Commercial solar questions answered

An assessment of whether solar panels make sense for a business site. It looks at your electricity use, the roof and structure, the grid connection, the likely system size and generation, and the cost, savings and payback. See what the survey includes.

Nothing. The survey we arrange is free and there is no obligation to go ahead. If specialist work such as a structural engineer's calculations is needed before installation, the installer explains the scope and cost before anything is commissioned.

One MCS certified installer matched to your site by its size, location and roof type. Your details go to that one installer only. Read how a survey works.

Yes. A virtual survey uses satellite imagery, photos, drawings and your bills to produce an initial design and estimate. Larger or more complex sites usually move to an on-site visit before a final proposal.

It depends mainly on how much of the generation you use on site and your unit rate. In our illustrative 100 kWp example the simple payback is about 5 years before tax relief. Try your own numbers on the solar payback page.

Illustratively, about £1,000 to £1,500 per kWp for 10 to 50 kWp systems, £750 to £1,100 for 50 to 250 kWp and £600 to £900 for 250 kWp to 1 MWp, excluding VAT. See the cost guide.

There is no single UK-wide capital grant for most businesses, but tax reliefs, business rates rules, loans and some sector or nation schemes can help. What is available differs between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. See grants.

Many rooftop systems on non-domestic buildings in England fall under permitted development, subject to conditions; listed buildings, conservation areas and ground-mounted systems often need more. The other nations have their own rules. Read the planning permission guide.

The application to your distribution network operator for permission to connect a generating system larger than the G98 limit of 16A per phase. Most commercial systems need one. Read G99 and DNO applications.

A battery helps when you would otherwise export a lot of your generation, for example at weekends, or when your tariff makes evening power expensive. The survey uses your half-hourly data to test it. Read battery storage for business.

Usually, with your landlord's consent. The lease length, who pays the electricity bill and what happens at the end of the lease all matter. Read commercial landlords and tenants.

With a power purchase agreement a third party owns the system and you buy its electricity at an agreed rate, with no upfront cost. Buying it outright costs more upfront but gives you all the savings and the tax relief. See PPA vs CapEx.

Not when the roof is suitable and the system is designed and installed properly. The survey checks the covering, condition and fixings, and whether the roof will last as long as the panels. Read roof survey for solar.

Yes. Tell your buildings insurer before installation. Many refer to the RC62 fire safety recommendations for rooftop solar on commercial buildings. Read solar fire safety and insurance.

Panel performance warranties are commonly 25 to 30 years, and inverters are often replaced once in that time. Read commercial solar panel lifespan.

No. We arrange the free survey. Any contract to design and install a system is between you and the installer you choose.