On average, your Solar Panel System should last around 25 years (we offer 25 years of FREE maintenance!)

Solar panels can be installed to almost any type of roof, including flat roofs.

Solar providers will typically require a certain minimum amount of roof space to install Solar panels. 

Generally, as a rule of thumb, around 500 square metres is required for a commercial PPA with a minimum space of  no less than 250 square metres.

A PPA allows businesses to benefit from Solar energy without having to invest in the equipment or take on the risk of ownership 

If you have a listed building or are based on a world heritage site, then permission may be required.  Building regulations will normally apply.  

There are several funding options available from Solar Advisory Service for businesses looking to finance solar panel installations:

Cash Purchase: Businesses can choose to purchase solar panels outright using cash reserves or available capital. While this option requires a significant upfront investment, it offers the benefit of immediate ownership of the solar energy system and allows businesses to capture all the financial incentives and savings associated with solar energy.

Hire Purchase: Hire purchase for solar panels is a practical solution for businesses looking to embrace renewable energy while managing cash flow. A company can opt for a hire purchase agreement instead of paying the full upfront cost for solar panels. This arrangement allows for manageable monthly payments, making budgeeting easier while providing immediate savings on electricity bills. As the solar panels generate energy, the business can lower its expenses and potentially sell excess power back to the grid. This financing method not only helps achieve sustainability goals but also enhances the company’s brand image as a responsible business. In essence, hire purchase for solar panels enables companies to invest in green energy without the heavy initial financial burden, leading to long-term savings and environmental benefits.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) allow businesses to purchase solar electricity generated by a solar energy system installed on their premises without owning the system itself. In a PPA, your business agrees to buy the solar electricity at a pre-determined rate, typically significantly lower than the utility’s retail electricity rate, for a specified contract term. PPAs can provide immediate savings on electricity costs and aliminate the need for upfront capital investment. Ownership of the solar asset transfers to your business at the end of the PPA term. 

By exploring these funding options, businesses can find the right financing solution to support their solar panel installations and transition to clean, renewable energy.

When a business owner discovers that their commercial building contains asbestos in the roofing materials, it can understandably raise concerns about safety, structural integrity, and the feasibility of future renovations such as solar panel installation. However, Solar Advisory Service have effective solutions that allow businesses to transition to renewable energy without compromising safety or disrupting operations. One such solution is the overlaying of cladding over the existing asbestos roofing, which not only mitigates risks but also enables the installation of a solar panel system.

Installing solar panels might slightly increase your insurance premiums, but fear not! The energy cost savings and added property value from our solar installation typically outweigh these costs, providing a solid return on investment and contributing to long-term financial benefits for your business.

The return on investment (ROI) for solar panels can vary based on factors such as location, system size, energy consumption, financing options, and local electricity rates. However, solar panel installations typically offer attractive financial returns over the long term. While the initial upfront cost may seem significant, the long-term savings and financial returns often make solar panel installations a smart and lucrative investment. Solar Advisory Service provide tailored guidance and assistance in evaluating the ROI for your specific business circumstances.

Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are devices that enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released when the power is needed most. The BESS can be charged by solar and / or from grid when cheapest, then used on site and / or exported to grid at peak time at preferential rates.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in mobile phones and electric cars, are currently the dominant storage technology.
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Intelligent battery software uses algorithms to coordinate energy production and computerised control systems are used to decide when to store energy or to release it to the grid. Energy is released from the battery storage system during times of peak demand, keeping costs down and electricity flowing.

We offer solar batteries as part of our solar panel installation packages, or you can add solar batteries to an existing solar panel system.
Our dedicated team of solar and battery-storage experts will assess your electrical consumption throughout the full 24 of hours of each day and throughout the whole year and determine if BESS is right for you and help you choose the right power storage solution to meet your needs.

A business owner needing to replace an aging roof can take advantage of our power purchase agreement (PPA) for solar energy, allowing them to address both needs simultaneously. By partnering with Solar Advisory Service, the company can install solar panels on the new roof as part of the roofing project. Instead of incurring the high upfront cost of purchasing the solar system, the business pays for the energy generated by the panels through our PPA. This not only reduces energy costs but also improves cash flow, as monthly payments are often significantly lower than traditional electricity costs. Additionally, the  new roof can be designed to maximise solar efficiency, optimising energy production. This approach allows the company to benefit from potential tax incentives and rebates associated with solar energy, enhancing their bottom line while showcasing a commitment to sustainability. In summary, integrating roof replacement with a solar PPA enables businesses to invest in renewable energy while addressing infrastructure needs, resulting in long-term savings and an enhanced brand reputation.

