Solar PV
Why choose solar?
- Solar power is a smart investment for any organisation that has a long-term commitment to their premises.
- Whatever sector your business is in – commercial, charity or housing development – providing you have a suitable roof or plot of land, solar can help you reduce your energy costs and improve your environmental impact.
- With the cost of solar electricity now at just 6p per kWh over its lifetime, compared to around 34p per kWh for grid electricity, solar makes financial sense for many organisations. Solar also has the added benefit of providing you with energy price security, giving you peace of mind about your energy costs in the future.
- A solar system can more than pay for itself in the right circumstances, and you might even be able to access funding and grants to help finance the costs. We can advise you about these, and support you in your applications for funding.
- Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective and sustainable way to power your organisation, or you’re a housing developer looking to cost-effectively meet the latest EPC requirements, solar could offer you the perfect solution.
- Contact us today to find out how we can help you determine if solar is right for you.
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic (PV) effect.
Each panel contains a series of solar cells, and when sunlight hits these cells it causes a flow of electrons, creating an electric current. This current is then sent to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your businesses.
If your system produces more electricity than you need to use, it can be fed back into the national grid, and you will be paid for this, or you can store it in a battery so you can use it at a later date.
The performance of the panels is based on the amount of sunlight they receive, not the temperature outside, this means that solar panels still generate electricity on cold days providing there’s enough sunlight.
Financial benefits
Whether you’re a developer looking to add solar panels to your housing stock, or an organisation wanting to reduce your energy bills, there are many financial benefits to installing solar energy:
- Reduced energy bills: by generating your own electricity you reduce your reliance on grid energy, which means lower energy bills for your business.
- Income generation: the UK government’s Smart Export Guarantee scheme pays businesses for the electricity they generate through solar panels. If your new solar system generates more electricity than you use, as well as saving money on energy bills, you could also generate income from the additional energy you produce. Find out more about Smart Export Guarantee
- Increase property value: solar panels can increase the value of your properties, making it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.
- Tax benefits: in the UK, businesses can claim tax relief on the capital cost of installing renewable energy systems, including solar panels. This means you could reduce your tax bill and recoup some of the costs of installation. Find out more about UK government environmental taxes and relief
Is planning permission needed?
In the UK, most solar panel installations on commercial or industrial buildings are considered ‘permitted developments’ and don’t require planning permission. However, there are some exceptions and restrictions, such as if the building is listed or in a conservation area. It’s always best to check with your local planning authority for guidance on specific requirements.
Servicing and maintenance
We offer comprehensive servicing and maintenance to ensure your renewable energy system continues to perform at its best. With scheduled maintenance, we’ll help you get the most out of your investment and ensure your panels are operating at maximum efficiency.
Grants and Funding Available for Solar Energy in the UK
There are numerous grants and funds available in the UK. Some of the current grants include:
- The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): this is a scheme that pays businesses for the excess energy they generate and export to the grid. This means that businesses with solar panels can earn money for the energy they don’t use.
- Local Authority grants: some local authorities offer grants to businesses that want to invest in renewable energy systems, including solar panels. Check with your local authority to see if any funding is available in your area.