Solar Power For Car Dealerships

Power your car showroom and charge electric vehicles with sustainable, renewable energy and reduce electricity bills by up to 30%

Fully Funded Solar Solution Calculator

We provide the best technology with the longest warranties from the world’s number one PV supplier, SolarEdge, to create peace of mind for our clients.

Electricity is one of the most significant expenses that car dealerships have, and Solar PV systems are an accessible way for businesses to cut their costs whilst increasing their sustainability.

Power purchase agreements for rooftop solar PV solutions

Why choose solar?

Reduce electricity bills by up to 30%

Guaranteed carbon reduction compared to grid consumption

Help your showroom work towards carbon net zero

Harness renewable, sustainable energy sources

Show your environmental commitment

Help futureproof your business

Meet CSR objectives

Solar PV and Car Dealerships

More and more car dealerships around the world are having Solar PV systems installed in a bid to increase their sustainability in an industry that consumes more energy than most. A Solar PV system can help support a dealership’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint while significantly reducing monthly operating costs.

Rooftop Solar PV systems are generally an excellent choice for car dealerships, as there is usually plenty of unused roof space that is the perfect place for a Solar PV system. Additionally, a Solar PV car park system can be designed and installed to make use of the available space.

With more consumers interested in electric and hybrid vehicles, choosing renewable energy can help align with your customers’ values, especially if you install electric vehicle chargers on-site to accommodate.

What is a Power Purchase Agreement?

Commercial and industrial businesses can switch effortlessly to low-cost, green solar energy without any upfront costs with a Power Purchase Agreement(PPA).

We are an official partner of Iona Capital, a market leader in sustainable investment funds. As a committed sustainable investor, it has an expansive portfolio of more than 20 different low-carbon energy projects.

Shawton Energy has become a fully funded decarbonisation partner for both industrial and commercial businesses, and
our joint venture aims to deliver more than £ 50 million in invested capital in high-quality solar projects over the next five years.

This partnership with Iona Capital focuses on new rooftop solar projects through Power Purchase Agreements, which is an arrangement between Shawton Energy and the client for energy generated on-site by the Solar PV system at a reduced cost for a predetermined period. The price of the power purchased is fixed and will increase annually at the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate.

We install, own and operate the Solar PV system on the rooftop of the client’s property for the duration of the PPA, which is typically 25 years.

After the agreed term has expired, the rights and title for the Solar PV system are passed onto the client. Effectively, you can now enjoy the PV power produced at zero cost.

Virtual power purchase agreements for solar PV solutions

How does the Power Purchase Agreement Process Work?

If your energy usage and roof space meet specific criteria, you can benefit from free solar PV installation financed by our PPA provider. Once we have confirmed your eligibility, we’ll partner with you to get to know you and your business energy consumption.

This is part of our eight-step approach, beginning with a feasibility study and site visit. Once we’ve assessed your rooftop for solar suitability, we create a proposal based on your consumption, showing a detailed projection of your cost savings over the course of the PPA.

Below is an example of the typical financial and carbon savings you can expect on a 25 year PPA Agreement.

Why clients choose Power Purchase Agreements

R

No initial maintenance, refurbishment or roof upgrade costs

R

The system is monitored and maintained for the entire duration of the agreement at no cost to you

R

The price of the power purchased is fixed and will increase annually at the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate

R

Monthly invoicing and performance reports

R

Shawton Energy insures the system at no cost to you

R

The rights and title to the system will pass to you upon completion of the PPA term, so you effectively enjoy the PV power produced at zero cost

R

System sizes under 1MW are permitted development (unless on a listed building or in a conservation area)

System Size	CO2 Annual Savings	Self Sufficiency	PPA Term Options
250.00 kWp	73,229 kg	24.1%	Between 5 – 25 years
Year 1 Savings	Year 10 Savings	Year 15 Savings	Year 25 Savings
£45,240.00	£615,777.00	£1,174,281.00	£3,306,311.00

Based on market average 35.00p. 2. PPA Price eg. 15.40p. 3. 83.8% Own Consumption. 4. Based on yield of 951.03.

