continue to rise and sustainability becomes a business priority, many commercial landlords are exploring the benefits of solar PV systems. Installing solar panels on commercial properties provides landlords with an opportunity to reduce costs, increase property value, and create new revenue streams while also supporting environmental goals.