Sheffield's manufacturing sector faces some of the highest electricity costs per unit of output in the UK. For one metal fabrication business on Sheffield Business Park, a 180kWp solar installation has transformed their energy economics — and the numbers are instructive for any Yorkshire manufacturer with roof space.
The Business
The client operates a 6,500 m² manufacturing facility producing precision-engineered components for the aerospace and automotive sectors. Their processes — CNC machining, powder coating, and compressed air systems — run 5 days a week, with peak demand between 07:00 and 17:00. Annual electricity consumption was 390,000 kWh at a blended rate of 24p/kWh, producing an energy bill of £93,600.
The Solar System Design
YEERS designed a 180kWp system using 400 panels of 450W Jinko Tiger Neo modules, mounted on the south-facing flat roof sections using non-penetrative ballasted frames. Three 60kW SMA Sunny Tripower string inverters were specified to allow phased string isolation for maintenance without full system shutdown — a requirement of the client's production management team.
A 100kWh Sigenergy modular battery was added to capture midday surplus that exceeded the building's consumption, enabling export to the grid during peak pricing windows via Octopus Flux.
The Financial Case
- System cost (solar + battery): £148,000 + VAT (0% VAT applied under energy saving materials relief)
- Year 1 Capital Allowances: Full Expensing claimed on 100% of cost = £29,600 corporation tax saving
- Annual solar generation: 164,000 kWh (estimated, based on PVGIS data for Sheffield latitude)
- Self-consumption: 140,000 kWh displaced from grid (saving 140,000 × £0.24 = £33,600/year)
- SEG export income: 24,000 kWh exported × average 18p (Octopus Flux) = £4,320/year
- Total annual benefit: £37,920
- Simple payback (pre-tax): 3.9 years
- Payback adjusted for corporation tax saving: 3.1 years
Year One Results
After 11 months of operation, the system has generated 158,400 kWh — slightly below the PVGIS estimate due to an unusually cloudy Q1, but on track for the year. The client's electricity bill has fallen from £93,600 to under £30,000. With energy prices unlikely to fall significantly from current levels, the system is projected to generate over £750,000 in lifetime savings.
Key Takeaway for Sheffield Manufacturers
The combination of Full Expensing corporation tax relief, 0% VAT, and competitive SEG rates means the effective net cost of commercial solar in 2026 is often 35-45% lower than the headline price. For businesses with significant daytime electricity consumption and available roof space, the case has never been stronger.
YEERS installs commercial solar across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, and the wider South Yorkshire region. View our Sheffield commercial solar service page or request a feasibility assessment for your site.