A rooftop solar system typically has a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. solar panel efficiency does tend to deteriorate over time, but the rate of degradation is typically quite slow. Most solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years, and manufacturers usually provide a warranty that guarantees around 80% of the panel’s original efficiency after 25 years.

When considering solar panel installation, many business owners understandably worry about the potential disruptions it might bring to their daily operations. However, the truth is that the process of transitioning to solar energy can be remarkably seamless, allowing businesses to continue their normal activities with minimal interruption.

Yes, solar power can be a beneficial investment for your business, especially if you’re seeking to lower your company energy bills.

Here’s why:

Cost Savings: Implementing solar power can lead to significant long-term cost savings on electricity bills. Once the initial investment is recovered, the energy generated by our solar panels is essentially free, reducing operational expenses.

Environmental Benefits: Switching to solar power aligns with sustainability goals, as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases your carbon footprint. This can enhance your companies reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious
customers.

Energy Independence: By generating your own electricity through solar power, your business becomes less dependent on
grid-supplied energy, providing greater energy security and stability against fluctuating utility prices.

Long-Term Investment: Solar panels have a long lifespan, typically ranging from 25 to 30 years or more, with minimal maintenance requirements. This makes solar power a reliable and durable investment for your business’s energy needs.
Before making a decision, it’s essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of your business’s energy requirements and available
space for solar panel installation. We can help you in determining whether solar power is a good fit for your specific business
needs.

To get started, you can download our questionnaire alternatively we will need your location, at least 12
months of half-hourly data, and your latest energy bills.

We determine the number of solar panels your business will need depending on several factors, including your energy consumption, available roof or ground space for installation, the efficiency of the solar panels, and your budget. Here’s a general approach to estimating the number of solar panels:
Energy Consumption Analysis: We start by analysing your business’s historical energy consumption data, this information will help us understand your average daily and monthly energy usage, as well as peak demand periods.
Solar Potential Assessment: Evaluate the solar potential of your business location (we can help you with this as part of a site survey). Factors such as geographic location, roof orientation, tilt angle, shading, and local weather patterns will impact the amount of sunlight your solar panels can capture. to meet your business’s electricity needs. This involves determining the system’s capacity. A rule of thumb is that each kW of solar capacity typically requires around 100 square feet of roof space, though this can vary depending on factors like panel efficiency, manufacturer and local weather patterns.
Panel Efficiency and Output: Consider the efficiency and output of the solar panels you plan to install. Higher efficiency panels can produce more electricity per unit area, allowing you to generate more power with fewer panels. However, higher efficiency panels may also come with a higher initial cost. We will always advise you on the best options for your business.
Budget and Financial Considerations: Your budget and financial goals will also influence the number of solar panels you install.
While a larger solar energy system may provide greater energy savings and return on investment over time, it may require a higher upfront investment. We have a variety of financial options that can make the initial investment cost of solar panels much
more manageable. By carefully analysing these factors, we can determine the optimal number of solar panels to meet your business’s energy goals efficiently and cost-effectively.

System Sizing Calculation: Once we have your energy consumption data and solar potential assessment, we can calculate the size of the solar energy system needed.

The time it takes to install solar panels for your business can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the solar energy system, the availability of equipment and materials, permitting requirements and weather
conditions. However, our typical solar panel installation timeline can be outlined as follows:
Site Assessment and Planning: This initial phase involves conducting a site assessment to evaluate your business premises
for solar panel installation. It includes assessing factors such as roof condition, orientation, shading, structural integrity, and
available space. Planning and design may also occur during this phase to determine the optimal layout and specifications for the solar energy system.

Permitting and Approvals: Obtaining the necessary planning permission and approvals from local authorities and utility companies can take several weeks to months, depending on regulatory requirements. This process involves submitting
planning applications, engineering drawings, interconnection agreements, and other documentation.
Installation: The actual installation of solar panels typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation. During this phase, our solar installation crew will mount the solar panels on the roof or ground-mounted racks, install inverters and wiring, and connect the system to the electrical grid.
Inspection and Testing: After installation is complete, the system will undergo inspection to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and interconnection requirements. We will also conduct thorough testing to verify that the system is
functioning correctly and efficiently.

Commissioning and Activation: Once the system passes inspection and testing, it will be commissioned and activated for use. This involves connecting the system to the grid and configuring any monitoring or maintenance systems.