Britain’s manufacturing industry is steeped in history. Many of the UK’s most respected producers operate out of factories and facilities that were built decades ago — some even before the rise of modern energy standards. While these buildings are rich in character and industrial heritage, they weren’t designed with sustainability or energy efficiency in mind. In an era defined by Net Zero ambitions, rising operational costs, and the push for greener supply chains, manufacturers are being challenged to decarbonise — fast.
One of the most effective solutions? Retrofitting solar energy systems onto legacy buildings.
At Geo Green Power, we help manufacturers across the UK do just that — proving that age is no barrier to progress.
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The Opportunity Hidden in Plain Sight
Older manufacturing buildings often come with underutilised assets — vast roof spaces or surrounding land areas that can be transformed into clean energy generators. With solar PV systems in place, manufacturers can:
• Reduce reliance on the national grid
• Cut electricity bills significantly
• Improve long-term energy security
• Enhance the value of their premises
• Strengthen ESG performance and green credentials
Legacy manufacturers are under increasing pressure from clients, investors, and regulations to take meaningful climate action. Solar is one of the fastest, most visible, and measurable ways to start.
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Busting the Myths: Yes, Solar Works on Older Buildings
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that older buildings can’t support solar — either due to roof type, structural integrity, or access concerns about the existing electrical system. The reality is quite different.
Every site is unique, but most legacy properties can successfully host solar installations with the right design approach. At Geo Green Power, we:
• Conduct structural surveys and assess roof load
• Offer reinforcement or design alternatives where needed
• Create custom layouts to maximise energy generation
• Quote and support with electrical upgrade works if necessary
For example, Bright Steels, a family-run manufacturer established in 1919, partnered with us to install a 108kWp solar PV system. Their traditional industrial building now generates significant clean electricity and demonstrates their ongoing commitment to sustainable business operations.
Similarly, Tappex Threads, operating from older premises in Warwickshire, reduced their reliance on the grid and their energy bills by using their factory roof to harness the sun’s energy — a move that is not only smart economically, but strategically aligned with their environmental ethos.
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Minimal Disruption, Maximum Impact
Understandably, one of the top concerns for any manufacturer is downtime. In fast-moving production environments, any disruption can lead to costly consequences.
That’s why we work around our clients’ schedules. A solar PV installation only requires one, short shut down period which we coordinate with your operations and plan out of hours or weekend works to accommodate. Our installations are designed to be as non-invasive as possible with sites remaining open for business as usual throughout.
A recent installation at Evans Concrete is a great example. Despite being a busy precast concrete manufacturer, we delivered a continuous installation process — reducing the company’s grid reliance by 50% month-on-month and cutting thousands from their energy bills.
“The installation was seamless, and we are now saving thousands on our energy bills each year,” said an Evans Concrete spokesperson.
We also design systems to fit your exact load profile — so whether you operate 9–5 or run 24/7 production shifts, the energy you generate matches your consumption patterns, improving efficiency and savings.
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Flexible Funding Options That Fit Your Business
While the cost of solar has dropped significantly over the past decade, many manufacturers still worry about the upfront investment. The good news is, there are multiple funding models available to suit your business:
• CapEx investment for full system ownership and fastest ROI
• Asset finance to spread the cost over time
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with no upfront capital — just cheaper energy
We’ve worked with clients across all these models, helping them find the best fit for their financial strategy.
For example, Michael Smith Switchgear is set to save approximately £500,000 over the 30-year lifespan of their solar panels and expects to see a full return on investment in around three years. Likewise, Swift Precision Engineering is generating over 483,000kWh of clean electricity annually thanks to a 617kWp installation — with full ROI expected within four years.
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A Competitive Advantage in a Changing Market
Going solar doesn’t just deliver operational benefits — it gives manufacturers a competitive edge. By visibly committing to sustainability, you:
• Align with customer and supplier expectations
• Strengthen your bids for new contracts
• Improve your standing in ESG performance ratings
• Meet regulatory compliance for emissions and energy use
Rapala, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers and distributors of fishing bait, is a prime example. With our help, they installed a 177kWp system, reducing their energy costs by over £50,000 per year and taking a huge step toward carbon neutrality.
“Geo Green Power provided a bespoke solution that perfectly matched our needs,” said the Rapala team.
Sodick Europe, manufacturers of precision machining tools, also saw significant benefits. Their 214kWp system generates 184,000kWh of clean electricity annually, saving them £37,000 a year while enhancing their reputation as an environmentally responsible manufacturer.
“The system is performing beyond our expectations, and the savings are substantial,” said a member of the Sodick Europe team.
Why Act Now?
The future of UK manufacturing depends on resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Retrofitting solar on traditional sites is a low-risk, high-impact way to:
• Cut energy costs
• Secure long-term energy independence
• Reduce emissions and meet climate targets
• Improve operational margins and reinvest in growth
Geo Green Power is proud to support British manufacturers with tailored solar PV systems that deliver real, measurable results. From historic buildings to modern factories, we design and deliver installations that perform — without disrupting your operations.
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you operate out of a legacy manufacturing site and think solar might not be an option — think again. Our experienced team will assess your site, design a custom solution, and support you at every step — from planning and installation to aftercare.Visit www.geogreenpower.com/ to learn more or book a free site assessment. Let’s transform your energy future — one rooftop at a time.
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