Manufacturing Energy Solutions

Solar Power for
Factories & Manufacturing

High-output solar PV systems engineered for energy-intensive manufacturing operations across Hull and East Yorkshire.

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MCS Accredited
PAS 2035 Certified
TrustMark Approved

500+

Installations

15MW

Capacity Installed

98%

Customer Satisfaction

10yr

Workmanship Warranty

Hull: The UK's Manufacturing Powerhouse

Hull and the Humber region is home to the UK's largest industrial cluster, emitting over 12 million tonnes of CO2 annually. For manufacturers operating energy-intensive production lines, compressors, and process heating, electricity represents a significant and rising overhead.

Commercial solar offers factories a strategic advantage: fixing electricity costs at approximately 4-5p per kWh for 25+ years while accessing immediate tax relief through 100% Annual Investment Allowance. With Hull's concentration of food manufacturing, chemicals, and advanced engineering, the opportunity is substantial.

24/7 Consumption

Factories with continuous production achieve 80-95% self-consumption rates, maximising the value of every kWh generated on-site.

3-5 Year Payback

Energy-intensive manufacturing operations typically see faster payback periods than any other commercial sector.

Peak Shaving

Combine solar with battery storage to reduce demand charges during peak production hours.

Net Zero Compliance

Meet supply chain sustainability requirements and Oh Yes! Net Zero commitments with verified carbon reductions.

Hull's Manufacturing Solar Opportunity

Hull's manufacturing base spans food processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced engineering. Key employers with significant solar potential include:

  • Food Manufacturing: Cranswick plc operates five factory sites in Hull. Aunt Bessie's runs three plants producing 20 million Yorkshire puddings per week. These facilities have large roof areas and constant energy demand for refrigeration, cooking, and packaging lines.
  • Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals: Saltend Chemicals Park hosts BP, INEOS Acetyls, and Mitsubishi Chemical UK across 370 acres. Reckitt has invested £105m in a Science & Innovation Centre on Dansom Lane.
  • Advanced Engineering: Smith & Nephew is building a £120m facility at Melton West. The Siemens Gamesa supply chain corridor along the Humber creates further demand.

The Humber Freeport designation provides Enhanced Capital Allowances and business rates relief for manufacturing businesses within its tax zones, making solar investment even more attractive.

Case Study: Food Processing Facility, Sutton Fields

A food processing client on Sutton Fields Industrial Estate with significant refrigeration loads and 24-hour production installed a 350kW rooftop system.

  • System Size: 350 kW
  • Annual Generation: 310,000 kWh
  • Self-Consumption: 92%
  • Annual Savings: £68,000
  • Payback Period: 3.2 years

£68k

Annual energy savings

3.2 yr

Payback period

Technical Considerations for Factories

Manufacturing environments present unique installation requirements that our commercial team is experienced in handling:

  • Structural Loading: Factory roofs vary from lightweight steel portal frames to reinforced concrete. We commission independent structural surveys to verify load capacity before any installation.
  • Grid Connection (G99): Systems over 50kW require formal grid connection applications to Northern Powergrid. We manage the entire G99 process, including export limitation if required.
  • Operational Continuity: Installation is scheduled around production cycles. Weekend and night-shift installation available to prevent downtime.
  • Fire Safety: Compliance with BS EN 62446 and coordination with your fire risk assessment for emergency access routes.

Explore Industrial Estates

Sutton Fields

Hull's largest estate

Priory Park

91+ companies

Melton West

2.5m sq ft

Free Factory Assessment

Upload your half-hourly interval data or recent energy bill for a precise ROI calculation tailored to your production schedule.

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Related Pages

Factory Solar — FAQs

Advice on commercial savings, government grants, and renewable technology.

How does solar installation avoid downtime for a manufacturing operation?
We plan all installation work around your production schedule. Scaffolding erection, roof access, and structural surveys are conducted during planned maintenance windows. Electrical connection work requiring any supply interruption is done outside production hours — nights, weekends, or planned shutdowns. Our project managers coordinate directly with your plant manager and electrical team to produce a detailed installation programme that guarantees zero unplanned production disruption.
What size solar system do I need for a factory running 24/7?
For continuous production operations, we size the system to your daytime electricity consumption profile rather than your total 24-hour consumption. A factory drawing 200kW consistently throughout the day would typically benefit from a 150-250kW solar system, offsetting 60-80% of daytime grid consumption. We analyse your half-hourly interval meter data to identify the optimal system size that maximises self-consumption while avoiding significant export at low SEG rates. Battery storage can then extend the benefit into evening shifts.
Can solar panels handle the vibration and dust in a manufacturing environment?
Yes. Solar panels are rated to withstand significant mechanical loads including wind, snow, and vibration. For manufacturing environments with elevated dust, particulate, or chemical exposure, we specify IP68-rated inverters and junction boxes, use glass-glass panels without exposed polymer backsheets where chemical corrosion is a risk, and design mounting systems with appropriate separation from vibrating machinery. We also design preventative maintenance programmes including panel cleaning schedules appropriate for your specific production environment.
How does the Humber Freeport affect solar ROI for manufacturers in Hull?
Manufacturing businesses operating within Humber Freeport tax zones on both sides of the estuary can access Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) that allow 100% first-year relief on qualifying plant and machinery, including solar PV installations. This is on top of the standard Annual Investment Allowance that applies nationally. Combined with business rates relief available within Freeport zones, the effective after-tax cost of a solar installation can be reduced by 25-40% compared to a non-Freeport site. We map your site against current Freeport zone boundaries as part of our feasibility work.

From Consultation to Generation

We make switching to solar simple. Our end-to-end service handles everything from DNO applications to scaffolding, so you can focus on the savings.

1. Consultation

We analyze your energy bills and consumption to propose the optimal system size.

2. Survey & Design

A technical surveyor visits your property to ensure structural suitability and finalize designs.

3. Installation

Our MCS-certified team installs your system, typically within 1-2 days with minimal disruption.

4. Activation

We handle the DNO paperwork, set up your monitoring app, and hand over your power station.

YEERS Installation Team Fleet
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Ready to reduce operational costs or improve your home's rating? Fill out the form for a free, no-obligation survey. We operate throughout Yorkshire.

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01482 765 095

Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm

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Office 4, Blanket Row, Hull, HU1 1TB

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