Commercial Solar Panels For Businesses

Commercial Solar Panels

Reduce your business costs and secure your future energy with solar PV.

Switch to solar today and enjoy long term savings with no upfront costs required

Solar Panels for Businesses

Take control of your energy costs with commercial solar PV. Generate your own clean power, cut overheads, and locks in long-term savings — regardless of what happens to grid prices. Most businesses see a return on investment within three to five years, with panels continuing to perform for decades after.

Whether you’re a small business looking to reduce monthly outgoings or a large operation aiming to hit net zero targets, solar is one of the smartest investments you can make. We’ll handle everything from initial survey to full installation, so you can start saving without the hassle.

Our Clients

Roof mounted solar panels for businesses

With the significant increase in wholesale energy prices, interest in commercial solar panels is at an all time high. By installing solar panels, businesses can take control of their own electricity supply. Solar panels provide businesses with reliable, low-priced electricity to use on-site.

Mounting solar panels on the roof of your premises is the most popular way of generating clean energy to power your business. Solar panels can be fixed to almost any roof type, including flat roofs.

We have installed solar panels for a wide range of brands across all industry sectors. Recent clients include; Brabantia, Renishaw, the Duchy of Cornwall, Glastonbury Festival, Lush Cosmetics, the NHS, the RSPB, Tesco and the University of Nottingham to name a few.

Ground mounted solar panels for businesses

Most businesses opt for an on-roof solar PV system; however, a ground array may suit your particular premises or offer a solution if a roof mounted system is not a viable option. Ground mounted arrays are also an effective means to increasing on-site generation if your roof has already been filled with solar panels.

Solar panels can be fitted to almost any roof type, including roofs containing asbestos; however, if your roof is unsuitable due to its shape, orientation or has multiple skylights or vents a ground mounted array may be your ideal solution.

We offer a number of different mounting systems and can discuss any requirements you may have as part of your initial desktop survey. We also offer a high-quality solar carport solution.

Integrating commercial solar panels with battery storage systems

Integrating a commercial solar panel system with a battery storage solution is a great way to capitalise on the energy savings your solar panels produce and can help to leverage additional benefits for your business.

By storing and using all of the free electricity your solar panels produce instead of exporting it back to the grid, your business will benefit from even greater savings. Storing energy on-site ensures your business is less reliant on the National Grid, protecting your business from potential brownouts and energy rationing; allowing your business to remain operational when your competitors cannot.

Find out how much your roof and car park space could save you

Get a bespoke savings forecast for your premises. We’ll model your energy generation, payback timeline, and long-term returns.

Monitoring, operations and maintenance for business solar panels

Our relationship with you doesn’t end after installation, we offer a comprehensive solar panel monitoring, operation and maintenance service to ensure your solar panels continue to perform for the duration of their lifetime.

We offer a range of O&M services and can tailor a package to your specific needs. From a simple panel clean to proactive meter-based monitoring, we will help you to safeguard your equipment against possible faults and ultimately protect your investment. For more information, visit solar panel O&M.

Financial benefits of solar panels

There are significant financial and environmental benefits for businesses that invest and install commercial solar panels.

Less than a decade ago, solar panels were considered a niche and experimental technology. Ten years on, solar has become the fastest growing energy source worldwide. Technology and finance has aligned to move the technology into the mainstream; solar is now a mass-produced product, delivered at a cost-competitive price. In fact, the price of energy generated by solar panels is estimated to cost less than a third of electricity bought from the grid.

A typical commercial solar panel system will provide free electricity for more than 25 years, achieve financial returns of up to 20% per annum and pay back installation costs within approximately 5-years.

Environmental benefits of solar panels

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), NASA and the world’s leading scientists have warned us that if we continue to burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal and oil we risk a man-made disaster of global scale. We must increase and accelerate the rate at which we generate, store and distribute our energy from solar panels and renewable sources if we are to avoid irreparable damage to our planet.

Solar panels offer a means to considerably reducing your organisations’ carbon footprint. A typical 250kWp solar PV system will offset approximately 64 tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent to driving 155,000 miles in a petrol car.

A number of UK organisations including Bristol City Council and Bristol University have already announced a climate emergency and pledged to go net zero carbon by 2030.

Finance for business solar panels

Whilst self-financing is the most popular option for purchasing commercial solar panels and offers the best returns over the lifetime of a system, many companies have restricted budgets or would prefer to spend their capital elsewhere.

Solarsense has partnered with some of the UK’s leading financial institutions. From asset finance and hire purchase to a power purchase agreement (solar panel PPA) we will ensure you receive the best advice available and a bespoke finance package to suit your specific business. For more information, including the latest solar panel grants for businesses, please visit solar panel finance.

Powering UK industry towards a clean energy future

Since being founded in 1995, Solarsense has completed more than 14,000 renewable energy installations. We pride ourselves on building strong, long lasting relationships, proven by our high rate of repeat custom and impressive feedback.

Our reputation and strong track record has seen us working with a number of leading brand names and some of the UK’s leading organisations. For more information, including our company history, recent clients and charity projects, please see about us. Alternatively to see the businesses we have worked with in your industry, please visit our solar panel case studies.

Award winning solar panels and clean energy systems

We operate with an ‘open book’ policy and offer honest advice rather than adopting a hard sales approach. Each client is allocated a dedicated project manager who will guide you through the entire process to ensure effective communication and a seamless installation. We work with you every step of the way, including; DNO liaison, G99, grant applications and MCS registrations, right through to the hand over of the system.

Our first-class design, delivery and support has resulted in more than twenty industry awards, including National Solar PV Contractor of the Year and Commercial Solar Panel Project of the Year. Our recent project with Avon Fire and Rescue Service was awarded Clean Energy Scheme of 2022 at the Regen Green Energy Awards.

Independent solar panel installer

We are independent contractors, have no ties to specific products and only source tried and tested, ‘tier one’ products from the world’s leading manufacturers. This offers proven quality and ensures that your warranties will remain intact for the lifetime of your system.

We are fully certified, expert solar panel installers. Whether working on a school, factory or new-build site, we place a strong emphasis on health and safety and are proud of our safety record. All of our installers are fully accredited, holding all relevant CSCS and site safety cards. For a full list of our accreditations, please visit our accredited solar panel installer page.

BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

How can solar panels benefit my business?

Significantly reduce business overheads

Generate and store free, clean energy on-site and improve your bottom line with up to 100% savings on your electricity bills.

Secure your future energy

Pre-purchase electricity at a fixed unit price, forecast your long-term energy costs and protect your business against future increases in utility prices.

Save money whilst protecting our planet

Utilise clean, renewable energy to offset your corporate carbon footprint, lower your energy demand from fossil fuels and reduce your pollution

Protect your business from power shortages

Generate and store your own energy, reduce reliance on the National Grid and protect your business from potential rationing and brownouts.

Achieve a healthy ROI

A typical commercial solar panel system will provide free electricity for more than 25 years, achieve returns of more than 12% per annum and pay back installation costs within 6-8 years.

Create a competitive advantage

Visibly promote your green initiatives, improve corporate reputation and strengthen relationships with supply chains and customers.

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What is commercial solar?

Commercial solar panels are installed on any available roof space. As commercial properties are often large and have high electricity costs, commercial solar is a fantastic solution to save you money on your energy bills. Commercial solar panels are also a great addition to reduce your overall environmental impact, promote your green initiatives and improve corporate reputation.

Solar panels absorb energy from sunlight, which then causes an electric charge to be generated as the electrons are excited. This is then transferred by the inverter from DC to AC to directly charge the premises, or can be stored in a solar battery for later or auxiliary use. The only byproduct of this reaction is heat, making solar one of the cleanest forms of electricity generation.

How do commercial solar panels fit into my current commercial energy setup?

When you’re generating electricity on-site, less is coming through your meter from the grid. Instead, it will be coming straight from the panels on your roof.

All the components of your electricity setup, such as the meter, cables and fuse box, will function as normal.

(If you are installing a large panel system, you may need to upgrade your setup to support a higher capacity. Your installers will guide you in this situation.)

What are the benefits of solar panels on commercial buildings?

As your commercial roof space is likely unused, you are able to install solar panels on your roof. Solar panels allow you to generate your own cheaper electricity, and commercial properties with large amounts of available roof space can generate significant amounts of electricity each year. By generating your own clean electricity, you also move away from dependency on the grid and uncertainty regarding the pricing of electrical bills.

Is my commercial property suitable for solar panel installation?

For optimal efficiency, solar panels should be installed on south-facing roofs, and they can be installed on east or west-facing roofs. North-facing roofs are not appropriate, and this would make your commercial property unsuitable for solar panel installation. If your roof is showing obvious signs of wear and tear or damage, it may require reinforcement to ensure that the solar panels can be safely installed on the roof. There needs to be space available for the installation of the solar panels, and obstructions may make your property unsuitable for installation.

Are Solar PV systems available to every business?

Whether a solar PV system is suitable for your energy strategy will depend on various factors, including site suitability. Our team of experts will work to help determine your suitability for solar panels, discuss your options, and determine whether a solar PV system is a good fit for your business. We’ll also calculate how much electricity you could save each year.

