Sectors

Solar across every sector

Wherever there is a large roof and daytime demand, solar can make a strong business case. How much of the solar a site uses itself is what drives the return.

Illustration of an industrial process site with solar on warehouse roofs and a ground-mounted array next to the plant
A large industrial site: solar on warehouse roofs with a ground-mounted array alongside. Illustration.

Industrial and commercial

Factories, warehouses, distribution centres, retail and leisure. Big roofs and daytime demand.

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NHS and healthcare

Hospitals use power around the clock, and the NHS is committed to net zero by 2040 for its direct emissions.

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Councils and cities

Schools, leisure centres, depots and car parks, and how to fund them now the PSDS has ended.

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Data centres

What rooftop solar can and cannot do for a facility running 24/7, and where the bigger wins are.

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Typical figures by sector

Use these ranges as a starting point for the "solar used on site" input in the calculator.

SectorTypical systemSolar used on site
Manufacturing200 kWp to 2 MWp
65 to 85%
Logistics and warehousing500 kWp to 5 MWp
40 to 70%
Retail and leisure100 kWp to 1 MWp
60 to 80%
Healthcare50 kWp to 2 MWp
55 to 80%
Education30 to 500 kWp
70 to 90%
Agriculture and rural50 kWp to 5 MWp
30 to 65%
Education

Schools, colleges and universities

Solar generation lines up well with the school and college day, and schools typically use 70 to 90% of what they generate. Universities with large estates can host substantial systems across many buildings.

Great British Energy's Solar Partnerships Scheme is funding solar on more than 250 schools, and its Local Power Plan offers further support for public buildings. Live generation data also makes a useful teaching resource.

Agriculture

Farms and rural businesses

Barn and outbuilding roofs are often ideal for solar, and lower-grade land can host ground-mounted arrays while still being grazed. Demand on farms varies a lot, so typical on-site use is 30 to 65%.

Batteries can shift midday solar into the evening for refrigeration, drying and processing, which raises the share you use yourself.

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