Solar energy FAQs – everything you need to know

A solar PV system works by collecting the sun’s light and converting this into electricity. The energy is collected via various solar panels (an array) that are mounted to the roof. Each solar panel is made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, wired together in the panel. The cells are made up of layers of silicon and look a bit like blue or black tiles, held together in a neat waterproof, clear-topped panel which are able to absorb the rays. When daylight hits the cells it creates electricity, the brighter the sunlight, the more electricity is produced.

Most roofs can accommodate solar however, if the roof is in poor condition, we may have to look at different methods of mounting. We can quickly assess your roof during an initial site survey.

No. You do not require planning permission for roof mounted solar installations if they are under 1MW (Permitted Government development rights). However, you may need planning permission if your building is listed or situated in a conservation area.

The system will continue to work as long as the panels are not covered (such as with a layer of snow) and there is sunlight. The output is affected by varying amounts dependant on shading and cloud cover. As designers, we can optimise your system accordingly to ensure your property benefits from the most efficient layout and angle of panels.

Since the systems have practically no moving parts, the systems are extremely reliable and efficient. As with any electrical installation, we always recommend an annual inspection to ensure all components continue to work at optimum levels. Please see our maintenance packages for more information.

This is not a problem! The system is viewed as an asset to your business and will add value if you decide to sell your premises. If you have a PPA agreement this can easily be transferred to the new owners/tenants to the building allowing them to benefit from far cheaper energy bills, too – another selling point!

As your trusted solar energy supplier, Sol P V Group will take care of everything. We will contact all the relevant parties and obtain all the necessary paperwork on your behalf.

Solar PV systems require very little in the way of maintenance. However, we do advise that the system is checked every 12 months to ensure it continues to work as it should. We have created a bespoke maintenance package which gives your business the security that you are getting the best from your system.

Yes, you can. We have installed dozens of systems on buildings where our customers don’t own the building. We’d just need to have an initial discussion with the building’s owners, to ensure they are on board and all the correct procedures are adhered to.

There are couple of factors that can affect this however, a 30 kW system will give you around 24,000 kW hours of power every year and reduce your carbon footprint by 15 tonnes on Co2 per year. System output will also vary due to your geographical location (a system in Portsmouth will create approximately 15-20% more than a system in Aberdeen, for example). We can discuss this in more detail during your site visit.

This is very much dependant on the size of the installation and the layout of the site. As a rough guide, a 30-50 kW system can be designed, fitted and tested within 3-4 days.

Since photovoltaic solar panels are primarily made of silicon, there are no dangers of leaking toxins or fumes. However, there are electrical components involved and we recommend that, as with any of your business electrical connections, the system is tested every year.

In addition to the equipment included in your installation, Sol P V Group offer a warranty on our workmanship. Professionally installed solar panels will not void any existing warranty that you have on your roof, and the work done to install your panels is typically covered under our warranty.

There are currently no central government grants however some local authorities are offering grants/incentives for local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. There are tax benefits for companies installing solar PV and any excess power generated by the solar can be exported back to the grid and there is a scheme to reward this called the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The SEG requires a smart export meter to be fitted and we work with a number of companies that can help setting the SEG tariff up for you so please contact us for further info.

Yes, commercial solar panels are undoubtedly worth it. Making eco-conscious improvements to your business is a great way to help your brand to stand out from the crowd, especially as consumers today increasingly look out for companies to work with who have sustainability at the forefront of their ethos. Beyond this, installing solar panels will allow you to future-proof your business against potential energy shortages and the rising costs of utility bills, saving you money in the long run. You may also be able to benefit from solar panel subsidies that can alleviate the upfront cost of your installation.

At Sol PV, we offer a range of solar options for businesses. Firstly, we can provide an initial consultation, after which our design team will work with you to find the best solution for your site. The nature of your final installation will depend on the style of your roof and your property location, where we will recommend the best technology to suit your requirements. Beyond this, we offer numerous maintenance packages for our business clients to help to keep your installation in good working order. You can also choose from our wide array of funding options, ranging from PPA agreements to asset finance.

Here at Sol PV, we can put you in contact with our funding partners to help you to get the best solar installation deal for your business. Our network offers competitive subsidies and flexible contract lengths to suit the requirements of your company, including 100% financed options. We have a range of grants and schemes on offer, including the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, which allows you to receive payment for any surplus electricity which can then cover your costs. Beyond this, you can also choose a PPA Agreement, asset financing or an outright purchase - speak to our team to find out more.

Our solar panel costs vary depending on the demands of your site. During your initial consultation we will assess how many panels you will need, as well as the kinds of metres and inverters you require, where each of these details can impact the final cost. Additionally, the amount you’ll pay depends greatly on the type of financing you opt for. Some of our clients are able to secure a 100% financed contract, whilst we also offer additional grants and subsidies that can drastically reduce your upfront costs.

At Sol PV, our number one recommendation for establishing a greener business is to invest in solar panels. We believe that this is the best way to reduce the carbon footprint of your company whilst saving money on your electricity bills. Beyond this, you can install battery storage systems that allow you to store any surplus energy for future use within your business. We also offer EV charging installations, so you can support your staff in their efforts to drive environmentally friendly vehicles to work.

Solar panel technology is designed to be reliable and low maintenance, however some essential maintenance work can help to prolong the life of your installation and keep efficiency levels high. As such it is recommended that you service your solar panels once a year to stay on top of any issues. Our comprehensive maintenance packages are specially designed to help with this, in order to monitor system performance and mitigate any issues as they arise. All our installations also come complete with our premium maintenance and analysis system, which responds to any issues for free within the first 2 years.