The British Property Federation (BPF) has commissioned new research into equipping more commercial buildings with solar panels
The purpose of the commercial rooftop solar research is to identify blockers that prevent many otherwise-ideal buildings from installing solar infrastructure.
The research is placed in the context of offices, retail parks, logistic centres, and warehouses having a lot of room for solar panels, but less than 5% of them being equipped with them regardless.
Warehouses alone could generate a lot of energy
Across the UK, the rooftop space of warehouses alone could hold enough space to install solar panels capable of generating up to 15GW of power. Yet, there is very little push to install solar on many of these buildings.
The research being commissioned is being supported by Forsters LLP and Push Power Ltd, and will examine:
- Opportunities for real estate investors, developers and property owners and explore the key factors driving adoption
- Obstacles and practical challenges facing the sector
- Industry insights and showcase examples of innovation and best practice
- A series of policy recommendations for Government and industry
Rob Wall, assistant director at the BPF, said: “Commercial buildings have a critical role to play in the generation of solar power but the sector is not delivering on its potential. If Government is serious about energy security and meeting its renewable energy targets, we need a policy environment that makes it easier and more attractive for commercial real estate investors and developers to install solar at scale. Our research aims to provide policymakers and the wider industry with the insights and evidence to achieve this.”
Research is being done to increase solar use on public buildings
In November last year, Mid Devon District Council began exploring the possibility of expanding the number of solar panels being put on public buildings, after a successful test period with three leisure centres.
The leisure centres were equipped with solar panels and heat pumps, and saw a direct reduction in carbon emissions of 17% in the financial year 2024-2025.
Jason Ball, Mid Devon’s climate and sustainability specialist said: “We’re looking at installation [of solar panels] on other assets and we hope to have an announcement on that soon.”
Councillor Luke Taylor, leader of the council, said: “This council is still persevering with our Net Zero targets and we are not denying the climate change that is very much impacting the entire planet.”
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