UK Top Ten Companies Committed to Solar Power Leaderboard

Even though there's been a somewhat bleak outlook in many areas, last year was truly a year of great progress for solar energy. Production hit unprecedented levels, renewable sources managed to shut down coal-powered plants, and some green energy providers even started offering customers free energy. Additionally, corporate interest in commercial solar projects soared to new heights. Around the globe, businesses are recognizing the immense advantages of harnessing solar power. Installing commercial solar systems not only contributes to reducing carbon footprints and cutting energy costs but has also become a symbol of pride for forward-thinking organizations committed to environmental sustainability.

As part of our effort to highlight the most impactful players in the commercial solar industry, we’ve compiled a list of companies that are setting the bar high when it comes to solar commitment. Given that we're based in the UK, we've given extra attention to firms headquartered here or with a substantial UK presence, as well as notable solar initiatives taking place within the country.

Who topped the list?

To our surprise, Associated British Ports took the lead thanks to its massive solar investments, including the UK's largest rooftop solar array featuring 21,000 panels, capable of powering 1,570 homes annually. Close behind, Marks and Spencer earned recognition for their extensive solar setup at their Castle Donington distribution center and their unique customer share offer, allowing people to invest in solar panels at eight of their retail locations across the UK.

In third place is Amazon, which unveiled Europe's largest rooftop solar installation at their Tilbury fulfillment center last year, equipped with over 11,000 panels. While Amazon is heavily invested in various renewable energies globally, they remain especially enthusiastic about solar power. Other prominent names on the list include tech and retail giants like Aviva, Facebook, Tesco, and the John Lewis Partnership. Two surprising entries from non-tech sectors are Cambridge University Press and insurance provider Aviva, both of whom have made impressive advancements in solar energy compared to their peers.

You can check out the complete list of these solar leaders, along with detailed ratings and performance notes, in the infographic below.

How did we score them?

We didn’t just rank these companies based on their total solar capacity. Instead, we factored in the percentage of their overall green energy commitments that solar represents (favoring companies that prioritize solar over other renewables). We also considered the tangible impacts of their efforts, placing greater importance on immediate results rather than distant goals or pledges. Combining these factors, we generated a final score for each of our ten solar stars.

We'll continue monitoring the progress of these companies and others as we follow the growth of commercial solar in the UK. Keep an eye out for more positive developments from the corporate world and future updates to our list.

Interested in making your own investment in solar power—whether at work or at home? Our goal is to make solar accessible to more people across the UK by simplifying the process and helping you find the best solutions. Reach out to us today for guidance and more information.