Solar panels for petrol stations: Unused Roof Space

The Untapped Potential for Petrol Station Owners

The rise in electric and hybrid vehicles is undeniable. By 2035, the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be completely banned. Further, with the government imposed Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, these vehicles will increase annually. Petrol station owners and developers assess the costs and benefits of EV chargers to meet customer demand. With widespread advertisements, it’s clear why EV chargers attract attention. However, solar panels for petrol stations are another important green energy initiative that should not be underestimated.

Petrol station owners often overlook the simple method of using wasted space for renewable energy. Canopies and shop roofs are unused areas where solar panels can be installed. This can lower electricity costs and support site operations.

Benefits of Solar Panels for Petrol Stations

Cost benefits

Solar panels for petrol stations are a long-term, low-risk investment. Manufacturers guarantee panel efficiency for 20 to 30 years. These panels can significantly reduce electricity costs by generating a large portion of the needed energy. By producing their own energy, petrol stations reduce grid dependency, leading to substantial savings. These savings can then be reinvested in the business.

Several petrol stations in the UK have successfully implemented solar panels, achieving significant cost savings and operational efficiency.

Ingeni Renewables Ltd*, part of a group specialising in petrol station redevelopment, shares some case studies:

• Swift Service Station in Staffordshire installed 120 large panels on its 26m x 8m canopy and shop roof. In less than a year, the site produced nearly 38 MWh of energy, saving the owner over £7000.
• Another smaller site in Staffordshire, with 40 panels on its canopy, produced over 20 MWh since last spring, supplying over 20% of the site’s consumption.

In the long term, solar panels for petrol stations add value to the property by incorporating sustainable infrastructure. This increase in property value can be a significant benefit if the business decides to sell or lease the property in the future.

Operational benefits

Another important consideration for petrol station owners is combating site overload. Tripping breakers due to simultaneous pump usage and fridge-freezer defrost mode is common, especially with older electrical installations. Petrol station owners often inquire about battery backup options to keep pumps and tills running for a few extra minutes.

Ingeni Renewables Ltd found that solar panels can help mitigate these issues. While UPS systems and generators are options, they are expensive, and rewiring the site is a major task. Ingeni Renewables Ltd observes that solar panel systems alleviate site load and balance phases using the inverter’s inherent ability. As a result, many stations with solar panels no longer experience regular tripping, reducing the need for generators or UPS systems.

What’s Keeping Petrol Stations from Utilising Their Roof Space?

Capital outlay

There are over 8000 petrol stations in the UK. So, what prevents them from fully utilising their roof space for renewable energy? The main obstacle is capital outlay and the lack of government grants for commercial renewable energy projects.

Many businesses inquiring about EV chargers are told by their Distribution Network Operator that a site supply upgrade is needed, often costing over £150,000. However, this is rarely the case for solar panel installations on sites with a 3-phase supply.

Businesses should not underestimate the significant tax savings available to them.

• The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), still at £1,000,000, enables businesses to claim 100% of the cost of their solar PV installation against taxable profits in the year of purchase.
• Additionally, for businesses operating outside of the AIA, solar panels qualify as Special Rate Assets for First Year and Writing Down Allowances, offering a 50% cost offset in the first year and 6% writing down per annum.
• Eligible plant and machinery used in onsite renewable energy generation and storage, including rooftop solar panels and battery storage, are exempt from business rates until 31 March 2035.

Structural concerns

Another concern for interested businesses is the load-bearing capabilities of their canopies.

Ingeni Renewables Ltd acknowledges this issue, and all structures must be assessed by qualified engineers to determine if they can support the weight of a solar panel system. This assessment is a standard part of the planning process. In their experience, most canopies are deemed suitable, however.

Since the mid-1990s, designers and engineers of mono-pitch canopies have been required by BS 6399 to consider loading requirements for snow, wind, and maintenance personnel.

While a ballasted system is unlikely to be feasible, most canopies can support the weight of solar panels when fixed using systems designed for trapezoidal roofs and installed by knowledgeable contractors. These contractors understand the correct approach to moving around on these canopies.

In fact, a railed system fixed directly to the internal steel to distribute weight can stabilise the canopy structure.

The Untapped Potential of Solar Panels for Petrol Stations

In summary, solar panels for petrol stations offer a straightforward opportunity for owners to use unused roof space for renewable energy. This solution can significantly cut costs through reduced bills and increased operational efficiency. Petrol station retailers who have embraced solar panels are now reaping the rewards. All savvy and forward-thinking retailers and developers should consider doing the same.

To explore how solar panels can benefit your forecourt, contact Ingeni Renewables Ltd today. Take a step towards a greener and more cost-effective future.

*Ingeni Renewables Ltd, along with its sister companies, combines over 60 years of industry experience in petrol station development and commercial electrical installations. As an NICEIC member with MCS certification and Competent Person Scheme status, Ingeni Renewables Ltd ensures compliance with rigorous industry standards. Its installers, trained in Compex and SPA/UKPIA Safety Passport Scheme for petrol station forecourts, guarantee safe and effective project execution.