A typical 1 MW UK warehouse solar install costs £700,000-£800,000 in 2026, working out to £700-£800 per kW installed. Smaller systems below 200 kW typically cost £900-£1,200/kW because project mobilisation costs (DNO, design, scaffolding, commissioning) are amortised over fewer kW. Larger 3 MW+ systems regularly come in below £650/kW due to scale economics.
Cost factors
Six factors drive variation: system size, roof condition, electrical infrastructure, DNO grid connection capacity, marine corrosion environment (port sites), and sprinkler clearance complexity. We model these site-specifically during desk feasibility.
Tax shield reduces effective cost
100% Annual Investment Allowance applies to first £1m of capex per company per tax year — providing 25% effective tax relief in year one for limited companies. For £900k install: £225k year-1 tax shield, net cash cost £675k.
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Detailed cost breakdown by sub-vertical and system size: /warehouse-solar-costs/. Capital allowance detail: /guides/warehouse-solar-capital-allowances/.