Case Study: Solar Panel Installation for BP Fenton Petrol Station

Client
BP Fenton Service Station & Hand Car Wash, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Sector
Fuel Retail & Automotive Services

The Challenge
Fuel stations and hand car washes are among the most energy-intensive small commercial sites in the UK. With extended opening hours, constant lighting, refrigeration, pumps, compressors and car wash equipment, electricity costs can quickly become one of the largest operational expenses.

At BP Fenton, rising energy prices were having a significant impact on monthly overheads. Despite careful monitoring of usage, the site was exposed to volatile unit rates and high daytime consumption, exactly when grid electricity is most expensive.

The objective was clear: reduce reliance on grid electricity, stabilise costs, and create long-term savings without disrupting daily operations.

The Solution
Green Cedar Solar designed and installed a bespoke solar PV system tailored to the energy profile of a busy service station and car wash.

The system was sized to maximise daytime generation, aligning solar output with peak operational demand, helping offset the most expensive electricity usage while improving overall energy efficiency.

The installation was completed with minimal disruption, allowing the site to continue trading throughout the works.

The Results
A direct comparison of electricity bills before and after installation shows a clear and measurable reduction in grid electricity costs.

Before Solar (April–May 2024)

• Average usage: ~275 kWh per day

• Day rate electricity: 25.89p per kWh

• Night rate electricity: 18.19p per kWh

• Monthly electricity charges (inc. VAT): £2,558.03

The site was heavily exposed to high daytime unit rates, with the majority of consumption occurring during operational hours.

After Solar (May 2025)

• Total grid electricity consumption: 2,169.8 kWh for the month

• Day rate electricity reduced to 21.85p per kWh

• Night rate electricity reduced to 15.74p per kWh

• Electricity consumption charges before VAT: £396.88

• Significant reduction in grid-supplied daytime electricity

Despite continued operation at similar capacity, the site dramatically reduced the amount of electricity purchased from the grid, particularly during peak daytime hours.

The Impact:

• Substantial reduction in monthly electricity costs

• Lower exposure to volatile daytime energy pricing

• Improved operational resilience

• Long-term savings locked in through on-site generation

• Reduced carbon footprint

For energy-intensive sites like fuel stations and car washes, solar is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s a strategic investment.

Why Green Cedar Solar?
Green Cedar Solar specialises in commercial solar installations for high-consumption businesses. By analysing real usage patterns and designing systems that work with — not against — daily operations, Green Cedar helps businesses take control of their energy costs.

Summary:
This project demonstrates how commercial solar can deliver fast, measurable savings for fuel retail and automotive service businesses. By generating power on-site during peak trading hours, BP Fenton has significantly reduced its reliance on grid electricity and created a more sustainable cost base for the future.