The Leading News & Information Service For The Facilities, Workplace & Built Environment Community
Technical FM provider, Thermatic Group, has set out to prove the long-term value of solar PV to SMEs with the installation of its own rooftop system at its headquarters in Salford.
The installation which comprises 200 PV modules is designed to not only make the building more energy efficient, but to also reframe the value of solar PV as financial infrastructure for small and medium sized businesses.
Prior to installation, Thermatic’s annual electricity consumption was approximately 44 MWh, with a unit rate of 28p per kWh. Average monthly bills stood at just over £1,040. Following installation of the Solar Edge system, Thermatic will save £1,126 a month, offsetting the bill by almost 108%.
Over its lifetime, the picture becomes even more compelling. The system, which initially cost £87,450 is expected to generate around £247,000 in electricity bill savings – equating to £159,000 projected net profit against a payback period of just over six years. The fully traceable JA 450w panels also generate more electricity annually than the building consumes, in effect making the roof an income-generating asset.
Environmental impact and sustainability considerations also plays a part. The system is projected to reduce carbon emissions by over 15 tonnes annually, the equivalent of planting 700 trees each year. For SMEs increasingly asked to evidence reductions in Scope 2 emissions by larger supply-chain partners, this delivers measurable, reportable impact.
Safety is also built into the system through a fire alarm shutdown feature meaning that when an alarm is raised the entire system shuts down.
Thermatic’s decision reflects a wider trend among UK SMEs. Where businesses have high daytime energy consumption, ownership or long-term control of their premises, and electricity rates above 20p per kWh, solar PV is increasingly stacking up on purely commercial grounds even before ESG considerations are factored in.
For Thermatic this is not an environmental add-on, it is embedded infrastructure that delivers a return on investment and improves resilience.
Gary Boon, Managing Director of Thermatic Homes which leads the group’s renewable strategy, said: “For SME decision makers, this reframes the whole conversation. Solar in this context is not a discretionary sustainability spend or a nice to have, it becomes part of a company’s financial infrastructure for the long term while reducing exposure to volatility across the energy market.”
Picture: An image of Gray Boon and Joe Lyon on the roof of Thermatic Group HQ, next to solar PV.
Article written by Dave Mapps | Published 17 March 2026
Facilities management company Thermatic has strengthened its suite of ISO certifications with new partner, Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR). The process has involved…
As with most industries, Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate the conversation in facilities management. Predictive maintenance, automated scheduling and…
A new steering group of industry organisations will analyse the fire safety of solar PV (photovoltaic) systems. The PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN) will be…
A 1.2MW solar carport is set to generate over 1.1million kWh of electricity annually at Legoland Windsor. The scheme is being delivered by Zestec Renewable Energy, in…
Under the Future Homes Standard, the “vast majority” of new build homes will be fitted with solar power. The proposed Future Homes Standard is set to be…
The so-called Sunshine Bill was set to mandate solar PV panels on new builds, but it has been thwarted by the government. The New Homes (Solar…
550 Spencer in West Melbourne is the first Australian building to generate its own electricity through a solar panel façade. The technology, which replaces…
The British Library and CBRE have commissioned Naked Energy to deliver the UK’s largest solar heat project. Planning permission has been secured for 950…
In Salisbury, a solar car park made from timber beams and glass solar panels is to open at a health and wellbeing centre. Situated at Wiltshire Council's Five…
New buildings at an airport in Prague will feature a programmable glass exterior to show travel information and a satellite image of Czech Republic. Watch…
Learn More Here >>
A comprehensive refurb of the Mere Golf Resort & Spa included a completed M & E upgrade, delivered by AB Engineering, has given the site a high performance and cutting-edge building services across the hotel, spa and conference facilities. Click Image To Read More
In a groundbreaking development for the facilities management sector, MCFM Global Academy is proud to unveil a pioneering course, MCFM00226: ‘Contract Basics’. Click Image To Read More
Rinnai’s Head of Technical, Peter Seddon, looks at the benefits of heating & hot water hybrid systems in commercial applications. Hybrid systems utilise two fuels therefore contributing towards cleaner operations whilst maintaining seamless and efficient performance. Click Image To Read More
UK SME Management Consultancy of the Year 2026, ESG Pro is the leading EcoVadis™ Approved Training Partner, and is certified to both B Corp and EcoVadis GOLD. Click Image To Read More
Learn More Here >>
A healthy level of construction and investment is taking place inside the UK, European and APAC clean energy markets. Click Image To Read More
Learn More Here >>
Our mission is to provide skills and knowledge to help you achieve success in IWFM level 5 and 6. Click Image To Read More
Subscribe to Our Weekly News Service
Your e-mail will be secure with us. We will not share your information with anyone!
Keep up-to-date via your chosen network:
