Which Sector Is Right for Solar?
Every building type has a different solar profile. Compare payback, savings, roof needs, and planning complexity across all ten sectors.
Solar Suitability Scoreboard
Scored across roof potential, load alignment, payback speed, and planning ease. Higher is better.
Compare All Sectors Side by Side
Toggle sectors on and off to build your own custom comparison view.
Click to show or hide columns. At least one sector must be selected.
| Metric | Warehouse | Factory | Office | Retail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical System Size | 250 kWp | 500 kWp + 200 kWh BESS | 150 kWp | 150 kWp |
| Roof Area Needed | 4,200 m² | 6,500 m² usable | 1,400 m² | 1,400 m² |
| Annual Generation | 225,000 kWh | 450,000 kWh | 135,000 kWh | 135,000 kWh |
| Annual Savings | £58,000 | £102,000 | £34,000 | £41,000 |
| Payback Period | 3.8 years | 5.2 years | 4.1 years | 4.5 years |
| CO₂ Saved / Year | 78 tonnes CO2e | 156 tonnes CO2e | 47 tonnes CO2e | 47 tonnes CO2e |
| Daytime Load Offset | 78 tCO2e | 156 tCO2e | — | 70% |
| Peak Demand Reduction | 85% | 55% | — | — |
| Uptime / Backup | — | — | — | — |
| Battery Recommended | No | Yes | No | No |
| Ground Mount Viable | Yes | No | No | No |
| Listed Building Friendly | No | No | No | Yes |
| Tenant/PPA Friendly | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Public Sector Funding | No | No | No | No |
Deep Compare Two Sectors
Pick any two sectors and see a detailed breakdown of which one fits your building better.
Warehouse
Turn Your Roof into a Revenue Stream
Massive Daytime Offset
My roof is too old
Factory
Cut Production Costs, Not Corners
Peak Demand Shaving
Our load profile is too spiky
Quick Verdict
Factory scores higher overall thanks to faster payback and stronger roof suitability. That said, Warehouse may still be the better choice if your building matches its specific profile.
Book a Free Survey to DecideStill Not Sure? Let Us Survey Your Site.
Sector comparisons are a useful starting point, but your specific roof, load, and planning situation is what matters. We will tell you exactly what works.