Best Solar Panels For Industrial Use
In the UK, the demand for solar panels for industrial use is growing rapidly because factories, warehouses and manufacturing units are looking to reduce the electricity costs and improve energy efficiency. It is crucial to select the best solar panels for industrial use because it directly impacts energy output, system lifespan and return on investment. In this blog, Arc Renewables will provide you with everything you need to know about the Best Solar Panels For Industrial Use, their types, key features and tips to choose the right solar panels for your industry.
According to PV Magazine, the UK solar capacity has reached somewhere around 20.7 GW by 2025 which has grown over 10% in a single year. GreenMatch states that there are around 1.7 million to 1.8 million solar installations across the UK and solar energy has generated over 14+ billion kWh of electricity annually. As per Stratford Energy, a well placed 400W solar panel can generate somewhere around 350kWh to 600 kWh per year.
In This Article
What Makes a Solar Panel Suitable for Industrial Use?
When it comes to solar power, industrial solar projects are vastly different from residential ones; they need to include solar panels that are able to operate under extreme conditions while producing the maximum amount of electricity over a longer lifespan than a traditional residential or commercial solar array.
Some important characteristics to consider when choosing a solar panel for industrial applications include:
- Efficient output – produces more power for the area of a panel (i.e., the area of the panel).
- Rigorous and rugged construction – able to resist damage from both weather and long-term operation.
- Higher wattage rating – suitable for very large installations.
- Lower degradation factor – maintains close to peak performance for 25-30 years.
- Good warranty – provides long-term assurance of manufacturer and supply chain support.
What are the Types of Solar Panels Used in Industrial Installations?
Here are some of the common types of solar panels that are used in industrial installations, which include the following:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline panels are rated the highest performing type of panel for non-residential applications, offering the best efficiency and the longest lifespan.
Advantages:
- Very high level of efficiency (generally 20% or higher)
- Excellent energy production at low-light levels
- Long lifespan and excellent warranty
- Functional, practical and good for a limited roof area but high energy demands.
Monocrystalline panels are ideal for factories and warehouses that wish to maximise energy output from a smaller area.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels are often chosen for their lower cost than other types and typically are installed in larger industrial projects where space is not an issue.
Advantages:
- Lower initial cost
- Good performance in larger installations
- More practical for large roof spaces
While the efficiency of polycrystalline panels is generally lower than that of monocrystalline panels, they still work well for large industrial sites.
- Thin Film Solar Panels
Thin film panels can be used in specific applications where their weight and flexibility make them the appropriate choice for a manufacturer.
Advantages:
- Low profile
- Very flexible for installation on the roofing
- Good performance for high-temperature installations
Thin-film panels are usually installed on larger warehouse roofing or types of structures with a weight concern.
What are the Key Features to Look for in Industrial Solar Panels?
The most important feature to consider is the amount of power the panels generate because they have an impact on how much money you will save. You should also think about how well the panels will hold up against different weather conditions such as wind, rain and fluctuating temperatures. Some of the other key features include the following:
- High wattage output (modern industrial panels offer outputs between 400W and 700W+)
- Good resistance to weather (resistance to wind, rain, or extreme temperatures)
- Low degradation rate (0.3% to 0.5% per year)
- Warranties of 25 years+ on all solar panel equipment
- Produced reliable energy under cloudy conditions (for UK weather).
Panel Efficiency vs Cost: What Matters Most for Industry?
Here are some of the key differences between Panel Efficiency vs Cost and what matters for the industry:
| Factor | High Efficiency Panels | Standard Efficiency Panels | What It Means for Industry |
| Efficiency | 20% to 24% | 15% to 18% | Higher efficiency = more power from the same space |
| Upfront Cost | Higher | Lower | Budget vs long-term performance decision |
| Energy Output | More power per m² | Moderate output | Impacts overall savings and system size |
| Space Needed | Fewer panels required | More panels required | Important for roof space planning |
| Payback Time | Faster | Slightly longer | Higher efficiency often improves ROI |
| Best For | High energy demand sites | Large roofs with more space | Choice depends on budget and space availability |
How to Choose the Right Panels for Your Industrial Facility
Considerations to consider when choosing panels include:
- Type of roof you have (e.g. metal, flat, large factory roofs)
- Energy consumption of your facility
- Connection to the grid
- Ability to expand in the future.
How Much Energy and Money Can You Save with Industrial Solar?
The amount of energy generated from an industrial solar system will depend on the size of the system, the quality of the panels and your location. Industrial solar systems have proven to produce substantial amounts of energy over their operational lifetime.
Benefits of installing an industrial solar system include:
- Lower electricity bills
- Reduced reliance on the grid for electricity
- Payback periods averaging between 4 and 8 years
- 25+ years of savings.
Why Panel Quality Matters for Long Term ROI?
Industrial solar systems are long-term investments and the quality of solar panels will have an impact on how well the system performs, how often you will need to maintain it and how much money you will save.
High-quality panels typically result in:
- A more dependable solar power system for decades.
- Lower required level of maintenance.
- Higher level of energy output.
- Increased confidence in investing.
Selecting the best panels will help ensure that your solar power system operates effectively and profitably for years to come.
Conclusion
To sum up everything that has been stated so far, the above given information on the topic “Best Solar Panels For Industrial Use” states about the solar panels for industrial use, their types, key features to look for and tips to choose the right solar panel for your industry. If you are planning to install solar panels, feel free to contact Arc Renewables by dialling 0203 813 6171 or emailing info@arcrenewables.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Solar Panels for Industrial Use
Ques. What should I consider when selecting solar panels for my plant?
When selecting solar panels for your factory, you should evaluate the following reference materials:
- Efficiency of The PV Panels
- Size Of The PV System
- Structural Characteristics Of The Roof
- Warranty Availability of The PV Panels
- Long Lasting Performance of The System
- The Amount of Energy Saved Long Term.
Ques. How long does an industrial solar panel typically last?
An industrial solar panel can last from 25 to 30 years and the manufacturer’s performance warranty typically guarantees a consistent level of energy output over time.
Ques. How efficient are industrial solar panels?
Many newer industrial solar panels demonstrate an efficiency of 18% to 23%, based on their manufacturing technology and other factors. Those solar panels that are of higher efficiency will produce a greater amount of electricity for a given square footage of PV panel.
Ques. Do industrial solar panels require extensive maintenance?
No. Industrial solar panels require little to no maintenance and will typically only need regular inspections and cleaning once in a while to maintain optimal productivity.
Ques. What distinguishes commercial solar panels from industrial solar panels?
Industrial solar panels are generally larger, have a higher wattage rating, and are better suited for large-scale installations, producing more energy than the same sized commercial installation.
