HDM Solar is a young renewable energy supplier from Hull that has grown quickly by selling solar panels, batteries and inverters to both homeowners and the trade. Within a short time of launching, the business found that its original off-the-shelf Shopify store could not keep up with an expanding catalog, two distinct customer audiences and a fast-moving market.
The company moved to Shopify Plus and commissioned a redesign built around how solar buyers actually shop: technical data sheets on hand, logical add-on products suggested at the point of purchase, a separate trade storefront fed from the same product data, and an installer locator for consumers who need fitting. Combined with new SEO, social and paid search programs, the rebuild delivered a 20% increase in traffic, a 30% improvement in conversion rate and an 11% rise in search visibility.
About HDM Solar
HDM Solar launched in 2022 and is based in west Hull, East Yorkshire, with distribution centres in central Hull and in Sheffield. It supplies renewable energy equipment, mainly solar panels, batteries and inverters, and positions itself as a wholesaler for installers while also serving consumers directly. Its blend of B2C and B2B sales and its rapid growth have seen it described as one of the fastest-growing businesses in Yorkshire.
The Challenge
HDM Solar started online with a standard, out-of-the-box Shopify store. That was enough to get trading, but the business outgrew it quickly. The product range kept expanding, and solar equipment is technical: buyers, and especially installers, need specification sheets and clear guidance on which inverters, batteries and accessories go together. A generic store layout made that information harder to find and did little to help customers build a complete system in one order.
The company also had two very different audiences to serve. Trade customers need a buying experience geared to professionals, while homeowners need reassurance and often want help finding someone to install what they buy. On top of the site itself, HDM Solar needed stronger visibility in a crowded and fast-moving market, which meant investing in search, social media and paid advertising alongside the platform upgrade.
- Original out-of-the-box Shopify store outgrown by a fast-growing business
- Expanding technical catalog with product information in need of consolidation
- Need to serve both consumers and trade installers from the same product data
- Limited tools to help shoppers add compatible components to their basket
- Visibility in a competitive solar market without a structured SEO and ads strategy
The Solution
HDM Solar upgraded to Shopify Plus and, with an implementation partner, combined a full redesign with bespoke development and a new digital marketing program. The aim was a site that looked and performed like a market leader, kept pace with an expanding range, and made it easy for both homeowners and installers to buy the right equipment.
Shopify Plus redesign
The storefront was redesigned on Shopify Plus to present HDM Solar as an established, authoritative supplier. Product information was rationalised and consolidated so that listings across the range follow a consistent structure, which makes browsing and comparing panels, batteries and inverters simpler.
Trade-only store with product syncing
A separate trade-only Shopify store was set up for B2B customers, with product data synced from the main store. Installers get a dedicated buying environment, while HDM Solar maintains its catalog once and lets it flow to both channels.
Data sheets and complementary product links
Bespoke development added hosted data sheets for the growing product range, so technical specifications sit directly alongside each product. Complementary items are cross-linked so customers can easily add logical extras to their cart.
Installer locator
An installer locator was integrated into the site, helping consumers who buy equipment find a professional to fit it. This supports the B2C side of the business while reinforcing HDM Solar's relationships with the trade.
SEO, social media and Google Ads
Alongside the build, a new SEO optimisation strategy was introduced, and social media and Google Ads campaigns were launched and managed on HDM Solar's behalf. The marketing program was designed to drive qualified traffic into the improved storefront.
Implementation Journey
The project combined platform migration, design, custom development and marketing in one engagement. The existing store was moved up to Shopify Plus, the product catalog was cleaned up and consolidated, and the bespoke features for data sheets and cross-linked products were built on top. The trade store was connected through product syncing so both channels share the same data, and the installer locator was added for consumer visitors. SEO, social and paid search work ran alongside the build so the relaunched site had a steady stream of new visitors. The published case study does not state exact project dates.
The Results
The rebuild gave HDM Solar a storefront that matches its ambitions and an operating model that supports both consumer and trade growth from one catalog. The company reported a 20% increase in traffic, a 30% improvement in conversion rate and an 11% increase in search visibility, along with an uplift in sales. Its directors credited the Shopify Plus solution with accelerating growth and raising the company's profile in a competitive market, and valued having the equivalent of a full marketing department supporting them.
- 20% increase in website traffic
- 30% improvement in conversion rate
- 11% increase in search visibility
- Uplift in sales reported by the business
- Separate trade-only store kept in sync with the main catalog
Key Takeaways for Growing Businesses
Upgrade before the store holds you back
A basic store is a sensible starting point, but technical products and dual audiences quickly expose its limits. Moving up while growth is strong lets a business build the right foundations instead of patching around them.
Design for how technical buyers decide
Data sheets beside each product and suggested compatible components address the real questions solar buyers have. Removing that friction is a practical way to improve conversion without relying only on more traffic.
Pair the platform with demand generation
HDM Solar's results came from a better site and a structured SEO, social and paid search plan working together. A new storefront performs best when there is a deliberate program to bring the right visitors to it.
Technology Stack
Shopify Plus, Shopify trade store, Product syncing, Installer locator, Custom Shopify development, SEO, Google Ads
This story is compiled by the ONEXT DIGITAL editorial team from public sources and is shared as an industry reference. HDM Solar is not an ONEXT DIGITAL client.
Sources: https://designworkshop.uk/case-study/electrifying-e-commerce-solution-for-one-of-yorkshires-fastest-growing-businesses