sales@solaruk.com 01424 772 903
Solar PV
Solar UK has experience in all types of commercial, industrial and residential solar PV installations from rooftop industrial units to housing developments and large ground arrays. We can advise on the mounting systems for all applications and offer design optimisation for string configurations, cable loss, and inverter selection.
We will advise on all aspects of the design process including providing technical assistance for planning and grid connection applications.
Solar UK is an MCS registered company, and we work with many architects, M&E contractors, main contractors and directly with owner-occupier clients and landlords looking to improve their EPC ratings by installing solar products.
As well as the design, supply and installation of systems, we offer service and maintenance solutions to ensure your system is optimised throughout its economic working life.
Solar PV for Commercial Customers
We work B2B with commercial and industrial customers of all sizes and with the major construction, house building, and M&E companies, and with architects acting for clients on both new builds and retro fit schemes.
We can begin with a simple telephone discussion to understand what you want to achieve with your project, and then make some initial desktop design and technology suggestions, and give you some high level indicative costs.
The next stage could involve a site visit so that we can meet and get a better feel for what the project entails. This isn't a formal survey, it's just a chat to get to know each other better and to see if we are on the right lines with our thoughts and suggestions.
If all your questions have been answered and you're ready to proceed, we will finalise the design and ask you to place an order subject to survey. Some site surveys do throw up some issues that we will need to discuss and perhaps amend our initial thoughts on the design and solution, but we will explain everything along the way and nothing happens without your agreement.
We never forget that it's your project; we're here to deliver it.
Energy Contracts for Commercial Customers
As part of a forward-looking energy strategy, solar technologies can play a big part in addressing your energy needs, but in the majority of cases the client is still left exposed to grid market uncertainty. Having addressed onsite generation and storage, the remaining power demand, that bit left for the grid to supply, is often overlooked.
We don’t overlook it. We address it.
Why securing the best energy contracts matters.
The true potential of your solar investment works best in partnership with the right energy contracts.
In conjunction with a trusted partner, we are able to assist businesses in optimising energy procurement.
They offer tailored strategies to enhance grid power cost efficiency, financial control, and energy security through customised energy buying approaches.
Additionally, they have tools and expertise to develop effective net zero strategies and track your carbon emissions.
With the use of platform-based services, they combine energy procurement data with sustainability goals, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and monitor progress towards net zero targets.
Of course, businesses need to look after their budget, but they also need to look at supply chain expectations, ESG standards, sustainability, and procurement. Our partners approach handles this for you by taking care of:
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Tracking and reporting carbon emissions in line with compliance and ESG standards
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Offering centralised tools to monitor progress toward net zero goals
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Integrating energy usage data with sustainability metrics for informed decision-making
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Delivering tailored energy procurement strategies that balance cost efficiency, energy security, and sustainability
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Providing transparent solutions to help businesses make informed, cost-effective decisions
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Combining energy procurement data with sustainability objectives for a unified view of energy and carbon performance
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Enabling businesses to adjust proactively to align with market trends and environmental goals
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Mitigating risks associated with volatile energy markets through robust strategies
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Helping businesses lock-in favourable terms while maintaining financial and market stability
In summary, this approach integrates energy procurement expertise with advanced sustainability solutions, empowering businesses to achieve significant financial savings while meeting carbon reduction and net zero goals. Through its comprehensive platform and expert guidance, we work with you to ensure that you remain competitive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Solar Technology Finance for Commercial Customers
Finance can be a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. It can deliver greater financial flexibility as you pay a regular, affordable, fixed amount in return for exactly what your organisation needs. Finance keeps working capital in the bank, establishing a stronger balance sheet and easing cashflow. What’s more, for some organisations, financing investments can unlock powerful tax benefits not otherwise
available when using cash.
Meet our finance partner: Bluestone
Whether you're a sole trader, running an SME or seeking finance for a multinational corporation. Bluestone are an independent, award-winning team of finance professionals with more than 25 years of industry expertise and experience, and they take pride in their ethical and consultative approach when securing finance to unlock your organisation's potential.
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Access to the UK's largest funding panel
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Lenders for almost all project types & sizes
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Speedy credit decisions
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Dedicated account manager & internal support team
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FCA accredited
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Providing award-winning service & support for over 25 years
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Personalised service
Solar Technology Power Purchase Agreements for Commercial Customers
There are a few different reasons why some businesses will defer putting solar PV on their roof, but perhaps the most common is a constrained budget, and so the first point to make about a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is that it comes at zero capital cost to the customer.
A PPA not only gets the technology working for you NOW, but it also secures long-term low energy prices, which can help insulate your business from the volatility of fossil fuel markets and the inevitable rise in future grid-energy costs.
As well as the lower power cost, investing in solar energy strengthens corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, enhances relationships with stakeholders and supply chain partners, and helps engender a positive community impact.
A visible commitment to sustainability not only elevates a company’s reputation but also resonates with environmentally conscious consumers and investors.
At Solar UK we work with partners who provide long-term PPAs to clients, typically 15-25 years in duration, at zero capex cost.
Please contact us for more detail on how a PPA can get solar PV working for your business NOW.
