How Retail Parks Are Ditching Bills and Chasing Sunshine

Retail parks across the UK are turning to solar energy as a way to cut costs, reduce their environmental impact, and future-proof their operations. With energy prices continuing to rise and sustainability becoming more important to businesses and consumers alike, solar panels and battery storage systems are proving to be a smart investment. By generating their own electricity, retail parks are reducing reliance on the grid, protecting themselves from fluctuating prices, and showing their commitment to a greener future.

Dolphin Retail Park in Salisbury is one of the many retail spaces leading the way. The park installed a 103 kWp solar PV system across four units, which includes 411 solar panels generating nearly 90,000 kWh of renewable energy each year. This setup has helped the park significantly cut energy costs while offsetting a substantial amount of CO₂ emissions. For Dolphin, going solar isn’t just about saving money—it’s about staying relevant in an era where sustainability matters to businesses and shoppers alike.

Another great example is Orbital Retail Park in Swindon, where solar energy is at the forefront of sustainability efforts. The retail park has implemented plans to install 5,000 solar panels across multiple buildings, expected to generate enough electricity to cover 56% of the site’s energy requirements. This initiative highlights the retail park’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact while helping businesses lower their energy costs. By adopting solar power on a large scale, Orbital Retail Park is setting an excellent example of how retail centres can align with the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient operations.

These examples highlight the growing potential of solar energy to transform retail parks. With their large, open roof spaces and steady energy demands, retail parks are ideally suited to make the most of solar power. Not only does this help reduce energy bills, but it also makes these parks more attractive to tenants who are looking to lower their own costs and align with sustainability goals. Retail parks investing in solar are also finding that they’re better protected from unpredictable energy prices, giving them greater stability and control over their operating expenses.

Adding battery storage into the mix takes things a step further. By storing surplus energy generated during the day, retail parks can ensure a steady supply of clean power during peak times or at night. This is particularly valuable for parks that rely on consistent energy for lighting, climate control, or electric vehicle charging stations. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about creating a resilient energy system that keeps operations running smoothly, no matter what.

Retail parks adopting solar are setting an example for the wider retail sector, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. As more parks follow this trend, solar energy is becoming an essential tool for future-proofing businesses while helping the UK meet its broader decarbonisation targets.

If you’re ready to transform your retail park with solar energy, get in touch with us today. Together, we can create a greener, more cost-efficient future for your business.