Solar panels for UK logistics and distribution centres
The big-shed roof is the largest untapped solar resource in UK industry. Here's how national DCs and 3PLs are turning warehouse portfolios into MW-scale, PPA-funded generation.
Typical system sizes
Small parcel depot (5,000 m²)
200–400 kWp. £180k–£380k. £40k–£80k/yr savings. Pairs well with 22 kW van chargers.
Regional DC (25,000 m²)
1–2 MWp. Often PPA-funded on a 15-year contract at 7–9p/kWh — undercutting import prices by ~50%.
National shed (60,000 m²+)
3–5 MWp roof plus 2–4 MW HGV depot charging. Requires early DNO engagement — connection queues run 12–36 months.
Multi-site 3PL portfolio
PPA rollout across 10–40 sheds. Central monitoring, sub-metering per tenant, and CDP-aligned reporting.
Solar plus HGV depot charging
Depot electrification is expensive without on-site generation. Pairing a 3–5 MWp roof array, a 2–4 MWh battery and smart charging lets a 100-tractor eHGV depot avoid £2m+ of DNO reinforcement.
FAQ
Is solar worth it for a 3PL warehouse?
Yes — big sheds have huge roofs and daytime baseload from MHE charging, HVAC and lighting. Self-consumption of 60–75% is common, and PPAs remove upfront cost entirely. Payback is 5–7 years on a capex basis.
How does an HGV depot integrate with solar?
Electric HGVs need 350–750 kW chargers with daytime top-ups between rounds. Solar covers a meaningful share of the top-up energy, and a battery lets you avoid peak import when the whole depot returns at 6pm. Together this can halve the marginal cost of switching to electric HGVs.
Can a landlord install and bill tenants for solar power?
Yes — a landlord PPA or sub-metering arrangement lets the property owner install solar and sell the output to the occupier at a fixed p/kWh, typically 20–30% below grid. Well-designed contracts also transfer O&M risk to the installer.
How long is the DNO connection queue?
For anything above 500 kW export, UK DNO connection dates in 2026 are typically 18–36 months out. Most large logistics projects request G100 zero-export instead — output caps at import demand and the solar can be installed on a standard timeline.
What tax treatment applies?
Full Expensing (100% first-year corporation tax relief) applies to solar assets bought outright. PPA structures don't attract capital allowances for the occupier but move the cost off balance sheet.
Design an MW-scale logistics solar rollout
Read next
Related guides & sector pages
Are commercial solar panels worth it?
The 2026 UK business case — payback, IRR and risk.
Read GuideBenefits of commercial solar panels
Why UK businesses invest in rooftop solar.
Read GuideBest commercial solar panels 2026
Top panel brands compared for UK commercial roofs.
Read SectorWarehouses & logistics
Large-roof solar for 3PLs and distribution hubs.
ReadRequest your free feasibility review
Share a few details and our team will send a no-obligation review of your site — indicative system size, annual generation, savings and payback. Prefer to explore numbers yourself first? Run the calculator or contact us directly.
- MCS & RECC accredited installer
- Response within one working day
- No cost, no obligation