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"description": "Large flat roofs, consistent daytime operations and significant electricity loads from dock equipment, lighting, refrigeration and offices — logistics has near-ideal conditions for commercial solar. The financial results bear this out.", "image": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/assets/commercial-solar-DydTBMj7.jpg", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alliant Energy Team", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/about" }, "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Person", "name": "MCS Registered Engineer", "jobTitle": "MCS Registered Engineer" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Alliant Energy", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://alliantenergy.co.uk/logo.png" } }, "datePublished": "2026-01-15", "dateModified": "2026-05-19" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can we install solar while depot operations continue?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Rooftop installation causes no disruption to depot operations below. The only brief impact is during electrical commissioning — typically 2–4 hours during a quiet period or weekend." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "We're a multi-site operation — can we do multiple depots?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. We manage multi-site commercial projects and can install across depots simultaneously or in sequence under a single commercial relationship." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if we need to expand the depot or relocate?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Expansion means more roof — an opportunity to scale up. Relocation during a PPA requires funder negotiation; under ownership, panels can sometimes be relocated (at cost) or valued as part of the building sale." } } ] } ] --- [![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/__l5e/assets-v1/3bd22195-cc6e-43e6-b5ff-5a808ce292d3/alliantenergyltd-2.svg)](/) [Home](/)[About](/about-us) [Services](/services) [Guides](/guides)[Case Studies](/case-study)[![Levelise](/__l5e/assets-v1/59fd362e-361a-47d7-ad1f-65e9beeb5289/levelise-logo.webp)](/guides/levelise-hub-explained) [01282 501589](tel:01282501589)[Get a Quote →](/quote) Spoke guide · Commercial # Solar for Logistics and Distribution Companies (with Real Payback Data) Large flat roofs, consistent daytime operations and significant electricity loads from dock equipment, lighting, refrigeration and offices — logistics has near-ideal conditions for commercial solar. The financial results bear this out. By **Alliant Energy Team**· reviewed by MCS Registered Engineer Last updated 19 May 2026 [Get a Logistics Quote](/quote) [Shepherd Case Study](/case-study) On this page - [Why logistics works](#why) - [Shepherd Distribution](#shepherd) - [Fleet electrification](#fleet) - [Temperature-controlled](#cold) - [What it looks like](#looks) - [FAQ](#faq) Ready to act? Free quote in one working day. [Get a Quote →](/quote) The core economics of commercial solar depend on using what you generate rather than exporting it. Logistics and distribution operations check every box. ## Why logistics works so well for solar - Large roof footprint: distribution warehouses of 5,000–50,000m² provide ample panel space - Daytime operation: loading, dispatch and office functions run during solar generation hours - Consistent base load: lighting, dock levellers, compressors, server rooms and EV charging - High electricity spend: medium depots typically spend £40,000–£150,000/year - Flat or low-pitch roofs: ballasted mounting with no roof penetrations and faster installation ## The Shepherd Distribution case study Shepherd Distribution is a logistics company in the North of England for which Alliant installed a commercial solar system. Metric Result Annual electricity saving £22,389 Payback period 2.9 years Return on investment 38.7% The compounding return After payback in year 3, every subsequent year delivers £22,389 directly to the bottom line. Over 25 years of system life, the total benefit exceeds £500,000. ## Fleet electrification: the emerging multiplier The next major opportunity is combining rooftop solar with EV fleet charging: - Overnight depot charging from a solar-charged battery at 7–10p/kWh vs grid at 25–35p/kWh - A 50-van electric fleet charging 40kWh each per night needs ~200kWp solar plus 400–500kWh of battery - Combined saving from solar + cheap overnight fleet charging can add £50,000–£150,000/year depending on fleet size Operators planning fleet electrification should design their solar system around that future demand now — battery-ready infrastructure that scales as the fleet transitions. ### Get a depot-by-depot proposal Multi-site commercial solar handled under a single relationship. [Get a Quote](/quote) [Case Studies](/case-study) ## Temperature-controlled logistics Cold stores and temperature-controlled distribution centres have particularly high loads — refrigeration compressors can run 24/7. Battery paired with solar is especially valuable: solar covers daytime refrigeration directly; the battery reduces overnight grid draw. Time-of-use arbitrage further reduces cost. ## What a logistics solar installation looks like For a medium distribution depot (10,000m² warehouse, 60 employees, £80,000/year electricity bill): - Recommended system: 200–250kWp - Roof area: ~1,200–1,500m² - Annual generation: ~180,000–225,000 kWh - Self-consumption: ~70–80% - Annual saving: ~£30,000–£45,000 - Typical payback (outright): 4–6 years - Effective payback after Full Expensing: 3–4.5 years ## Frequently asked questions ### Can we install solar while depot operations continue? Yes. Rooftop installation causes no disruption to depot operations below. The only brief impact is during electrical commissioning — typically 2–4 hours during a quiet period or weekend. ### We're a multi-site operation — can we do multiple depots? Yes. We manage multi-site commercial projects and can install across depots simultaneously or in sequence under a single commercial relationship. ### What if we need to expand the depot or relocate? Expansion means more roof — an opportunity to scale up. Relocation during a PPA requires funder negotiation; under ownership, panels can sometimes be relocated (at cost) or valued as part of the building sale. Three ways to get started ## Ready to find out what solar saves you? Get a tailored quote in one working day. No obligation. No hard sell. Speak to a renewable energy engineer — not a salesperson — at a time that suits you. [Get a Quote → ](/quote) [Request a Callback →](/request-callback) [Download Brochure →](/brochure) Accreditations ## Certified, registered, and insured. Every time. MCS certification isn't a box-ticking exercise — it qualifies your system for Smart Export Guarantee payments and government grants. Our installers are also NICEIC-approved and TrustMark-registered, and every install is fully insured. ![Citation ISO Certification: ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety](/__l5e/assets-v1/180183cd-e6fd-4b0a-984c-83e6a41390d7/accreditations-iso.jpg) ![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/assets/logo-IFrgP5Dc.png) Renewable energy & energy-saving specialists. MCS-registered solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging across the UK. #### Quick Links - [Home](/) - [About Us](/about-us) - [Services](/services) - [Case Studies](/case-study) - [Areas We Cover](/solar-panel-quotes-north-west) - [Contact](/contact) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms & Conditions](/terms) #### Services - [Solar for Homes](/services/solar) - [Commercial Solar](/services/commercial-solar) - [Battery Storage](/services/battery-storage) - [Air Source Heat Pumps](/services/heat-pumps) - [EV Charging](/services/ev-charging) - [Energy Saving Advice](/services/energy-saving-advice) #### Contact - [01282 501589](tel:01282501589) - [info@alliantenergy.co.uk](mailto:info@alliantenergy.co.uk) - Unit 214 Northlight Industries, Pendle Road, Brierfield, Nelson BB9 5FL [Get a Quote](/quote)[Brochure](/brochure) Alliant Energy Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 1020779) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks. © 2026 Alliant Energy Ltd. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy)[Terms & Conditions](/terms) MCS Registered · TrustMark · NICEIC [Chat with AI](/chat) [Call back](/request-callback) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Get a Brochure](/brochure) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Chat with AI](/chat)