Rising costs and economic uncertainty mean UK manufacturers are turning to solar energy as a viable solution to reduce overheads, enhance sustainability and secure energy costs for the future.
Geo Green Power, the UK’s leading commercial solar installer, is at the forefront of this transition, offering tailored solar solutions that deliver significant savings and long-term stability. And growth of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) market is making all this possible without any upfront cost.
The Solar Advantage
Solar energy presents a compelling case for manufacturers; their significant roof space and high electricity demand puts them in prime position to make an excellent return.
By generating up to 70% or more of their electricity from the sun, businesses cut energy bills and decrease their reliance on the grid, shielding themselves from fluctuating prices in the future.
Understanding PPA
The cost of installing solar panels has fallen considerably in the last 5 years driven by a growth in demand and manufacturing output during the energy crisis. The continuous improvement in panel efficiency also means that more energy can be generated from fewer panels on a smaller roof area. Most commercial systems deliver a full pay back in under 5 years, but with manufactures feeling the squeeze the upfront cost of a system can still be out of reach.
Asset finance is one option, spreading the cost over a longer period of time, but PPAs are designed for companies wanting all the benefits of solar – cheaper electricity bills, reduced emissions and energy price security – with no upfront cost. Entering into a PPA will see the PPA provider pay for the installation of your system and then charge you an agreed rate for the energy that it produces, a rate that is much less than your current energy tariff.
Geo Green Power’s Expertise
Geo Green Power specialise in designing and installing solar PV systems that cater to the specific needs of manufacturers; ensuring that sites remain fully operational throughout installation and that systems deliver optimal efficiency and cost savings.
Geo Green Power’s design team is dedicated to solving energy problems with bespoke solutions and pride themselves on winning contracts due to their honest approach of designing smaller systems than that of their competitors – because it is what the customer needs.
From design and planning to installation and maintenance, the team ensures that each solar PV system is tailored to specific site requirements, providing an efficient energy source with long term reliability and consistent savings.
A Sensible Choice
The recent introduction of new tariffs in the US has underscored the unpredictability of current global markets. As energy prices continue to rise, UK manufacturers must explore sustainable solutions to secure their future and weather the storm. Geo Green Power’s bespoke solar installations offer a pathway to significant savings and stability, making solar energy a lifeline for the manufacturing industry.
Success Stories
Manufacturers up and down the country are already taking advantage of solar and Geo Green Power’s portfolio is replete with examples of manufacturers who have successfully integrated solar energy into their operations, reaping substantial benefits.
Evans Concrete installed a solar PV system with Geo Green Power in 2024, resulting in a reduction of energy bills, and reliance on the grid by 50% month-on-month. “The installation was seamless, and we are now saving thousands on our energy bills each year,” said the company spokesperson.
As one of Europe’s largest manufacturers and distributors of fishing bait, Rapala partnered with Geo Green Power to install a 177kWp solar PV system, achieving a reduction in energy costs of over £50,000 per year, and advancing towards carbon neutrality. “Geo Green Power provided a bespoke solution that perfectly matched our needs,” said the Rapala team.
Sodick Europe manufacture Electrical Discharge Machining. By installing a 214kWp solar PV system, Sodick Europe can now generate 184,000kWh of clean electricity which saves them £37,000 a year on the electricity bills. The system also bolstered its sustainability credentials. “The system is performing beyond our expectations, and the savings are substantial,” noted Sodick Europe’s management.
Benefiting from Geo Green Power’s expertise, Swift Precision Engineering now produces 483,000kWh of clean electricity annually from the installation of the 617kWp solar PV system. Which will result in the manufacturer seeing a complete return on investment within four years.
Michael Smith Switchgear is also experiencing significant reductions in energy costs and a positive impact on their carbon footprint. The manufacturer will save approximately £500,000 over the 30-year lifespan of their panels and will see a full return on their investment in around three years.
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