How solar energy can benefit your business and the environment

If you are a commercial business looking to install solar panels in Greater Manchester, or the North West, you may have some questions about how to select the best system for your needs, how to ensure its optimal performance and longevity, and how to benefit from the government incentives for renewable energy generation. In this article, we will provide some practical advice and considerations for each of these aspects, and explain how Solarus Energy Limited can help you achieve your green energy goals.

What are commercial solar panels and how do they work?

Commercial solar panels are large-scale solar power systems that are installed on the roofs or grounds of commercial or industrial buildings. They use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to power the building or feed into the grid. Commercial solar panels can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint of the business.

Why are industrial solar panels relevant for businesses in Manchester?

Manchester, although its known for being a rainy city, we get some sunshine too! It is also a city that is committed to becoming more sustainable and green, with ambitious targets to reduce its carbon emissions by 2038. One of the ways that businesses in Manchester can contribute to this goal is by investing in commercial solar panels. Solar energy is a renewable and clean energy source that can provide many benefits for businesses, such as:

• Lowering energy bills and increasing savings. Commercial solar panels can generate a significant amount of electricity, especially during the summer months, which can reduce the need to buy electricity from the grid. This can lower the energy costs and increase the profitability of the business.
• Improving the environmental performance and reputation. Commercial solar panels can help businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This can enhance their brand image and attract more customers and investors.
• Increasing the value and security of the property. Solar panels can increase the value of the commercial property, as they can provide a reliable and long-term source of energy. They can also increase the security of the property, as they can provide backup power in case of a grid outage or a power surge when used with additional battery storage.

Besides the financial benefits, commercial solar panels can also contribute to sustainability and environmental goals, both at the local and national level. By using solar energy, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main causes of global warming and climate change. Solar panels can also help businesses enhance corporate social responsibility and reputation, as they demonstrate their commitment to green energy and environmental protection. This can attract more customers, investors, staff, and partners who share the same values and vision.

If you are worried about the clouds in Manchester, we can talk to you about many of our previous installs, how we have got around shading issues using optimisation methods and how much energy our systems are producing.

Case study in Manchester & ROI

We have just completed a project in Fallowfield, Manchester installing a Solar PV array on student accommodation.  This was a 72.60kW PV system, using 165 Solar PV Panels.  The payback period or return on investment for this project is expected to be 4 years!  And in their first year alone, they expect to be saving just under £15000 on their electricity bills.  As you can see from these figures, it’s a no brainer for a company with high bills and a big roof space.  On top of the money spent and saved, they will also have annual CO2 savings of 11,460kg.

How does commercial solar PV compare with residential usage?

Commercial solar PV is different from residential solar PV in several ways, such as:

• The size and capacity of the system. Commercial solar PV systems are usually much larger and more powerful than residential ones, as they need to meet the higher energy demand of the business. They can range from 10 kW to several MW, depending on the available space and the energy needs of the business.
• The installation and maintenance of the system. Commercial solar PV systems require more planning and expertise to install and maintain, as they need to comply with the building regulations and the health and safety standards. They also need to be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
• The financing and incentives of the system. Commercial solar PV systems can be financed in different ways, such as paid in full, through a lease, a loan, or a power purchase agreement.
• One of the main differences with commercial solar systems over residential is usually the surface space and therefore, ability to install more panels. This makes the cost of installing increase but with that comes increased energy.  And if you have a big property with big consumption, the payback period is far more reduced.  Resulting in you paying off the cost of the installation and properly benefitting from the energy, far sooner.  (As shown in the case study above).

Government Incentives and Regulatory Support:

There aren’t any grants currently available for Solar PV, however if you generate renewable electricity in your home or business, you can feed back into the grid any electricity that you don’t use. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) you will be paid for every unit of electricity that you feed back. You won’t be paid for any that you use yourself. You can find out more information about that here.

There is 0% VAT on Battery Storage systems though. This embraces standalone battery installation, batteries added alongside Solar PV and retrofitted batteries alike.  You can see our previous blog post here.

Solarus Energy Limited are MCS certified.  This ensures you will receive quality installations by a reputable, competent, renewable energy installer.  Companies no longer have to be MCS certified but it is a mark of quality and demonstrates our compliance to industry standards and you can rest assured that we adhere to recognised industry standards.

Considerations for Commercial Solar Panel Installation:

First, you need to determine how much power you need to generate from your solar panels, and how much space you have available for them. The power output of solar panels is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), and depends on the size, efficiency, and orientation of the panels, as well as the amount of sunlight they receive. The average power consumption of a UK business is around 15,000 kWh per year, which means you would need a solar system of around 10 kW to cover your annual electricity needs. However, this may vary depending on your specific business activities and energy usage patterns. To calculate how many solar panels you need, we will do a survey  and use our software to come up with a solution best suited for you.

Secondly, you need to consider the installation and maintenance costs and requirements of your solar system. Installing solar panels involves several steps, such as assessing the suitability of your roof or ground, obtaining the necessary permits, connecting the panels to an inverter and a meter, and complying with the safety and quality standards. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your system. The cost of installation can range from £4,000 to £100,000, depending on the type and number of panels, the location and condition of your site. Maintenance costs are usually low, as solar panels have no moving parts and require minimal intervention. However, you should still check your panels regularly for any dirt, damage, or shading, and clean them if needed. You should also monitor the performance of your system using a digital display or an online portal, and report any issues or faults to us. Additionally, you should inspect your inverter every five years, as it is the most> likely component to fail or degrade over time. The cost of inverter replacement can range from £500 to £2,000, depending on the type and capacity of your inverter.

Conclusion:

Commercial solar panels are a smart and sustainable choice for businesses in Manchester, as they can provide many advantages in terms of energy savings, environmental impact, and property value. Solarus Energy Limited can help you with every stage of the process, from selecting the best system and materials for your site to installing and maintaining your panels.

We are a leading provider of solar PV solutions in the north west, with years of experience and expertise. We offer high-quality solar panel installation and maintenance, as well as bespoke energy solutions for your business. With us, you can rest assured that you will get the best solar power solutions for your needs and budget.

To get started, you can contact us for a free, no-obligation site survey, where we will assess your energy needs, evaluate your roof or ground potential, and provide you with a detailed quote and design proposal. The site survey typically takes less than one hour, and can be arranged at a time that suits you. To book your site survey, simply fill head to our contact page or call us on 0333 034 2434. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your solar ambitions.