New Solar Toolkit Supports Government’s ‘Rooftop Revolution’
UKWA Solar Toolkit for warehousing sector launches at IMHX 2025 : Following calls from the Government for the UK Warehousing Association to lead industry collaboration in the 'Rooftop Revolution', UKWA is unveiling its new Solar Toolkit for the warehousing sector, with a foreword from Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy, at IMHX 2025. Minister Shanks said: "Putting solar on warehouses is a no-brainer. Across England and Wales, the ONS finds that they cover 220 million square metres or the equivalent of over 30 thousand football pitches. "This is a vast amount of roof space which we can use to deliver clean power and protect businesses from volatile fossil fuel markets, saving them hundreds on their bills, boosting energy security and tackling the climate crisis."
Acknowledging the imperative to embrace rooftop solar power, the Government directly referenced the role of UKWA in its Solar Roadmap policy paper (published 30 June) in developing and distributing 'a toolkit for owners and occupiers on the steps needed to install rooftop solar on warehouses.' Accordingly, the new UKWA Solar Toolkit, which replaces the original Toolkit produced exclusively for UKWA members in 2022, provides comprehensive advice and support to the rising number of organisations in the sector wishing to embrace rooftop solar power. It includes the latest information available, with a step-by-step guide to planning, installing, insuring, financing and optimising rooftop solar power projects for warehousing.
Commenting, UKWA CEO Clare Bottle said: "Over the three years since we commissioned our 2022 landmark report and launched our campaign for solar power on warehouse rooftops, much has changed. "The Government has introduced legislation to expedite planning for solar rooftop installations and has laid out ambitious targets for trebling solar power by 2030. New technology has emerged too, with lighter and more affordable products on the market, and there is a wider array of funding options and different legal approaches - all comprehensively documented in this Toolkit.
"Our new Solar Toolkit signposts to stakeholders - who to speak to and when - and covers the end-to-end lifecycle of a project, with advice on what to expect at each stage. A series of case studies helpfully showcases real-life experiences of solar rooftop installations, while a glossary demystifies the jargon. The Toolkit is designed to be a practical and accessible manual for the growing number of businesses wishing to embark on their solar rooftop journey, future proofing their business and saving on energy costs."
In his foreword, Michael Shanks MP said: "I want to thank the UK Warehousing Association for taking the lead on solar. Clare Bottle has been an influential member of our reformed Solar Taskforce. This toolkit provides all the resources, support and practical knowhow that owners and occupiers need to take the next step.
"The warehousing sector, the backbone of the UK's logistical operation, has a fantastic opportunity to slash costs and hedge against volatile markets. At the same time, scaling up the solar sector could support up to 35,000 new jobs across the country by the end of this decade. Now I'm looking forward to strengthening the partnership between government and industry even further, as we work together to unleash a rooftop solar revolution."
To find out more about the UKWA Solar Toolkit, join UKWA at IMHX 9-11 September at the NEC Birmingham or contact [email protected]
Transport & Logistics - Driving The Industry Forward