Interested In A Commercial Solar Energy System?
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There are always a lot of questions about commercial solar energy systems so here are answers to common questions. If you cannot find the answer here or on the website, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.
Yes. Solar is a great investment in four ways.
- you lower your energy bills and save money not only on energy consumed but also on CCL (Climate Change Levy) and any demand charges by lowering your grid sourced consumption.
- for most businesses and organisations maximum solar generation is when there is maximum work going on in the business. If you work early or late you can time shift your energy consumption from peak production to when it is being used.
- financial advantages between CapEx, OpEx and tax efficiency.
- helps the business image as you help reduce pollution and improve the overall environment.
If you own the building then it is simple yes.
If you lease or rent the premises, the business will need to get permission from the landlord for installation, or they will have to do it. If in doubt get in contact and we will be able to help you.
Solar panels can be fitted to all roof styles including flat and shallow pitch roofs found on a lot of business premises. Unlike homes where flat roofs have an occluded view of the sun, many business premises have the advantage large flat and shallow pitch roofs with a clear view of the sun.
The cost for solar panels depends on what size the system is, the panels and how they are mounted, equipment used - inverter and potentially a battery, and how complex the installation is.
Every solar system install needs individually surveying and specifying, all of which is included in the cost of the install along with labour and necessarily certification especially if you want to export the electricity to earn an income.
There are government grants and tax rebates on profits for businesses for first time installs, the level of these change over time, solar installer can help see if you qualify.
Installed correctly with an optimum system for your needs, solar panels can reduce your electricity bills significantly. Businesses have the added benefit of paying less for CCL (Climate Change Levy) and any demand charges as you consume less from the electricity company.
The savings will depend on the type of system you have, any extra energy storage with a battery, how much the electricity companies are paying for your solar electricity and of course your electricity consumption.
This depends on several factors - system size of the system, location, weather conditions. As a comparison a typical home solar system will generate in the UK between 5,000 and 10,000 kWh per year.
Many businesses are using the electricity produced that is surplus to the business requirements to charge EVs, great for company cars saving even more money or helping run traditionally non electric processes like heating.
Of course there is always exporting the electricity but this is less efficient than using in the business as electricity import (in) is almost always more expensive than the electricity exported, so it really pays to explore energy efficiency as well.
Modern solar panels are designed to work light intensity not direct sunlight so they will continue generating even when cloudy or rainy.
Although the panels output will not be as high as very bright days, you will still be generating and benefitting from the electricity the solar panels produce.
Receiving the same level of solar as the UK, Germany is one of the largest solar energy producing countries in the world.
Yes solar panels will produce electricity all year. As the panels work on light intensity they will not produce as much electricity in the winter as in the summer. This is factored in to the design and quote to give you a realistic view and payback period.
There are other ways to help you save money in the winter months, please ask.
Modern solar panels are built to last out of toughened materials designed to cope with the worst of the weather. Many panels have a 20 to 25 year warranty.
However like the appliances and gadgets we use everyday, solar panels will continue generating after the warranty period is over, so they are a long term investment that will keep paying back for years.
Although technically possible, it is recommended to use professional solar installers who have knowledge of the equipment, regulations, are electrically qualified, can certify your panels (some Feed In Tariff companies require this before connecting your panels up for payment) and will use all this experience to design the optimal solar system for you needs.
If you have the space it is always possible to add more panels but this is not a straightforward process as the rest of your equipment may need upgrading too.
By using a solar installation company who can understand your requirements now and going forward, they can design a system to meet your needs to save unnecessary costs later.
The solar installer will advise you on the expected installation time when they survey the property as part of the quoting process.