How many solar panels will my business need?

The number of solar panels your business needs will depend on your annual electricity consumption, your location and the panel size and efficiency you plan to invest in. You can calculate a rough estimate by dividing your yearly kilowatt-hours (kWh) usage by the average output of a single panel.

How much does commercial solar cost?

The cost of your commercial solar panel installation will depend on a number of factors. The price of the project will depend on the number of solar panels that require installation, the system that you choose to install and the complexity of the installation. We will provide you with an accurate and comprehensive indication of the cost of your project during your initial free quote. We will also advise you on an estimate of the amount of electricity that you will expect to generate after your solar panel system is installed.

Are there grants available for businesses to install solar panels?

There are often grants available for installing renewable technologies. Please contact us for more information on what is available.

Can I get solar panels without the upfront cost?

Here at SolarSense, we offer our Solar as a Service solution to support energy-intensive businesses in generating immediate savings. For many, the biggest obstacle to solar and renewable energy is the initial investment. Without the initial up-front cost and ongoing maintenance charges, your business could start saving money straight away.

Instead of purchasing a solar PV system, you pay a predictable monthly fee to have the panels, turning a large capital expense into a manageable operational cost.

Do I need to register my business’s solar panels?

If you are planning to sell your energy, you’ll need to register your panels with the local energy network. This links you with the grid, and therefore, means that you can export energy and start getting paid. All you need to do is contact your local Distribution Network Operator. They’ll inform you of their specific process and what they need you to do.

How long will it take for solar panels to pay themselves off?

In short, around 5-10 years.

This figure will vary depending on the capacity of your panels, the location of your business, and energy usage. A good estimate is around 5-10 years, but the best way to achieve a more accurate figure is by asking your installer during the quote process.

Can my business continue to operate during a solar panel installation?

Yes, in most cases, installing solar panels will not affect your business operating as normal. For obvious reasons, we advise that schools, academies and other educational institutes install their solar PV system outside of term times if possible.

How long does it take to install commercial solar panels?

The overall time for the initial design of your commercial solar panel system to installation will vary depending on a number of factors. The overall project duration will depend on the time taken to obtain permissions, the size of the solar PV system and the complexity of the installation. We will provide you with accurate estimations in terms of the duration of your project during your initial quotation and during the installation process.

Should my commercial solar PV system have a battery?

Not all solar panel systems need a battery system. However, they can provide a wide range of added benefits, including further sustainability and cost savings for your electricity usage.

Without a battery, any unused energy generated by your system will be sold back to the grid, and will not be usable at a later date.

Is planning permission required for commercial solar panel installation?

Some rooftop installations will fall under permitted development, for which planning permission is not required. Depending on your sector (such as permissions for land developments for farm or agricultural businesses), planning permission and additional regulations will apply. This is part of our commercial installation process, and we will support you with planning permission and additional permissions that are required (where relevant).

At the start of your project at the initial stage, we will provide you with timescales on how long the project should take from planning to completion. This will include obtaining the relevant permissions and expected timescales of obtaining these permissions before the works begin.

How are solar panels attached to the roof?

The solar panels are attached to the roofline via a mounted array, with different systems being used for different types of roofs. This secures your solar panel system to the roof and ensures that all major styles of roof are suitable for solar panel installation. In certain cases where mounting would be unsafe for the current condition of the roof, it may need repair or reinforcement to be appropriate for solar panel installation (we can install solar panels alongside any roof repairs or reinforcements that are needed).

To prevent water leaks, solar panel systems are also secured with roof penetrations on the mounts, which are sealed to direct water flow away from the solar PV array. This is secured and combined with flashing, which prevents leaks from occurring. Full waterproofing maintains the integrity of the roof after your solar panels are installed and is important to protect the building and the panels after installation.

How much energy does a commercial solar panel produce?

The amount of electricity that will be generated by your commercial solar panel system each year will depend on the size of the system and the orientation of your available roof space. When discussing your project and providing you with your free quotation, we will provide you with an estimate of the amount of electricity that you will expect to generate after your solar panel system is installed

How efficient are commercial solar panels?

Solar panels typically run at an efficiency of 15 to 20% whilst also providing a high return on investment. The ideal orientation for solar panel installation is on south-facing roofs for optimal efficiency. Solar panels can also be installed on east or west-facing roofs, but cannot be installed on north-facing roofs.

How long do solar panels last, and does efficiency drop over time?

