Commercial solar for cold storage
Refrigeration runs around the clock, which usually means high, consistent electricity demand — one of the strongest cases for high self-consumption of solar generation.
Why cold storage sites often see strong self-consumption
Refrigeration and freezing loads typically run continuously rather than only during business hours, so a larger share of daytime solar generation tends to be used on-site rather than exported. Continuous, high-consumption sites are exactly where the self-consumption assumption in a proposal matters most — and where it's worth checking closely rather than accepting a generic figure.
What's worth checking specifically
- Actual load profile. If you have half-hourly meter data, use it — it lets a reviewer check a proposal's self-consumption assumption against your real consumption pattern rather than a sector-average guess.
- Backup power and resilience. If the site has backup generation or UPS for refrigeration continuity, check how the solar and any battery storage interact with it.
- Roof type. Cold storage buildings often have insulated panel roofing — confirm the mounting system and any structural survey account for this specifically.
- Growth plans. If cold storage capacity is expected to grow, consider whether the system size (and any DNO export limitation) leaves room for increased demand.
Have proposals for a cold storage or refrigerated warehouse site? Bring your electricity data if you have it — upload your proposals and we'll check the assumptions against your actual load.