Raising a Glass to Solar: The Key to Keeping Pubs Open
Across the UK, pubs are closing their doors at an alarming rate. Soaring energy bills are one of the main reasons as pubs simply do not have the finances to absorb year-on-year price increases. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has warned that around one pub every day is expected to close in 2025, with an estimated 378 shutting down by the end of the year. Their chief executive, Emma McClarkin, summed up the pressure perfectly in a recent media interview, saying: “Pubs are trading well, but most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes. For many, it’s impossible to make a profit.
Pubs are facing th emost difficult trading conditions ever, with many landlords facing energy costs that have doubled or even tripled in the last few years. Some are cutting hours and staff numbers to stay afloat, but for many, the numbers no longer add up. The BBPA reports that some pubs are now paying around £1,061 a week in utility bills, which adds up to more than £55,000 a year. Electricity rates have risen sharply too. In early 2021, businesses were paying around 14.8 pence per kWh, compared to roughly 26 pence per kWh in 2025, according to Utility4Business.
According to research from Frontier Economics, one of the UK’s leading independent consultancies advising government and industry on market trends, pubs are facing around £4.8 billion in hidden costs each year, with energy often among the biggest culprits. Their findings reveal that no establishment is immune to the pressures of the energy crisis. Every pint now has to cover not only wages, stock and rent, but also unpredictable utility bills that can wipe out a month’s profit overnight. For businesses already operating on thin margins, a single winter of high prices can, in some cases, be the final blow.
So, where’s the way forward? For many establishments, it could be found on the roof. Increasingly, pubs and breweries are finding that solar power offers a practical way to bring those costs down while making their business more resilient for the future.
Pubs & Bars Need To Slash Energy Bills
The last few years have shown just how vulnerable the hospitality sector is to energy price volatility. Between 2021 and 2022, wholesale electricity and gas prices surged to record highs, leaving many pubs with bills that doubled or even tripled almost overnight. Even smaller establishments are now facing weekly bills of around £642 per, or more than £33,000 a year according to the BBPA. For many, those costs have become impossible to absorb. Some have reduced opening hours or closed kitchens to cut back, but for others, it’s already too late.
Even now, the market remains unstable. Geopolitical tensions and shifting supply chains continue to push prices up and down with no warning. A single spike can make the difference between profitable month, breaking even or having to make the difficult decision to close. It’s no wonder landlords are searching for ways to secure their own supply and shield themselves from the next surge.
How Solar Panels Can Save Pubs Thousands of Pounds
Solar panels turn your roof into a power source, meaning you generate your own renewable electricity directly from sunlight. For pubs and breweries, this means premises are reducing the amount of expensive energy supplied by the grid. Most pubs will be paying around 26p/kWh in 2025 whereas solar generated electricity is free.
A typical pub with 20 solar panels (around 9 kW) can generate about 8,000 kWh of electricity a year. With most of that used on-site, the pub could cut its energy bill by roughly £1,700 a year, or around £140 a month. Including export payments for any surplus power, the total saving is close to £1,900 a year. Larger roofs that can take more panels would see even higher savings.
Energy use matches generation: Brewing, food prep, lunchtime trade and daytime cleaning align with peak solar output.
- Reduced reliance on the grid: Less exposure to unpredictable price hikes. Reducing electricity bills by around £100-300 per month
- Predictable payback: Most pubs would see their system pay for itself in 4-8 years, with panels lasting 20-25 years so every year after is pure profit.
- Lower carbon footprint: Cuts emissions and strengthens your green credentials.
With options to add battery storage, you can even store excess power generated during the day and use it during busy evening service. That means the investment keeps working for you long after the sun has set.
Will Installing Solar PV Disrupt Business?
One of the biggest concerns owners often have is whether fitting solar panels will mean closing the doors or dealing with weeks of disruption. In reality, most installations are straightforward and cause very little interruption to day-to-day trade.
The work is usually carried out on the roof and in areas like electrical cupboards, away from customer spaces. A typical system can often be installed within a few days, and any downtime for electrical connections is planned carefully to keep your business running smoothly.
At Glenfield Electrical, surveys and planning are carried out upfront, so our team knows exactly what to expect. This reduces time on site and helps ensure you can stay open during installation. Where needed, we can work around opening hours to avoid disruption, and many hospitality clients continue serving customers with only minor adjustments. By the time your panels are fitted, the only change your customers will notice is when you proudly tell them their pint is partly powered by the sun.
The Hidden Benefits of Solar for Pubs and Bars
Lower bills are only part of the picture. Many pub owners find that solar power gives them a sense of control that’s been missing in recent years. When energy costs are steady, running a pub becomes easier to manage. Solar power creates consistency, helping owners to plan ahead without worrying about the next spike in prices. With more control over spending, they can focus on their staff, customers and creating the kind of atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
There’s also a shift in mindset that comes with generating your own power. Instead of worrying about the next price hike, thinking about investing in new ideas or improving their spaces becomes more achievable. That confidence often spreads to the whole team, helping staff feel part of something forward-looking.
Some pubs even share updates about how much energy they’ve produced or how solar has helped them stay steady through tough winters. It gives customers something positive to get behind and reminds the local community that their favourite spot is building for the future.
Make Sustainability Part of Your Pub’s Story
Today’s customers want more than a great pint or a cosy atmosphere. They’re paying attention to the choices businesses make, especially when it comes to the environment. For pubs or breweries, that creates an opportunity to turn sustainability into a real selling point.
Being seen as the “green option” can give you an edge in a competitive market. It’s the kind of story local media, food writers and influencers are eager to cover, and it helps you build a loyal following, especially with younger customers who increasingly choose where to eat, drink and socialise based on sustainability.
Common Questions, Straightforward Answers
When it comes to installing solar, a few practical questions always come up:
- Do I need planning permission? Usually not, unless your building is listed or in a conservation area. Even then, there are often workable solutions.
- What if my roof isn’t south facing? Solar can still work effectively on east and west facing roofs. Systems are designed to make the most of whatever space you have.
- What about cloudy days? Panels continue to generate in lower light, and because you stay connected to the grid, your supply is secure.
- Is my building suitable? Most pubs and breweries have ample roof space, and a quick survey can confirm load capacity and viability.
Support and Incentives
There’s also financial help on the table. Many businesses can make use of capital allowances, deducting the cost of installation from taxable profits. Depending on your location, there may also be grants or local funding schemes. Financing options like lease or hire-purchase (compatiable iwth the the Annual Investment Allowance are available too, making it easier to spread the cost, so savings line up with repayments. These opportunities won’t last forever, which is why acting sooner can be an advantage.
Why work with Glenfield Electrical
At Glenfield Electrical, we understand the pressures hospitality businesses are facing. That’s why every system we install is designed around your building, your energy demands and your budget. From the first site survey to ongoing maintenance, we provide clear, practical advice and long-term support, so your investment keeps delivering year after year. Our solar team are genuine experts with more than 30 years combiend experience and we cn work around your opening hours to minimise disruption. Now, that’s worth raising a glass to.