Solar systems for logistics centres and warehouses
In warehouses and logistics centres there is often a gap between the roof area available and the electricity actually consumed. That gap is the starting point of the assessment, so it is examined before the scale of any project is discussed.
Request a roof potential checkWhat is different about a logistics asset
These buildings behave differently from a factory. These three characteristics shape how the assessment is carried out.
Installation area available
Large flat roofs allow a comparatively straightforward layout, subject to load-bearing capacity and the structural loads involved.
Modest consumption relative to area
Consumption is usually low relative to the size of the roof. That calls for a deliberate decision about the surplus rather than an assumption of full coverage.
An income-producing asset
For an owner, generating electricity on site can affect the operating cost of the property and how attractive it is to tenants.
The questions that come up in every logistics asset
These are the issues that determine the scale of the project, so they are examined at the first assessment.
A gap between roof area and consumption
The roof can support more generation than the site actually uses. The surplus is examined against the possible routes for using it and against connection limits.
Owner versus tenant model
The owner is sometimes not the consumer. The structure of the agreement between the parties determines who invests, who uses the electricity and who benefits from generation.
Load-bearing capacity of the roof
Wide flat roofs are not necessarily designed for additional load over many years. An engineering review of the structure and the fixings is required.
Traffic and logistics on site
Access routes, tall vehicles and day-to-day operations require a layout that does not obstruct the work or compromise the structure.
Where a logistics asset usually starts
Here the central question is usually the balance between generation and consumption, not simply system size.
Engineering and commercial considerations
On leased assets the commercial side often concerns one party to the agreement more than the other.
Engineering review
- Load-bearing capacity and localised point loads on the roof
- Fixings that do not damage the waterproofing or roof systems
- Cable routing from the roof to the main switchboard
- Obstruction of sightlines and access for tall vehicles
- Limits of the existing connection capacity on site
Commercial review
- How operating hours line up with generation hours
- The structure of the agreement between owner and tenant
- Capital cost against the expected lease term
- The available routes for using surplus generation
- Maintenance and cleaning costs over system life
On assets with multiple owners or under lease, it is worth reviewing the contractual aspects before detailed design. An initial assessment is not legal or tax advice.
Our delivery method on a logistics asset
On leased assets, defining the commercial model matters as much as the engineering review.
Initial conversation
Understanding the type of asset, the ownership structure, how electricity is used and what is expected from the project.
Mapping roof areas
Reviewing the roofs and ancillary structures, their age, the type of covering and the constraints that apply.
Consumption analysis
Bills and meter data, and an examination of the relationship between what the site consumes and what the roof could generate.
Reviewing the commercial model
Owner, tenant or both — defining who invests, who uses the electricity and who receives the benefit.
Feasibility and next steps
An initial view of feasibility, followed by detailed design, licensing, installation and operation.
What is worth preparing before the roof potential check
This basic information is enough to produce a useful initial view.
Where the owner and the consumer are not the same party, the initial assessment will also consider how the benefit is shared between them.
Frequently asked questions
Related pages
The solutions behind logistics assets
Let us assess the roof potential of your asset
Send us the asset details, the approximate roof area and consumption data, and we will come back with an initial view of the achievable layout and of the commercial model.