Warehouses are the beating heart of logistics. They store, protect, and distribute. And today, more than ever, they are evolving into energy-efficient hubs powered by the sun. One of the most common questions warehouse owners ask is: how many solar panels can be installed on the roof, and will that area be enough to cover the building’s energy consumption?
To find the answer, we need more than just numbers — we need to understand the logic behind solar installation.
The first steps: where calculations begin
Let’s imagine a typical logistics warehouse with a gable roof of about 1200 m². At first glance, that seems spacious. But things aren’t that straightforward. Several factors must be taken into account:
- the roof’s orientation relative to the sun (south-facing is best);
- the angle of the roof slopes;
- the presence of ventilation shafts, dormers, air conditioners — all of which reduce usable space;
- and lastly, the spacing between rows of panels to avoid self-shading.
For example, if you use 450W panels, each taking up about 1.9 m², you’ll need approximately 6–7 m² per kilowatt. In ideal conditions, a 1200 m² roof could accommodate up to 170–180 panels — equivalent to roughly 75–80 kW.
But theory doesn’t always match reality. That’s why custom calculations are essential.
In this context, a low-cost solar power plant in Poltava for logistics centers and warehouses becomes especially relevant — it can be adapted to suit specific site conditions, whether that’s an older building with numerous rooftop elements or a sleek, modular structure with a flat surface.
Understanding your warehouse's energy needs
If your roof space is limited and your electricity usage is high (e.g. constant refrigeration, automated gates, lighting, monitoring systems), setting the right priorities is crucial. Several key factors influence the calculation:
- Average daily energy consumption (ideally based on data from the past 12 months).
- Peak loads and their duration.
- Whether partial coverage is viable — for instance, powering only lights and security systems.
- Anticipated growth in consumption: if expansion is expected, build in extra capacity.
There’s also the economic angle. You don’t always need to install everything at once. Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to start with 30 kW and expand modularly in a year.
In such cases, a 30 kW turnkey solar power plant and price in Zhytomyr offers a smart and scalable solution — designed to grow without requiring full reinstallation.
What impacts usable roof area
To avoid costly miscalculations, solar engineers evaluate a wide range of site-specific factors:
- Regional climate (for example, Odessa and Dnipro get more sun than Lutsk or Lviv).
- Potential shade — from nearby buildings, chimneys, or trees.
- Roof material: metal roofs are easier to work with than soft, roll-out types.
- Structural load-bearing capacity.
Here’s a real-world case: a warehouse in Khmelnytskyi had 700 m² of roof space available, but due to numerous ventilation systems, only 480 m² was actually usable. In the end, they installed 60 kW — which covered up to 70% of the warehouse’s annual electricity needs.
Choosing the right configuration
Every warehouse is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all template. But there is a smart strategy to follow:
- Perform a detailed energy audit.
- Assess the roof structure and its load capacity.
- Create a design plan with precise area calculations.
- Compare inverter options and panel types.
- Choose a reliable installer who will not only set up the system, but also maintain it.
Here’s a quick checklist for warehouse owners:
- Don’t assume “the more, the better.”
- Choose equipment with at least a 10-year warranty.
- Remember that a modular system allows flexibility.
If you're unsure which solar power plant to choose: 5, 10, or 30 kW, Dolya Solar Energy specialists are here to help you find the ideal setup — tailored to your budget, space, and energy needs.
