Commercial solar panels can be an important addition to your premises, saving you money and providing energy independence.
However, the installation process takes time, and many business leaders struggle to understand how long it will take to install their new solar panels and get the system up and running.
To help you understand the process of installing a commercial solar PV system, and to make it as seamless as possible, we wanted to detail the steps that most of our customers take on their journey to becoming a more sustainable organization.
How To Get Started
To begin, you need to speak to your internal stakeholders to see if this is a project that you would like to kick off for your organisation. We would advise to take all affordability considerations out of the equation as we can be quite creative when it comes to funding mechanisms. If your building is owned by a landlord, this shouldn’t matter, as they are usually happy for companies to install solar panels, as this will improve the EPC rating on the building, but you should ask before you proceed.
Once you have ascertained that it is a project that you are looking to progress, get in touch with the team at AR Power to discuss your ambition. It would be helpful for our team to understand the nature of your business, operational hours, location, and any other information that may be relevant to the project.
After the initial discussion, we will ask you to send over the addresses of the buildings you would like to add solar to, along with the half-hourly energy data for the past 12 months, and a copy of your current energy bill for all buildings. We can then provide this information to our in-house design team, who can use this information to create your bespoke proposal for you.
The Initial Design
Thanks to our solar panel installation experts, we can provide you with a complete design that show you the system and what you can expect from it. This will include how many solar panels might be required, whether additional solutions like solar batteries will be viable and more. At AR Power, we put a lot of time and detail into each proposal, outlining system specifications, costs, projected savings, CO2e savings, and funding options, including CapEx, PPA and Asset Finance. It takes around 1 week for the team to complete the initial design.
Once your proposal is ready, we will set up a call to present this to you and the other stakeholders involved in the project. We can then answer any initial questions you may have and help you understand what is included/excluded. The meeting will also allow us to discuss any additional safety considerations you would like to include in the project.
Getting Your Solar Panel System Approved
Once you are in a position to proceed with your installation, we will ask you to sign an agreement to confirm the order. We can then mobilise our team, book your installation in, and reserve your materials.
If you have decided to fund your solar PV installation using Asset finance or a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), we can put you in touch with the companies who have provided the cost illustrations used on your proposal.
Please note that it can take up to 13 weeks to receive approval from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) when we process your G99 application. We are unable to install your solar PV system until we have received approval from the grid. We rarely get any projects stalling for this reason but we might have to limit the amount of energy being exported, if the local grid is constrained.
Please note that if your system size is under 50 kWp, the approval process can be a lot quicker.
Site Inspection
Prior to the G99 application, we will visit your site(s) to carry out a technical site survey and to assess the roof. If we have any concerns over the structural integrity of your roof, then we will speak to an independent structural company to get a 2nd opinion. If you are opting for a carport or ground mount solar PV system, then we will need to carry out all relevant surveys required to ensure the ground is suitable for a solar PV installation.
Your installation may also require planning consent however, most roof top installs fall under permitted development although we might need to wait 56 days for prior approval. If you are in a listed building, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, have opted for a ground mount solar PV system, or a solar carport which exceeds 4m in height, a full planning application will need to be submitted before the work is carried out. More often than not, there are no issues.
Regardless of which route is required, our dedicated team will handle all applications on your behalf.
Scaffolding And Solar Panel Installation
When all the required applications approved, our dedicated project manager will work with you to agree a date for when the scaffolding can be erected.
Following this, we can proceed with the installation of panels. As a general rule of thumb, we will be onsite 1 week for every 150-200 panels.
Timescales for deploying the solar system will also depend on the system size, the weather, if we install and additional safety measures such as permanent roof access, a fall restraint system or a permanent edge rail.
We will also work closely with your IT team, to enable connectivity to our monitoring platform.
System Handover And Inspection
When the system is fitted, we will then switch the system on and provide a complete handover with the person responsible for the solar PV system. We will process all additional paperwork, so the relevant authorities know that the installation has been completed.
If necessary, we can introduce you to one of our partners who can assist you in securing an export agreement, so you can receive a revenue stream for the amount of power you export to the grid.
Approximately 12 months after installation, we will visit your site to carry out an annual maintenance inspection. This is included in your contract for the first year. Maintaining your system annually will appease your insurance company, protect your warranties and ensure you are getting the best ROI over the lifetime of the system.
Why Install Solar Panels On Your Commercial Building?
Many companies are turning to solar to save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon output, or both, however there is a popular misconception that the process is costly and time consuming.
Historically, a solar PV system would be quite costly with long payback periods, however with the cost of materials being at an all time low and various funding mechanisms, there has never been a better time to explore installing solar for your business.
Solar Panel Installation Funding Options
Pay for your solar PV installation outright using your own Capital.
Have an investor cover the cost of your commercial solar installation.
As well as different funding options, there are also many different types of solar systems you can choose from. Providers such as AR Power offer a range of solar panel installation options, so you can build a solar energy system that meets your precise requirements.
Solar PV System Options
Save money on your energy bills and offset your carbon footprint with a commercial solar panel system.
Car parks are a necessity for most companies, but they take up a lot of land with limited returns. Make the most of them with solar carports.
Store surplus energy generated by your solar panel installation to our commercial solar battery storage solutions.
Get the most from your solar panels and ensure you achieve the best return on investment with our solar panel maintenance services.
Why Choose AR Power For Your Solar Panel Installation?
Getting solar panels installed on your commercial building is a big step. While embracing renewable energy offers cost savings in the long run, it comes at a high initial installation cost, so you need to make sure you find the right company to carry out the work.
At AR Power, we pride ourselves on providing an excellent customer experience and high quality commercial solar installation that last. Safety is paramount and we don’t cut corners. We want to provide a solution that lasts, that is safe, and provides the best return on investment.
To learn more about our solar panel installation projects and processes, check out our case studies and resources. If you have any questions about the solar installation process, or if there is anything we haven’t covered in this guide, please get in touch on 0191 4813316 or by emailing sales@arpower.co.uk and we’ll be more than happy to help you.
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