Distribution Centre Solar PVManchester
Solar PV on a Manchester distribution centre, delivered with Lynx. Logistics sheds combine enormous roof spans with all-day operations — the classic commercial solar opportunity, and one of the strongest cases in the sector.
Project summary
Solar PV on a Manchester distribution centre, delivered with Lynx. Logistics sheds combine enormous roof spans with all-day operations — the classic commercial solar opportunity, and one of the strongest cases in the sector.
- Client Lynx
- Scale Rooftop array
- Completed 2023
- Location Manchester
- Service Distribution centre solar
- Installer MARA Electrical — NICEIC approved, MCS certified, based in Queensferry, Deeside
The Classic Solar Building
If you set out to design an ideal solar host from scratch, you would end up with something very like a distribution centre.
- Client / main contractor
- Lynx
- Location
- Manchester
- Sector
- Distribution and logistics
- Completed
- 2023
- Delivered by
- MARA Electrical — MCS certified, NICEIC approved
Big Roof, Big Load, Good Numbers
Distribution centres have three characteristics that make them ideal for photovoltaics: vast uninterrupted roof area, minimal shading, and a building beneath drawing continuously on lighting, handling equipment, chargers and controls through the working day.
The result is high self-consumption. Rather than exporting a midday surplus for a modest tariff, the building absorbs its own generation, so every unit produced displaces one that would have been bought at full commercial rate.
Working with Lynx, we delivered this installation in Manchester in 2023 — part of a run of North West logistics work alongside Stakehill Industrial Park and East Tameside Business Park.
Logistics Rooftop Delivery
Solar installed across a working distribution centre roof without interrupting operations.
Rooftop Solar Array
Photovoltaics installed across the distribution centre roof, designed around roof lights and rooftop plant.
Structural Assessment
Roof capacity assessed and mounting specified for the building’s structure and span.
Electrical Connection
DC and AC design, protection, connection and DNO notification.
Live Logistics Operation
Installation phased so stock movements continued uninterrupted throughout.
The Manchester Installation
What the Client Got
Daytime Generation
Solar output matched against a building that consumes steadily through daylight hours.
High Self-Consumption
Most generation used on site rather than exported, maximising financial return.
Supply Chain Credentials
On-site renewables increasingly requested by retail and manufacturing customers auditing their logistics partners.
MCS Certified
Full certification and electrical documentation on handover.
Logistics Solar Across the North West
Distribution and logistics runs right through our portfolio: 2.2MWp for NEXT at Pontefract, 650kWp for Primark at Kettering, 829kWp on the Bidvest coldstore, and DP World’s port logistics facility.
The North West logistics corridor — Manchester, Warrington, Ellesmere Port, Deeside — is one of the busiest in the country, and it sits directly around our Queensferry base. There is a great deal of viable roof out there.
Whatever your building type, we survey it, design for it and certify it. Talk to us about commercial solar panel installation, or browse the full solar portfolio.
Other Solar Case Studies
2,200 kWp · 20212.2MWp NEXT Distribution Centre
Our largest single-site array — 2.2MWp across a distribution centre roof at South Elmsall, near Pontefract.
829 kWp · 2014829kWp Bidvest Coldstore
Refrigerated distribution draws a heavy constant daytime load — among the strongest cases for solar.
Questions About This Project
Who carried out the Distribution Centre Manchester Solar PV project?
MARA Electrical carried out the Distribution Centre Manchester Solar PV project for Lynx. MARA Electrical are NICEIC approved electrical contractors and MCS certified solar installers, based in Queensferry on Deeside, serving Chester, Flintshire, Wrexham and North Wales.
How large is the Distribution Centre Manchester Solar PV installation?
The Distribution Centre Manchester Solar PV installation is Rooftop array. It was completed in 2023 at Manchester.
When was the Distribution Centre Manchester Solar PV project completed?
The Distribution Centre Manchester Solar PV project was completed in 2023.
Does MARA Electrical work outside North Wales?
Yes. MARA Electrical are based in Queensferry, Deeside and serve Chester, Flintshire, Wrexham and North Wales as their core area, but commercial projects have been delivered across the UK including Manchester, Liverpool, Kettering, Southampton, Norfolk and Scotland.
Logistics Roof? Best Case in Solar
Distribution centres deliver the strongest self-consumption figures in commercial solar. Free feasibility survey with full payback modelling across the North West and North Wales.
or email solar@mara.uk.com · see all solar projects