FAQ's
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Frequently Asked Questions
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General
What size solar photovoltaic system do I need?
Determining the appropriate size of a solar photovoltaic system for your business depends on several factors, including:
- Current energy demands
- Projected future growth
- Available roof space
- Carbon & net zero targets
- Local electricity grid constraints
- Financial budgets
Regardless of the industry or business, we always aim to generate the highest yield to satisfy energy requirements with the minimum system size.
How do you determine if my roof can handle the extra weight of a solar photovoltaic system?
As part of the process, a full structural report would be required to determine the capabilities of the roof. Often roofs start out with no weight issues but over time, and depending on what has been hung from purlins etc this can change.
The average load of solar modules equates to approx. 11 kg per m2. However, it is important to take into account environmental factors when calculating the maximum weight tolerance e.g. estimated snow load calculations etc.
Can a solar photovoltaic system be installed on any type of roof?
Most roofs are angled – either to a steeple or an edge of the roof – up to 50°, but a number of commercial roofs are entirely flat. While flat roofs propose a challenge for generation, there are specialist mounting systems that can be installed to ensure safety & installation integrity, while obtaining optimum yield year-round.
What is a solar panels expected lifespan?
A tier 1 solar panel (as determined by Bloomberg’s independent analysis) comes with a power output warranty of 25 years. With proper maintenance these panels will continue to generate electricity efficiently for 25 years with an average degradation of less than 0.5% per annum.
Will installing solar panels require any permits or approvals from local authorities?
The vast majority of roof top installations fall within permitted development rights – assuming current building regulations are adhered to – although a prior application will be need to be sent to the local planning department. Ground mounted systems over 9m2 (roughly 12KWp) will require planning permission.
Are there any government incentives or subsidies available for installing solar panels on commercial buildings?
Occasionally there are local based grants, but this is on a regional basis. The government incentive is via tax relief claimed against Capital Allowances allowing the project to be written down 100% in the first year.
How long does an installation take?
The duration of the solar photovoltaic installation depends on factors such as system size, complexity and the electrical connections. As a guide, the average commercial system size (at 500KWp) would take approx. 4 weeks.
Will my business be able to sustain normal operations while installing a solar photovoltaic system?
Typically, businesses can maintain regular operations during installation. The only possible interruption would be the final electrical connection but as such most installations are delivered with minimal disruption.
What is the average payback period for a solar photovoltaic system?
Current energy market rates are showing payback periods around 3.5 years assuming the project is put though Capital Expenditure.
That said, not everyone wants to utilise Capital for the installation so there are also both on and off balance sheet finance agreements.
The final method is via a fully funded power purchase agreement. This means there is no outlay for the system installation which is replaced with a medium – long term procurement contract for the electricity generated.
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