Businesses Turn to Solar Power to Curb Rising Energy Costs

"It’s no longer just about sustainability; it’s fundamentally about saving money." This sentiment, articulated by the founder of a solar energy company, perfectly captures the current transformation within the industry. Since the onset of the conflict in Iran, which triggered a surge in energy prices, Ben Harrison’s Gloucestershire-based firm has seen a 65% increase in solar panel installations for commercial clients. Nationally, government data indicates that total solar power capacity in the UK has grown by 11% compared to the previous year.

For many enterprises, the financial logic is straightforward. At the Henry vacuum cleaner manufacturing facility in Chard, Somerset, the company recently invested £1.5 million in new solar infrastructure. According to the firm’s financial director, the return on investment is expected to be realized in under four years. While solar arrays are becoming a common sight on industrial rooftops, the scale at the Numatic plant is exceptional. Beyond the factory roofs, the company has converted an entire adjacent field into a solar farm.

The Chard site employs 1,200 staff who produce the iconic red Henry vacuum and its pink counterpart, Henrietta. The facility handles all manufacturing processes except for motor production, including plastic molding and automated robotic assembly—operations that, much like the products they make, consume significant amounts of electricity.

"Electricity costs are prohibitively high," explains Steve Whitlock, Numatic’s financial director. He is currently showcasing the newly established field comprising 2,672 solar panels. In the past, such initiatives were typically championed by sustainability officers. Today, however, Whitlock describes the £1.5 million installation as a "major investment, comparable to any other capital expenditure."

"We require electricity to produce our goods, and with market prices continually climbing, this solar array provides a significant improvement in our ability to generate our own power, reducing reliance on volatile external markets," Whitlock notes. On bright days, the system can power the entire plant. Over the course of a year, it is projected to cover approximately 25% of the facility’s energy requirements. Future upgrades involving advanced inverters and battery storage are expected to raise this coverage to roughly 50%. Whitlock estimates the system will break even within four years, offering the factory greater protection against future global conflicts that might drive up electricity costs.

Although the Somerset solar field is notably large, the trend is not isolated. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which initially spiked energy prices, numerous businesses began viewing solar power as a financial strategy rather than merely an environmental gesture. The recent war in Iran has further escalated energy bills, prompting companies to seek security against future market instability.

Government statistics show a notable surge in March 2026, with 27,000 new solar installations recorded. This figure represents the highest monthly total since 2012, pushing the cumulative number of solar systems in the UK past two million. While official figures do not distinguish between commercial and residential installations, businesses generally benefit more from solar energy. This is because their peak energy consumption occurs during daylight hours, aligning with solar generation, whereas domestic usage typically peaks in the mornings and evenings.

Chris Hewett, CEO of the trade body Solar Energy UK, highlighted that the south-west region has experienced the most significant growth in commercial solar installations in the country. He asserts that solar power remains the "quickest and most effective" method for businesses to reduce their energy expenses.

Ben Harrison, who launched his installation company, Mypower, 15 years ago, observes this shift clearly from a Gloucester warehouse rooftop. "Initially, the focus was primarily on environmental responsibility," he recalls. "Now, the conversation is entirely financial. With energy prices rising, clients are focused on managing their long-term electricity costs."

Over the past three months, Mypower has installed an average of 1,783 solar panels per month, marking a 65% increase over the annual average. Below Harrison, the wine warehouse is bustling with activity. Forklifts navigate the aisles, and pallets stacked with red, white, and sparkling wines are moved along automated conveyor belts to massive pallet wrappers, resembling giant dispensers of cling film.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-18 05:18:57 UTC