Why solar PV makes economic sense for this sector
UK plant nurseries — wholesale and retail — operate substantial protected horticulture infrastructure including heated glasshouses, polytunnels, propagation buildings, and visitor centres. Solar PV pairs well with most nursery operations.
What this sector typically operates
UK plant nurseries typically operate: heated glasshouses (substantial heating and supplementary lighting load); propagation buildings (precise climate control); polytunnels (variable climate, limited solar fit directly); visitor centres and retail buildings; pack-and-grade facilities; cold storage for cut flowers or perishables.
Sector-specific PV considerations
Plant nursery PV considerations: glasshouse heating and lighting create substantial daytime electrical baseload; rooftop PV well-suited to glasshouse structural framework (modern Venlo designs accommodate ridge-mounted PV); propagation buildings with precise climate control benefit from solar + heat pump combinations; retail/visitor centre roof commonly suitable for PV; cut-flower cold storage provides excellent year-round self-consumption.
Typical system specification and economics
Typical UK plant nursery PV install: 50-400 kW. Cost £40,000-£340,000. Payback 5-7 years for typical retail+wholesale operations.
How we deliver in this sector
Every project starts with a free desk-based feasibility study from your half-hourly meter data and building dimensions. We share an indicative system size, generation forecast, self-consumption ratio, and 25-year financial model within 7 working days. We've delivered solar across this sector since 2019.
Common questions
Is solar economic for our specific sector?
Yes for most operations in this sector. Payback typically 5-7 years for typical retail+wholesale operations. Send us your half-hourly meter data and we deliver a free desk feasibility within 7 working days showing system-specific economics.
What grants apply to our sector?
100% Annual Investment Allowance is universal for incorporated farms. SFI 2025 biodiversity actions apply across all sectors. Smart Export Guarantee 8-15p/kWh on surplus generation. Welsh and Scottish farms have additional devolved schemes.
How long does install take?
From contract to commissioning: 4-7 months typical for rooftop PV; 6-9 months for combined re-roof + PV. We schedule works around the operation's busy seasons.
Can we install on older buildings with asbestos cement?
Yes — under a combined re-roof + PV programme. HSE-licensed asbestos removal followed by profiled steel re-cladding followed by PV. The PV business case typically pays for 60-100% of the re-roof over 25 years.