The Rising Cost of Energy: What UK Businesses Can Do About It
- boutorabi
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Why Rooftop Solar Might Be Your Smartest Move Yet!
Across the UK, businesses are facing soaring energy costs. From unpredictable wholesale prices to reduced government subsidies, the impact on operational budgets is significant. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, electricity prices for non-domestic users rose by 67% between 2021 and 2023 (source).
Why Are Business Energy Costs Rising?
In addition to past increases, the energy price cap is set to rise again. Ofgem recently announced that from 1 April 2025, the energy price cap will increase by 6.4%, reflecting ongoing wholesale market pressures and sustained inflation in energy generation and supply (source).
Several factors are contributing to the hike:
Global energy demand rebounds post-pandemic
Geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine
Fossil fuel supply volatility
Market speculation impacting wholesale prices
The Real-World Impact on UK Businesses
Energy-intensive businesses like manufacturers, retailers, and logistics firms are experiencing:
Increased overheads
Squeezed profit margins
Limited capital for growth
Pressure to raise consumer prices
A 2022 report by the UK Warehousing Association found that rising energy costs have become one of the top three concerns for logistics operators, particularly those running temperature-controlled units (UKWA Report).
What Can Businesses Do?
Forward-thinking businesses are taking control of their energy strategy through:
Energy efficiency upgrades
Real-time consumption monitoring
Flexible energy contracts
On-site renewable energy generation
One of the most effective solutions? Commercial rooftop solar.
Why Commercial Rooftop Solar Makes Sense in 2025
With solar installation costs down over 60% since 2010 (source), and grid prices rising, the case for solar is stronger than ever. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global weighted average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar PV projects declined by 89% between 2010 and 2022.
A peer-reviewed study in Energies (MDPI, 2023) also found that commercial rooftop solar installations in the UK are becoming increasingly cost-effective even without government subsidies, with payback periods shortening due to falling capital costs and rising retail tariffs (source).
Cut electricity bills by up to 50%
Lock in long-term energy savings
Payback in 3–5 years, with 20+ years of free electricity
Enhance sustainability credentials
And with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and zero-capex models available, even businesses with no upfront capital can benefit.
Rooftop Solar Works for More Than Just Big Brands
Major brands like Amazon and Sainsbury's are already on board. But small and mid-sized businesses across the UK - from industrial units to schools - are adopting solar too. The UK government's Solar Taskforce has identified commercial rooftops as one of the largest untapped resources for expanding solar power, with a goal of reaching 70 GW by 2035 (gov.uk).
Get Ahead of the Curve
Energy prices may remain volatile, but your business doesn’t have to. Commercial rooftop solar offers control, stability, and long-term savings.
Book a free solar feasibility assessment with ASTRO Renewables today.
Let us show you how your roof could cut costs, reduce carbon, and future-proof your business.
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