Commercial Solar PV Case Study: 400kWp System at Palace Chemicals, Speke

In short: TB Electrics installed a 400kWp commercial solar PV system at Palace Chemicals' chemical manufacturing site in Speke, Liverpool. In May 2024 it generated 45MWh, around 1.5MWh a day. The system is projected to cut energy bills by 34%, save an estimated £66,916 in its first year and pay for itself within 4 years.

At a glance

Why did Palace Chemicals install solar panels?

Rising electricity bills. Palace Chemicals contacted TB Electrics in June 2023 after an increase in electricity costs at its chemical manufacturing site in Speke.

After initial conversations, TB Electrics designed a rooftop solar PV system sized to the site's energy use. Installation began in March 2024.

What solar PV system was installed?

TB Electrics installed a 400kWp rooftop system made up of 804 × 505W Q-Cells solar panels and 4 × 100kW inverters. The system is designed so that most of the electricity it generates is used directly by the manufacturing plant.

 What results has the system delivered?

In May 2024, the system produced 45MWh of electricity, around 1.5MWh of solar generation every day.

• 34% lower energy bills: our model projects a 34% reduction, an estimated £66,916 saved in the first year.¹
• 74% self-consumption: 74% of the solar energy is used by the chemical plant, with 26% exported to the grid.
• Payback within 4 years: the energy savings mean the system will pay for itself within 4 years.
• Lower emissions: over its lifetime, the system's carbon savings equal 15,087 trees planted or 1,680 long-haul flights avoided.

Why commercial solar works for manufacturers

Manufacturing sites use most of their electricity during the day, when solar panels generate the most power. That means more solar energy is used on site rather than exported, which is where the biggest bill savings come from. At Palace Chemicals, 74% of the generated power is used by the plant.

Large factory and warehouse roofs also have the space for systems big enough to make a real difference to running costs. For businesses facing rising electricity bills, commercial solar offers lower costs, protection against future price rises and a measurable cut in carbon emissions.

Frequently asked questions

How much can commercial solar panels save a business?

It depends on the site's electricity use, roof space and tariff. At Palace Chemicals, a 400kWp system is projected to reduce energy bills by 34%, an estimated £66,916 in the first year, based on annual consumption of 500MWh.

How long does commercial solar take to pay for itself?

Payback depends on system size and how much of the energy is used on site. The Palace Chemicals system is expected to pay for itself within 4 years.

How much electricity does a 400kWp solar PV system generate?

The 400kWp system at Palace Chemicals generated 45MWh in May 2024, around 1.5MWh a day. Output varies with the season and the weather.

What happens to solar electricity a business doesn't use?

It is exported to the grid. At Palace Chemicals, 26% of the solar energy generated is exported and 74% is used on site.

Who installs commercial solar PV in the North West?

TB Electrics is a Knutsford-based installer of commercial solar PV, LED lighting and EV charging. TB Electrics is MCS certified, NICEIC registered and a member of RECC (the Renewable Energy Consumer Code).

Talk to TB Electrics about commercial solar

Want to cut your business's energy bills like Palace Chemicals? Call TB Electrics on 01925 407 273 or visit us at our new showroom at Mere Hall Farm Business Centre, Bucklow Hill Lane, Bucklow Hill, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6LE.

¹ Based on an annual consumption of 500MWh.