High-quality solar panels are likely to last up to 40 years and degrade by approximately 0.5% per annum. The average warranty for a solar panel is between 10-12 years; however, in many cases, it is possible to extend this period on purchase. SunPower currently offer the longest warranty as standard of up to 25 years. Your solar expert will explain all of the benefits and drawbacks of each panel when specifying your products.

Do climatic weather conditions affect solar panels?

Solar panels are affected by weather conditions. They produce more electricity in direct sunlight, which is why solar panels are typically installed south-facing.

What factors cause solar panel degradation over time?

Over time, your solar panels will degrade and deteriorate due to regular use. External exposure to high heat and humidity causes stress on the panels, which causes them to degrade. Lack of cleaning as well as regular maintenance can allow minor faults to develop into more serious issues. These could escalate into major damage to your solar PV system, which is why regular professional inspections are important.

Do commercial solar panels require maintenance after installation?

Solar panels require little to no maintenance after they have been installed. The panels themselves require cleaning to ensure that they are running as efficiently as possible. In rare cases, environmental factors or damage from pests may warrant repairs being needed. Solar panels are sturdy, and this is often a rare occurrence.

If you are experiencing issues with your solar panels after installation, this may mean that the system or cabling has become damaged or that the solar panel system wasn’t installed correctly. We can review issues with previous installations and recommend upgrades to the system where required.

Do commercial solar panels need cleaning?

If your solar panels are dirty, they could reduce energy production by up to 25%. This could financially cost your business and decrease your return on investment. Therefore, aim to clean your commercial solar panel system around 2-4 times a year, depending on your location, weather and nearby trees or sources of pollution.

What Are Common Solar Panel Issues?

Solar panels are very reliable. They have very few moving parts, and therefore, there aren’t many issues that can happen with your panel system. Some of the most commonly seen include;

Birds nesting under the panels,
Dirt build-up is affecting the efficiency,
The system turns off when it is cloudy or when it starts to rain,
Inverter displaying a fault code,
Cracked or damaged solar panels,
The monitoring or metering is not working properly,
Cables affected or damaged by wildlife.

These issues are rare, but when they are not caught and resolved early, they can create problems. If you have not had your solar panel system serviced in the last two years, get in touch with our team.

How often should panels be professionally inspected and maintained?

Professional maintenance is required where you do not have safe access to your roof. Solar batteries are also recommended to have regular inspections and maintenance at least once a year. Solar panels can be maintained by basic cleaning if you have access to the roof, and may only need checks every few years. It’s highly recommended to arrange for inspections at least once a year to professionally monitor the conditions of panels and their efficiency. With comprehensive systems, the solar panels will be installed alongside the battery.

How can you measure solar panel performance after installation?

Regular checks of actual output vs expected output are an important part of maintenance, as this will inform you about true system efficiency and if you are experiencing a decrease in performance. This can be monitored over time, but you shouldn’t see a significant dip in expected vs actual output. This needs to be benchmarked against the current season and weather conditions (you can’t compare the summer and the winter for output and expect the same results, for example). A sudden or consistent drop is a red flag of an issue that will need an inspection and rectification.

Our commercial solar panel systems also have advanced monitoring technology that tracks the output of panels. This is important for maintenance and solar performance management, as you will see potential issues in real time (if they occur), as well as being able to consistently and accurately measure the performance of your solar PV system.

AWARD WINNING RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSULTANTS

Where we've increased environment sustainability

Bristol Bears Training Facility

GENERATING MORE THAN

52,725kWh

of clean energy per year

VIEW CASE STUDY

The Tracklements Company

GENERATING OVER

124,637 kWh

of clean energy per year

VIEW CASE STUDY

Bicester Leisure Centre

SAVING MORE THAN

34,561kg

of carbon emissions each year

VIEW CASE STUDY

The RSPB

GENERATING OVER

308,746 kWh

of clean energy per year

VIEW CASE STUDY

Bristol Zoo

GENERATING OVER

37,929kWh

of clean energy per year

VIEW CASE STUDY

Commercial Solar Panels

Solar Panels for Businesses

Our Clients

Roof mounted solar panels for businesses

Ground mounted solar panels for businesses

Integrating commercial solar panels with battery storage systems

Find out how much your roof and car park space could save you

Monitoring, operations and maintenance for business solar panels

Financial benefits of solar panels

Environmental benefits of solar panels

Finance for business solar panels

Powering UK industry towards a clean energy future

Award winning solar panels and clean energy systems

Independent solar panel installer

How can solar panels benefit my business?

Significantly reduce business overheads

Secure your future energy

Save money whilst protecting our planet

Protect your business from power shortages

Achieve a healthy ROI

Create a competitive advantage

Where we've increased environment sustainability

Our Accreditations