Solar Panels For Businesses

In the past, there were three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels. The names of the first two types of panels refer to the number of photovoltaic (PV) cells the panel has. Monocrystalline solar panels comprise silicon solar cells with a single silicon crystal. Polycrystalline solar panels contain more silicon, which is not cut as intricately as it is in monocrystalline panels. Thin-film panels are made from layers of semiconducting materials, which are placed between transparent conducting layers, with a layer of glass on top. Today, Mono-PERC half cell solar panels, a version of monocrystalline panels that have the solar cell cut in half for maximum efficiency, are the most popular. A new solution, TOPCon panels, is considered more efficient and longer-lasting.

Currently, Mono-PERC solar panels are often considered the best solar panels for businesses, as they are the most efficient, but they are being phased out for TOPCon panels. However, every company is different, so the best type of solar panel system for your commercial property will depend on a range of factors, including cost, available roof space and how much energy you need to generate. Our team can provide industry-leading advice to ensure that you get all of the environmental benefits and cost savings possible from your commercial solar installation. By working with expert commercial solar panel companies like us, you can create the best possible solar system for your business. 

Some commercial solar panel arrays meet the criteria for permitted development, meaning you do not need planning permission. While there are no planning permission restrictions for high-generating solar arrays, if they are going to be attached to a listed building, are placed within the boundaries of a World Heritage Site or are a ground-mounted system of more than 9m2, then you may need permission from your local council and may face restrictions.

With expert installation from experienced commercial solar panel installers like AR Power, commercial solar PV systems should not cause damage to your property’s roof. Our team will check the roof structure and weight-bearing capabilities prior to the commercial solar panel installation. If the roof is not suitable for a commercial solar installation, then we can consider ground-mounted panels or creating a solar panel carport.

Businesses can get grants and financial help from the government to fund the cost of purchasing commercial solar panels. If your company does not qualify for a grant to get the panels for free, you may be able to apply for an interest-free loan or other forms of financial support for your commercial solar panels. Businesses can also enter a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”), whereby an investor will fully fund the cost of the installation and sell the power generated by the solar panels back to the business at a fixed, reduced cost. This approach helps companies to save money and benefit from solar energy without the high upfront costs. AR Power can provide advice and support for companies looking to finance their solar panel purchase and installation.

Any extra energy produced by the solar panel system can be sold back to the National Grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which has replaced the old Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme. With the SEG, companies can sign up and sell any excess renewable energy generated by their solar PV system to earn additional revenue.

AR Power covers all areas of the North East including Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Newton Aycliffe, Sunderland, Washington and more, AR Power is one of the leaders in the area when it comes to commercial solar panels. We also have national reach, installing commercial solar panels across the UK- so wherever you are, we can help.