Powering Change

Installing since 2010 · 0118 951 4490 · info@spiritenergy.co.uk

Our brochures
Request a quote
Which Trusted Trader - Spirit Energy

Cobham Services solar installed by Spirit Energy

Why Solar for Service Stations? 

Service stations are under growing pressure to cut operating costs, meet sustainability targets, and strengthen their brand image. Solar for service stations delivers a practical solution by turning unused roof space and forecourt canopies into clean energy generators.

Offsetting electricity used for lighting, refrigeration, EV charging, and air conditioning - that is how solar reduces reliance on the grid and shields businesses from volatile energy prices. 

Spirit Energy has extensive experience delivering commercial solar projects, including Cobham Services one of the busiest service stations in Europe, located just off the M25.

Contact us for a free bespoke quote for your business.

Selling-Points-Spirit-Energy

Does Solar Make Sense for Service Stations?

Solar makes strong business sense for service stations, where energy demand runs around the clock. From restaurants, shops, and coffee chains to refrigeration units, lighting, and EV charging, these sites consume vast amounts of electricity every day.

With extensive roof and canopy space often left unused, service stations are perfectly suited for solar panel installations that can supply much of this power directly on-site. Across the UK’s motorway network, hundreds of service stations could benefit from lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a stronger sustainability profile.

Cobham Services solar installed by Spirit Energy 2025

How Much Can Businesses Save with Solar? - Spirit Energy YouTube Case Study.

Should Businesses Get Solar? Exclusive Interview with Hansgrohe’s Operations Director

Service station on M25 - solar installed by Spirit Energy 2025

When Will My Solar Investment Pay Back? 

For most service stations, the payback period for a solar investment typically falls between 5 and 8 years, depending on factors such as system size, energy consumption, available roof space, and whether battery storage is included. Sites with high, consistent daytime electricity use, such as restaurants, convenience stores, and forecourt lighting, often see the quickest returns because the solar energy generated is used directly on-site.

  Payback Period Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
Cobham Services 4-5 years 30%

Be UK's #1 Eco-friendly Service Station

Solar energy helps service stations take a major step toward sustainability by reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions year after year. With growing pressure from both consumers and regulators to operate responsibly, solar power allows forecourts to demonstrate real environmental commitment while maintaining profitability.

By generating clean electricity on-site, service stations can support the UK’s net zero goals, power EV charging infrastructure with renewable energy, and set an example for sustainable transport hubs across the country. It’s a visible, measurable investment in a greener future that benefits both business operations and the planet.

Follow the example of Cobham - the busiest service station on M25 

Cobham Services solar installed by Spirit Energy 

FAQs

Installing solar panels on service stations offers multiple long-term benefits. With high, round-the-clock energy use from lighting, refrigeration, catering, and EV chargers, generating clean electricity on-site significantly reduces operating costs and dependence on the grid. Solar power also shields businesses from volatile energy prices, improves sustainability credentials, and supports corporate net zero targets.

Absolutely. Solar energy can directly support EV charging infrastructure, reducing grid demand during peak hours and improving the sustainability of your charging offer. Many sites choose to pair solar with battery storage to ensure reliable power for fast chargers, even when sunlight is limited.

No. Spirit Energy has extensive experience working on live commercial sites. Our team schedules all work to ensure full site access and safety at all times, in line with site availability.

There are flexible ways to fund solar for your service station, including Power Purchase Agreements, Hire Purchase, and Capex. Projects can often be structured to be cashflow neutral or positive from day one. Visit our solar financing page to learn more about the best option for your business.

Solar systems are low-maintenance, but periodic checks, cleaning, and monitoring of performance are recommended to ensure optimal efficiency. Spirit Energy offers maintenance services to ensure your system runs smoothly.

Solar significantly reduces your carbon footprint, helping your service station meet sustainability targets, attract eco-conscious customers, and align with government regulations on emissions reduction.

How Can I Finance My Service Station's Solar Investment?

At Spirit Energy we understand that solar and battery systems require an upfront investment. Effectively, it’s like paying for several years of electricity in advance, in exchange for decades of reduced or free power.

However, not every business can commit capital outright, which is why flexible finance options are now a core part of commercial solar adoption. Spirit Energy can help identify the most suitable route, whether that’s a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Hire Purchase, or capital expenditure, based on your objectives, tax position, and cashflow priorities.

Read about it here or download our infopack for more details. 

Solar installed by Spirit Energy 2025

Solar installed by Spirit Energy on one of the busiest stations in the UK

Solar on the Busiest Service Station on M25

Spirit Energy partnered with Extra MSA Group to install a 368.55 kWp solar PV system at Cobham Services on the M25, one of Europe’s busiest motorway sites. Designed to power restaurants, retail outlets, and EV charging facilities, the system now generates clean electricity directly on-site, cutting energy costs and reducing carbon emissions. As part of Extra’s wider sustainability strategy, the project demonstrates how solar for service stations can deliver strong financial returns while supporting the UK’s transition to net zero.

Read the full Cobham Service Station case study to see how Spirit Energy brought this large-scale project to life.

Service Stations Solar Experts

With over a decade of experience in commercial solar installation, Spirit Energy is a trusted specialist in delivering complex, high-performance systems for demanding sites like service stations. Our in-house team manages every stage of the process - from feasibility studies and system design to installation, commissioning, and long-term maintenance.

We understand the challenges of keeping 24/7 operations running smoothly, ensuring minimal disruption while achieving maximum efficiency and reliability. Backed by proven results across retail, hospitality, industrial, and transport sectors, Spirit Energy provides the technical expertise and project management needed to deliver dependable, cost-saving solar solutions tailored to your business.

Get in touch with us for a bespoke solution for your business.

Vishal Giga
Operations Director

Joined Spirit in 2010

Vishal joined Spirit Energy a few months after Erica and Ian founded the business in 2010 as a project manager, and is now our Operations Director. All of our project managers and installers are in-house, and Vishal oversees them all and is in charge of making sure that every project goes smoothly and is installed on time. Vish has a wealth of experience with both commercial and residential projects, and directly manages every commercial project that we do, including our installations at Philip Dennis Foodservice in April 2024, and Hansgrohe's headquarters in September 2024.

Justin Parsons
Head of Installations

Joined Spirit in 2010

Justin is the backbone of the company and part of the leadership team. He has overall responsibility for the installers, electrical design and sign off of all systems as well doing a technical and structural survey for every project to ensure we can manage each job perfectly. His devotion and meticulous attention to detail has helped build Spirit into the reputable and trustworthy brand we are today. 

You will most likely meet Justin on your technical & structural survey where he will plan your entire installation and run you through every minute detail. 

"My ultimate goal is to ensure our operations run smoothly, delivering exceptional customer service and top-quality installations to every customer, domestic or commercial."

-Vishal Giga, Operations Director

"I know that the technical & structural survey is a step that other installers don't feel is necessary, but many of Spirit's customers appreciate the chance to talk to the actual installers before the installation date."

-Justin Parsons, Head of Installations