Iceland Foods powers up with fully funded solar
Iceland Foods has reached a major milestone on its journey to net zero, working with Ortus Energy and SSE Energy Solutions to complete the first phase of one of the most ambitious rooftop solar projects in the UK food logistics sector.
Ortus and SSE Energy Solutions solar collaboration
This achievement is part of a wider collaboration between Ortus Energy and SSE Energy Solutions to deliver fully-funded solar for businesses across Britain. Through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), organisations can now generate clean, renewable electricity on-site with no upfront investment. They pay a fixed rate for the electricity generated, which typically up to 50% below grid prices, significantly lowering electricity bills, with immediate and long-term savings
Solar power at scale: Iceland's distribution centres
The partnership has already brought commercial solar generation to two of Iceland’s key logistics hubs in Swindon and Deeside, marking the completion of phase one.
Together, the two solar projects provide a combined generation capacity of 3.08 MWp, producing around 2.7 million kWh of renewable electricity each year and reducing carbon emissions by more than 550 tonnes annually.
· Swindon: 1,961.82 kWp, generating 1,740,409 kWh/year
· Deeside: 1,125.74 kWp, generating 961,844 kWh/year
According to Ortus Energy, the two solar PV installations could power an average Iceland store for nearly six years.
This project with Iceland Foods shows how major energy users can capture long-term value from their real estate by generating clean electricity on-site. Through our PPA model and collaboration with SSE Energy Solutions, we’re proud to be delivering some of the largest rooftop solar projects in the UK, offering a bespoke solution that balances sustainability, cost-efficiency and energy security for British industry.
How PPAs are powering corporate decarbonisation
Under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model, SSE Energy Solutions funds the solar panel installation and development upfront, while Iceland pays a fixed rate for the electricity generated over 25 years.
This arrangement removes the need for capital expenditure and shields businesses from market volatility by locking in a predictable electricity bills. This solar-as-a-service model is rapidly gaining momentum as organisations look for low-risk, low-carbon alternatives to traditional energy supply.
We want to be a strategic energy partner for businesses by helping them achieve their decarbonisation aims and delivering the benefits of low-carbon electricity at a stable cost directly to their doors and roofs. Rooftop space across the industrial and commercial sector offers a viable path to help the UK meet its target of 45–47 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030.
Britain's rooftops: The untapped solar opportunity
The UK Warehouse Association estimates that the country’s warehouse rooftops could collectively deliver up to 15 GW of solar capacity, equivalent to several large-scale power stations.
Projects like Iceland’s show how logistics and manufacturing sectors can lead the charge by turning underused roof space into renewable generation assets. With large surfaces and high daytime energy demand, warehouse and distribution centres are ideal for on-site solar energy systems.
Food warehousing is uniquely positioned to benefit from rooftop solar. It offers lower and more secure electricity costs, reduces environmental impact, increases asset value and makes use of existing infrastructure without additional land requirements. Iceland’s forward-looking approach sets a benchmark for the sector, showing that sustainability and operational efficiency can go hand in hand.
Unlocking long-term value from unused space
For energy-intensive businesses, solar PPAs offer a straightforward way to advance their sustainability goals and enhance their brand image while strengthening energy independence, realising cost savings immediately, without financial risk or capital commitment.
By collaborating with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy, companies like Iceland Foods are demonstrating how commercial solar installations can turn rooftop into renewable powerhouses, cutting emissions, reducing costs and contributing to the UK’s path to net zero.
Get in touch with SSE Energy Solutions today to see a if a fully funded solar solution is right for your business. Email enquiries.solar@sse.com or click the button below.
