Can retail benefit from solar power?

Many retail stores are now showing how their operations can be powered by solar power. The likes of Apple, H&M, Costa Coffee, and Ikea have all proven that solar-powered stores and warehouses are possible – and at Low Carbon Energy, we’ve made a solar-powered future possible for some smaller retail groups too.

In this article:

1. Which retailers are benefitting from solar and how?
2. Why solar energy is growing for retail
3. Solar energy options for retail locations
4. Financial benefits of solar for retail
5. Is solar suitable for smaller and online retailers?

Which retailers are benefitting from solar and how?

Apple Computers Solar Panel installation in Singapore

In late 2015, Apple announced that it would open its first store in Singapore – and that the store would run entirely on solar power. Apple’s interest in renewable energy has been documented for some time now – but this is the first store to operating solely on solar power.

The company, who are keen to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels, will be working with Sunseap, Singapore’s largest clean energy provider, and the Singaporean government to bring solar energy to the country. Apple’s store and office will be powered by solar panels installed on the roofs of 800 buildings in Singapore – which together have a capacity of 50 megawatts of electricity.

H&M advocate solar energy

H&M is another advocate of solar power and renewable energy. In 2014, just 27% of their electric usage came from renewable sources, but this number soon grew. Furthermore, by mid-2014, solar panels, placed on the roofs of H&M warehouses, had generated 785,000 kWh of electricity.

Ikea promote renewable energy

Ikea has been promoting renewable energy for some time now and plans to be a net exporter of renewable energy within four years. As of May this year, the furniture giant produced 53% of its energy from renewable sources. This energy comes from 314 wind turbines and 700,000 solar panels, positioned on its stores and distribution centres.

Costa Coffee leads ‘zero energy’ effort

More recently, Costa Coffee has become a leading company in the UK’s ‘zero energy’ effort. A sustainable Costa Coffee outlet at the Wrekin Retail Park in Telford is now using solar roof panels to power all its operations. The coffee shop has 100 270W panels on its roof and uses passive ventilation and innovative construction techniques in combination with the panels.

Courtesy Shoes solar panel installation

While we’ve concentrated on sharing the success of global brands so far, we’ve also helped Lancashire-based Courtesy Shoes power their operations through solar too. With their new 170 KW solar panel system, the company are producing 140,000 kWh a year and saving 75 tonnes of carbon too!

These case studies reveal a huge number of benefits of solar and prove that powering operations with solar power really is possible.

Benefits of commercial solar include:

• Guaranteed savings on energy bills
• Long-term energy security
• A second stream of income
• Green conscience
• Eco-friendly business

Why solar energy for retail is growing

Solar energy for retail stores is increasing due to several structural factors:

• Rising electricity prices
• Long opening hours that align with daylight generation
• Large, unobstructed roof space on stores and warehouses
• Corporate sustainability commitments

Retailers typically consume most of their electricity during the day, which matches peak solar production. This high level of on-site consumption improves financial returns by reducing reliance on grid imports.

As equipment costs have fallen and performance has improved, solar for retail has become a practical long-term investment rather than a niche sustainability initiative.

Solar energy options for retail locations

Retail properties vary widely in size and format, which means solar energy options for retail locations must be tailored.

Common installation types include:

• Rooftop solar PV on standalone stores
• Solar installations on distribution centres and warehouses
• Multi-site portfolio rollouts for retail chains
• Car park canopy solar systems

Key factors influencing system design include:

• Roof orientation and structural integrity
• Electricity consumption profile
• Grid connection capacity
• Ownership or lease arrangements

A professional feasibility assessment ensures systems are appropriately sized to maximise self-consumption and return on investment.

Financial benefits of solar panels for retail

The financial case for solar panels for retail is typically driven by three core factors:

1. Reduced Electricity Bills

Solar generation directly offsets imported grid electricity, lowering operational expenditure.

2. Long-Term Energy Security

Retailers gain protection from wholesale market volatility and future price increases.

3. Improved Asset Value

On-site renewable generation can enhance property attractiveness and long-term business resilience.

For larger retail sites, annual savings can be substantial. Over a 25 year lifespan, cumulative savings often exceed initial investment, particularly where daytime consumption is high.

Retail solar energy should be evaluated using detailed modelling to provide accurate forecasts of generation, self-consumption, and payback period.

Is solar suitable for smaller and online retailers?

Renewable energy for small online retailer businesses is also growing. Warehouses, fulfilment centres, and logistics hubs typically have large roof areas and consistent daytime electricity demand.

Even smaller independent shops can benefit where roof conditions allow. System size can be scaled to match energy usage, ensuring investment aligns with operational needs.

Solar PV for retail is not limited by company size. The key determinants are building suitability, energy demand, and long-term occupancy.

Speak to Low Carbon Energy

If you want to find out ways in which you can improve the energy efficiency of your retail establishment through solar panels, why not get in touch? At Low Carbon Energy we now offer a brand new Energy Consultancy service, perfect for businesses. We’ll look at all your power usage and advise on ways you save money and make the move to a renewable energy future. To find out more, give us a call or head over to our Energy Consultancy page.

Has your retail establishment considered using solar power? If so, let us know what you like about solar and what elements put you off. You can leave your comments below or tweet us @LowCarbonEnCo