Solar for Restaurants UK

Are solar panels worth it for a restaurant?

Restaurants are excellent solar candidates: (1) HIGH ELECTRICITY USE — £8,000-£25,000/yr (kitchen, extraction, refrigeration, lighting, HVAC). (2) DAYTIME PREP — kitchens active from 9am preparing for lunch service = peak solar alignment. (3) CONTINUOUS REFRIGERATION — fridges and freezers run 24/7 = high base load. (4) CUSTOMER APPEAL — 'solar-powered restaurant' attracts eco-conscious diners. System: 10-30kW (25-75 panels). Cost: £10,000-£35,000. Savings: £2,000-£6,000/yr. Payback: 5-8 years. Evening service: battery (10-20kWh) stores solar for kitchen during dinner rush. Without battery: solar covers daytime prep, refrigeration, and lunchtime service.