Commercial solar panels can be of great benefit to your business. Not only is solar energy more environmentally friendly, but it could save money for your business in energy bills. But what is the process of installing commercial solar panels?
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Consultation
If you’re considering a commercial solar installation, the first thing you need to do is get a price. Most organisations will offer you a cost estimation free of charge with no added obligations.
At this stage, you should make sure that you have permission to install solar panels at your commercial property. Are there any permits or approvals required before work can begin? Generally speaking, planning permission isn’t usually needed to install solar panels in the UK. However, if your commercial property is within a conservation area or is a listed building, then you will need to request permission. You might also require permission if you plan to combine the solar panel installation with extensive roofing or structural works. Check with your local authority before you proceed if you are unsure.
Survey
If you’re happy with your price and decide to give a company the go-ahead, they’ll likely undertake a site survey of your roofing area. This is to assess the existing condition of your roof, identify any potential obstacles, and to determine the daily levels of sunlight at the site. The installer might also conduct a structural assessment to make sure that your roof and building can withstand the weight of solar panels. If any issues are identified during this assessment, the installer should be able to advise you on what action, if any, needs to be taken before they proceed.
Once the survey has been completed, the installer should be able to give you a more accurate price of the overall work, as well as a more up-to-date picture of the design specifications and an expected timescale. If you are satisfied with the proposed layout and plan and agree to give the work the green light, you’ll likely be offered a contract to sign.
Construction and completion
How long the work takes depends on how large your roof is, but it should usually take between a few days and a few weeks. The installers will build scaffolding around the building before starting work to secure their access to the roof. Some of the roof tiles will be lifted in order to fit anchors to the loft rafters so that the panel mounts have a stable foundation base. This mounting system will ensure that the solar panels stay in position.
The panels can be installed vertically or horizontally and will likely be pre-wired by the manufacturer so that they can be connected to an inverter. The inverter, which converts the energy into electricity, will be installed near the breaker panel and can be positioned either outside or inside. This will then be connected to the main fuse box in the building.
Aftercare
Strong and durable, solar panels are easy to maintain and should last you decades. As with anything though, proper care will give your panels a longer and more efficient lifespan. Weathering over time can affect the efficiency of your solar panels, so it’s advisable to get them checked every few years to ensure they’re in optimum working condition for years to come.