Case Study – BMW Soper Of Lincoln

Shawton Energy was approached by BMW Soper of Lincoln, which is an independent BMW retailer named after retired racing driver Steve Soper.

As a car retailer, the dealership is aware of its impact on the environment and has significantly emphasised future-proofing the business, so they wanted a Solar PV system to help them meet their green goals.

Our experienced team worked with them to assess their energy usage and determined a rooftop Solar PV system that would meet their needs.

THE PROCESS

The rooftop Solar PV installation was complex, as it was carried out across four different franchise buildings at the client’s site, including BMW, Mini, Halo and Northgate. Panels were spread across the different roofs to try and match generation and consumption at different times of the day to meet expected activity within the business.

In conjunction with our trusted development partner, Green Shield Group, Shawton Energy installed a total of 427 395kw Trina Solar Panels, 214 SolarEdge Optimisers and 4 SolarEdge Inverters to ensure the system is as efficient as possible for the client.

THE RESULT

BMW Soper of Lincoln is now generating green, clean energy from the world’s largest natural resource – the sun. They will save over 50 tonnes of carbon every year, significantly reducing their environmental impact and enhancing their green credentials.

“As a car retailer, the dealership is aware of its impact on the environment and has significantly emphasised future-proofing the business”

6

Weeks Installation Time

50,740

kg Of Carbon Saved Annually

169,238

kW Energy Generated Annually

172.81

kWp Array Output

Read Full Project

Case Study – BMW Sandal Wakefield

After a successful installation at BMW Soper of Lincoln, BMW were keen to continue their Solar PV journey with Shawton Energy by installing a new system at their location is Sandal, Wakefield.

Shawton Energy installed a 236.57 kWp system using 577 x Trina Solar TSM-410-DE09.08 PV Modules, 5 x Solar Edge Inverters and 577 x SolarEdge Power Optimisers, at the business in Wakefield.

THE PROCESS

Shawton Energy worked throughout an eight-week installation process at the site to improve sustainability. As this was a large project, we planned ahead to ensure there was no disruption to BMW Sandal’s working hours.

THE RESULT

The system will generate 228,465kW of clean green energy every year, saving BMW thousands of pounds on their electricity bills from the first year.

They are also saving over 68 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

8

Weeks Installation Time

68,493

kg Of Carbon Saved Annually

228,465

kW Energy Generated Annually

236.57

kWp Array Output

FAQs

How long will my PPA contract be?

The PPA term is typically between 20 and 25 years.

Will I be subject to irregular PPA (kWh) unit price increases?

The price of the power purchased is fixed and will only increase annually in line with the Retail Price Index. Furthermore, the tariff will only be payable on electricity generated by the PV system.

Who is responsible for maintaining and monitoring the equipment?

The system is monitored and maintained for the full duration of the agreement. This cost is included in our offering.

How often will I receive an invoice?

Invoicing and payments will take place monthly, with reporting and performance data being made available for your information and convenience. This is a great way to portray your renewable ethos to existing and future customers.

Do we need constant sunshine at our dealership for Solar Panels to work?

No, Solar Panels work in all daylight conditions – even in cloudy weather.

What is Capex?

Capex is capital expenditure of which a company or indidual is able to aquire the asset by paying an upfront cost.

The benefits

Ownership & control of system, maintenance and upgrades
Earlier return on investment. Fee lifespan and recouped costs can be spent in the business.
Increases property value.
Fixed costs.
Environmental benefits.
Fixed energy costs.
Energy independence.

How do I know if my rooftop is suitable for a PV system?

There are no initial maintenance, refurbishment or roof upgrade costs for you. We will ensure the roof and/or land is suitable for the system before any works begin. Should we uncover any issues, there are several ways we can address this, such as incorporating remedial work into the PPA.

Is the system insured, and will it affect my own insurance premium?

We will insure the system at no cost to you. As the asset is third-party owned, your premium should not increase.

Do I require planning permission?

No planning permission is required for installations up to 50 kW. System sizes under 1MW can be installed under the Permitted Development Planning Guidelines unless it is a listed building