Companies Leading the Green Revolution
As the UK races to be Net Zero by 2050, businesses across the country are setting green energy targets and installing solar panels for their offices, stores and warehouses. From major retailers to manufacturers and farms, solar is quickly becoming the smart, strategic investment for businesses looking to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and improve their sustainability credentials.
At SolarTherm UK we’re proud to help households and businesses unlock the power of the sun. Here are some UK-based companies—big and small—leading the solar movement and making a real difference in the fight against climate change.
Big brands powering up with solar
John Lewis Partnership
With a pledge to reach Net Zero by 2050 (or sooner), John Lewis has installed solar panels across many of its stores and warehouses. The company now generates an impressive 14MW per year, reinforcing its three-step plan to decarbonise operations, farms, and transport fleets.
Amazon
The online retail giant has invested in renewable technology across the globe and in October 2020 Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Tilbury, Essex completed installation of the largest rooftop solar system in Europe at the time. With over 11,500 solar panels installed, the site could power 700 homes for a year, a key step toward Amazon’s 2040 Net Zero ambition.
Aviva
Aviva has been tackling climate change at a local level since 2020. With support from the Scottish government, they installed 3,238 solar PV panels at their Perth offices to power the building and charge 50 electric vehicles daily.
Meta (Facebook)
Tech giant Meta, committed itself to use 100% renewable energy back in 2011, achieving their goal in 2020. With over 2.8GW of wind and solar power operational they are on target to achieve Net Zero by 2030.
M&S
Aptly named Plan A, M&S have been forward thinkers in the fight against climate change since 2007. In 2022, M&S installed the UK’s largest single roof mounted solar panel array on its distribution centre in Castle Donnington. Spanning 900,000 square foot and housing 24,272 solar PV panels the installation generates enough electricity to cover 25% of the fully automated distribution centre.
Ikea UK
Ikea are well known for their sustainability targets and have installed over 165,000 solar panels across their UK store rooftops. Not only have they installed solar, they have also made an agreement for all electricity to be from renewable sources in their UK stores and distribution centres.
Is Solar Right for Your Business?
You don’t have to be a global brand to benefit from solar, many small and medium businesses have benefitted from a solar installation by SolarTherm UK. Here are just a few local examples installed by SolarTherm UK:
Bancroft’s School
In 2023 Bancroft school reached out to us to install solar on all available roof space. The work was to be carried out over a number of phases with phase 1 consisting of installing 300 panels for the school’s sports hall and swimming pool. In 2025 we returned for phase 2 and installed a further 140 panels to produce even more green electricity.
Sawbridgeworth Cricket Club
After an initial solar PV installation, the club invited us back twice more to add extra panels and upgrade the system. The result? A reduced carbon footprint and lower long-term energy bills.
Whittingham Methodist Church – The Experience Project
In 2024, the Southend-based church installed 66 solar panels and a 20kWh battery system. Within a year, the project had saved the carbon equivalent of planting 1,417 trees, and was saving the church £8,000 per year in electricity costs.
Canvey Island Conservative Club
In 2023, SolarTherm UK installed 50 solar PV panels on the roof at Canvey Island Conservative Club, helping them save an estimated 5,855kg of CO₂ per year and reduce their reliance on the grid.
Why UK Businesses are Choosing Solar
Switching to solar isn’t just about meeting green targets and sustainability, it’s also a smart business move. A solar PV system can save your business up to 70% on rising energy costs, reducing your dependence on the volatility of the grid and making costs more predictable. Whether you’re running a school, club, church, or commercial site, solar power is a low-risk, high-return solution with immediate and long-term benefits.
Ready to start your company on the solar path? You don’t have to be a multinational to make a real impact. At SolarTherm UK, we provide honest advice, professional installation, and EPVS-accredited quotes—so you can trust the performance figures we provide.
