Lamps (tubes)
Replaced on hours, not on calendar time. See when to replace sunbed tubes.
Guide for salon owners · September 2026
Sunbed running costs: how to work out what each session costs you
Two costs matter: electricity and lamps. Both are simple to calculate once you know where to look.
The short answer
Electricity cost per session = the sunbed's power rating in kW × your tariff in £ per kWh × the session length in hours. As a worked example, a 10 kW sunbed on a 30p tariff costs about £3 per hour of lamp-on time, or around 50p for a 10-minute session. Add an allowance for lamps, acrylics and servicing.
Working out the electricity
Find the rated power on the sunbed's data plate or in the manual. It is given in kilowatts (kW). Multiply by your unit rate and by the length of the session as a fraction of an hour.
| Example sunbed rating | Tariff | Cost per hour of use | Cost per 10 minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | 30p per kWh | £1.80 | 30p |
| 10 kW | 30p per kWh | £3.00 | 50p |
| 14 kW | 30p per kWh | £4.20 | 70p |
These are illustrations of the arithmetic, not the ratings of particular models. Use your own sunbed's rating and your own tariff. Remember the cost only applies while the lamps are on.
The other running costs
Electricity gets the attention, but consumables and downtime are where the money quietly goes.
Acrylics
Acrylic sheets dull and craze over time and reduce UV transmission. Inspect and replace as needed.
Servicing
Fans, filters, ballasts and starters. Regular servicing prevents the failures that cause downtime.
Downtime
The most expensive cost of all. A bed that is out of action earns nothing while your rent carries on.
How to reduce running costs
Keep lamps within their rated life, because tired lamps use the same electricity and deliver less, which means longer sessions and unhappy customers. Keep filters and fans clean so that the bed cools properly. Ask your energy supplier about a business tariff suited to your trading hours.
And be honest about old equipment. Platinum Tanning replaced an ageing bed after repeated call outs, because the repairs and lost sessions were costing more than the upgrade.
FAQ
Running costs: common questions
How much electricity does a commercial sunbed use?
It depends on the model. The rated power is on the data plate in kW. A sunbed rated at 10 kW uses 10 kWh for every hour the lamps are on, so a 10-minute session uses about 1.7 kWh.
How much does it cost to run a sunbed for 10 minutes?
Multiply the kW rating by your tariff and divide by six. A 10 kW sunbed on a 30p per kWh tariff costs about 50p for 10 minutes.
Do newer sunbeds cost less to run?
Newer models are often more efficient for the tanning result they deliver, and hybrid and LED technology can reduce lamp replacement. Ask us to compare specific models for your salon.
Why do commercial sunbeds need 3-phase power?
Because of the electrical load. Most commercial sunbeds need a 3-phase supply and their own rotary isolator. See our guide to power and ventilation.
Keep reading
More guides for salon owners
Guide
Sunbed salon regulations in the UK: licences, age limits and what is changing
What the law requires of a tanning salon in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, in plain English.
Guide
How much does it cost to open a tanning salon in the UK?
The equipment prices are fixed and published. Everything else depends on your unit. Here is how to build the budget.
Guide
Are tanning salons profitable? What actually drives the numbers
Nobody can honestly promise you a figure. What we can show you is how the model works and what real customers did.
Talk it through
Tell us about your salon, your room and your budget
Free consultation with a supplier who installs, services and supports what it sells.
Book free consultation Client feedback
What salon owners say
Real feedback from people who’ve bought beds, had installs and trained with Julita’s team.
“I had a pleasure to deal with j solution. Best in the business. Have few sunbeds bought and assembled by the company. Never had any issues with the equipment. They would also advise what’s new on the market. Thank you kindly”
“I’ve had a great experience working with J Solutions. They are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to sunbeds, lotions, and overall salon setup. From installation to training days, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. The team took the time to explain everything clearly, making sure I felt confident using the equipment and products. Highly recommend J Solutions to anyone looking for reliable support, quality products, and expert guidance within the tanning industry.”
“The salon looks absolutely stunning – it’s on a completely different level. Everything feels premium and high quality, especially the tanning beds. From a staff and client perspective, the investment was 100% worth it. I also received extremely detailed and professional training on tanning, skin types and safety. The support doesn’t stop after delivery. Highly recommended.”
Happy with your install or support?