What are the costs?
Most want to know how much a solar PV system is going to cost. As every business need is different we can only provide guidance here. However we hope this information helps and persuades you to talk to us first so we can provide you with accurate costings.
The initial investment is now very different from when solar panels were first on the market. Technologies have moved on, and solar is much more affordable. Believe it or not, the costs of many of the component parts have come down.
Typically, initial investments range from £55k to £150k+, according to the specific size, layout, complexity, etc.
Immediately you will gain control of your business electricity costs. You will cut your annual energy bills and see a payback within 3-5 years.
When coupled with a battery storage system, this will provide security during outages as well as allowing you to draw on stored energy at your convenience, using the grid when it is cheapest to do so.
You can also earn money selling energy back to the grid. We know also that solar installations will increase the value of your property. Investing in solar is aligned with global trends towards renewables and reducing your company’s environmental footprint. Your business’s sustainability reputation will also improve.
You will start to see the benefits from day one. We’ll have projected your usage, variables and worked out both a short and long-term plan bespoke to your business. A typical payback scenario is often between 3-5 years. We will work with you every step of the way to discover the right plan that works for you.
You’re the experts in your business and we are when it comes to energy and technologies, so combined you will get the best solution possible.
No, not at all.
We are more than happy to give you an estimate of an installation. However, we do need information from you about your business, current energy capacity, predictions and long term facility plans to help create the most effective and efficient system.
See how it works in the section above to see the steps involved.
The benefits and what’s involved
First of all we need to get to fully understand your business, then we can lead you through every step of the process.
We will discuss your energy requirements, peaks in demand, down times, current usage etc. We’ll investigate the structure of your facility so we can recommend the most appropriate PV panels and battery storage systems that will deliver for your business.
We can also provide options relating to varying scales of investment which we talk through with you and can inform you of accessible financial support.
By looking at solar panel efficiency ratings, this will show you how effective a solar panel is at converting sunlight into electricity.
Commercial panel efficiencies have increased over the last few years averaging between 17-22+%. Efficiency is also measured by the cell layout, configuration and panel size.
We will advise on all these aspects when we discuss what’s right for your building and energy plans.
Absolutely, we will look at your production requirements and work with you to minimise any disruption.
On average, based on a standard install, 80-100kW can be installed per week.
However, there are so many factors including the scale of the installation and planning approvals etc that each design and installation is different.
We can move very quickly if needed, but are bound by time to get statutory approvals.
You can be assured solar panels generally have a life expectancy of at least 25 years.
We monitor everything alongside you to start with to ensure the system is functioning as planned. We also train your team on how to monitor and manage the system for optimal performance.
What else can we help you with?
No doubt there are many different questions that come to mind, scroll through these and hopefully we’ve provided the answer. If not just get in touch.
Don’t worry, solar panels don’t need sunlight all the time, they work on cloudy days too. Above all, we take this into account when we work out yield rates based on your location.
BESS is an abbreviation for battery energy storage systems. These are rechargeable batteries that store power and discharge it as required.
Sectors with high electricity consumption and that need to ensure power resilience benefit from BESS, typically manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, cold storage and many more.
This is the statutory application we make on your behalf to your Distribution Network Operator about the changes you want to make.
We are obliged by law to inform them about your plans to avoid disruption to the main grid supply.
In the majority of cases probably not, as the majority of commercial solar panel installations fall within the Permitted Development requirements.
You do have to ensure that you minimise the overall effect of the external appearance of your building and the area in general. Listed properties naturally would require a planning application.
We will assess the roof construction at the initial design phase to identify if it is suitable for solar panels. Before any installation, we always carry out a structural survey to ensure the roof can support the load of the panels.
If the roof of your building is not suitable, there are many other options including, ground and wall mounted panels and solar car ports.
Yes. To ensure they are working at their best, we recommend a yearly service.
Keeping your panels clean and undertaking an annual inspection is advised, so in the likelihood of any damage or malfunction, the impact can be minimised.
Costs will vary depending on the O&M agreement you sign. Find out more on our O&M page.