As solar adoption reaches record levels, Sheffield Renewable Services is helping businesses and homeowners cut costs and take control of their energy use.
More than 1.5 million UK homes now have solar panels installed, according to government figures released as part of the UK’s Solar Roadmap in 2025. To put that growth into perspective, there were only around 28,000 solar-powered households across the country in 2010, meaning adoption has increased by more than 5,000% in roughly 15 years.
The commercial sector is accelerating its solar uptake too. Warehouses, offices, factories, farms and retail sites are increasingly turning rooftops into energy-generating assets as businesses look to reduce costs, improve energy security and meet sustainability targets. Throughout 2025, record numbers of new installations were registered nationwide, with March alone seeing around 21,000 new systems installed – the highest monthly figure since 2015.
For Jay Reid, founder of Sheffield Renewable Services, those figures reflect what he is seeing every day on the ground in South Yorkshire.
The Sheffield-based company, founded in 2021, specialises in solar PV installations, battery storage systems, EV chargers and renewable energy solutions for homes and businesses across the region. While the business itself is relatively young, Jay brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to the role.
An electrician by trade, he has worked on projects ranging from terraced homes to offshore oil rigs. But renewable technology was always where he saw the industry heading.
“I first got into solar back in 2005 when the feed-in tariffs were around,” he explains. “Then the funding got cut and I ended up working offshore for about 10 years. But once battery technology started improving, I knew I wanted to get back into renewables properly.”
Initially running the business alongside offshore work, Jay soon realised demand was building quickly enough to commit fully to Sheffield Renewable Services.
“About a year in, it really started gaining traction, so I just went all in and it’s been a great decision.”
Today, the family-run business works predominantly on larger residential properties, while also delivering renewable installations for commercial customers looking to reduce energy costs and future-proof their operations.
Recent increases in electricity tariffs have only accelerated interest.
“Whenever there’s a sharp rise in energy prices, we see enquiries jump straight away. Businesses using lots of electricity during the day can benefit massively from solar.”
One of the company’s biggest strengths is its emphasis on tailored advice rather than one-size-fits-all packages. Jay is keen to stress that renewable systems can evolve over time depending on a customer’s budget and needs.
“It’s not all or nothing,” he explains. “Some people might start with solar panels now and add battery storage later. Others might want EV charging added in the future. You can build the system up gradually.”
That flexibility is helping to challenge some of the misconceptions that still surround solar technology. Sheffield Renewable Services now uses AI-powered software that allows customers to receive detailed estimates online through an easy-to-use quote generator, using satellite imagery and household energy usage data.
The software also analyses roof size, orientation, shading and electricity consumption before producing projected savings, installation costs and estimated break-even timelines.
Jay says the technology has become a particularly valuable part of the company’s offering, giving customers the chance to explore their options and understand the potential savings in their own time. “It removes a lot of barriers. People can explore their options without feeling pressured into booking appointments straight away.”
The figures themselves are often persuasive. According to Jay, most systems pay for themselves within six to eight years, while the panels are expected to continue generating electricity for decades afterwards.
“The systems are there for 30 years. And with rising energy costs, most systems end up paying themselves back quicker than the official estimates.”
Commercial customers are increasingly recognising the long-term value too, particularly with grant funding and finance options helping reduce upfront investment costs.
“Businesses in Sheffield can access grants that cover a significant percentage of thehe installation cost,” he says. “When you combine that with the savings on energy bills, it starts making a lot of sense financially.”
Alongside solar and battery systems, Sheffield Renewable Services also works with trusted partners on heat pump installations and EV charging infrastructure, reflecting the broader shift towards low-carbon living and transport.
He points out that renewable technology is steadily becoming standard rather than optional. New-build homes are already required to include minimum levels of solar generation, and he expects that trend to continue.
Yet, despite the company’s rapid growth, Sheffield Renewable Services remains intentionally local and hands-on. Their ethos revolves around the belief that personal service is often what separates independent specialists from larger national providers.
“With this technology, customers need support and advice after the installation as well. We help people understand tariffs, how to get the best from the system and what options they’ve got going forward.”
As South Yorkshire businesses and homeowners continue searching for ways to manage rising costs and improve sustainability, Sheffield Renewable Services is proving that renewable energy is no longer simply about environmental credentials. Increasingly, it is becoming a practical business decision too.
Get a free quote for your home or business at sheffieldrenewables.com