Solar PV for Residential Customers
For most of our residential customers, the idea of solar products being installed into their home is as daunting as it is exciting.
You will have questions; it would be unusual if you didn't. The first one might be...where do we start?
Here's a guide to how we hope to work with you on your project.
- Share with us all the questions you have; all the things that are on your mind.
- Then we can begin to design a system to meet your needs. This will involve satellite photographs of your home, its orientation to the sun, and your typical annual power and hot water demands. And from this information we will design your system and send you an indicative quote.
- You will perhaps have more questions at this stage and we will address all of them before going any further.
- Happy to proceed? We then arrange a site survey appointment with you for our Solar UK surveyor to visit, to double check the design, take some key measurements, look at likely cable runs and make sure there's nothing we have overlooked that might affect the design.
- Once you are happy, we will send an Order Confirmation for you to sign and return, and at this stage you are asked for a 25% payment to secure the order. For your own peace of mind, you should know that all customer deposits are covered by the QANW deposit guarantee scheme.
- Our installations team will then get a provisional installation date in the diary and take care of everything from that point on.
- We will keep you informed of progress from time-to-time as the system parts arrive into our factory and your installation date gets closer.
- We will then give you a confirmed date for the installation.
- On the day of installation, our team will arrive at site, and the lead installer will introduce himself and his colleagues, and carry out a risk assessment. And then they'll get to work.
- When we have finished, the lead installer will talk you through any system controls and make sure you know what's what. He will ask you to sign a Declaration of Job Completion.
- The project paperwork will then be processed by our administration team and they will send you our final invoice, which needs to be paid within 7 days of receipt.
- And then, once you have paid the invoice, a commissioning pack will be collated and sent to you for safekeeping.
RECC sets out high consumer protection standards for businesses who are selling solar PV or solar thermal systems to domestic consumers. RECC is approved by Chartered Trading Standards Institute as part of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme
By displaying the RECC logo Solar UK have signaled they have agreed to abide by the high standards set out in the Consumer Code
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) was brought in by the UK Government to protect consumers when venturing into the world of renewable energy. The technologies can be baffling for many and choosing the right installer, equally so. By having an MCS accreditation, consumers know that their installer has met a certain standard.
Solar UK has maintained its MCS membership and certification since it joined the scheme in 2011. Solar UK is registered for both solar PV and solar thermal systems. Having your solar installation MCS-certified will not only bring you peace of mind, but should you come to sell your house, your buyer's solicitor will likely ask to see the MCS paperwork...make sure you have it.
We are a TrustMark Registered Business, and as such we are vetted and monitored to ensure we meet required standards in technical competence, customer service and trading practices, so that homeowners can be sure they’re making the right choice in choosing Solar UK
How much will it cost to install a solar PV system?
The cost of installing a solar PV system can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the system, the type of panels and inverters used, and the complexity of the installation. On average, a residential solar PV system will cost between £5,000 and £8,000, and more when a battery energy storage system is added.
It is always better to look at the whole-of-life benefit rather than just the initial price tag, but we appreciate that sometimes the initial cost is key. The reduced energy bills, potential earnings from selling excess energy back to the grid, and increased home or business value, should all be borne in mind. Overall, we believe that whilst the upfront costs of installing a solar PV system can be significant, the long-term financial and environmental benefits do make it a worthwhile investment.
How much money can I save on my energy bills by installing a solar PV system?
That all depends on how much power your property uses, the size of the system you can install given the available space, and your initial budget. In theory PV and battery storage can provide 100% of your electricity needs, but that is often not the reality. At Solar UK we will work with you to get the system size right, by which we mean both for your budget and performance.
How long will it take for a solar PV system to pay for itself?
This is directly linked to the previous question. How much you save directly impacts how quickly the initial cost can be recouped. With an export tariff, you may be able to export power to the grid and get paid for doing so, which will reduce the payback period further and, year-on-year, grid power costs are likely to increase, which the solar PV will offset, adding greater value and a quicker payback.
What kind of maintenance does a solar PV system require?
Solar PV systems require minimal maintenance, but regular inspections and upkeep can help ensure optimal performance and longevity. Some of the maintenance tasks that the Solar UK Service team regularly carry out include:
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Cleaning: Dirt, dust, and debris such as leaves and lichen, can accumulate on solar panels over time, reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning can help maintain optimal performance. However, it's important to use the appropriate cleaning methods and avoid damaging the panels.
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Inspections: Regular inspections can help identify any issues with the system, such as damaged panels or wiring. Solar UK can perform these inspections and make any necessary repairs.
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Inverter maintenance: The focus is generally on the PV modules, but the inverter is the workhorse, and it also needs checking from time-to-time.
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Battery maintenance: We will also check the battery performance during a routine service, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Overall, whilst solar PV systems require minimal maintenance, regular inspections and preventative maintenance measures will help ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Will a solar PV system work during power outages?
This depends on the type of system you have installed. Solar UK can provide guidance on the best system for your needs, including options for battery backup systems to provide power for critical appliances and systems in your home or business, such as refrigerators, lighting, and medical equipment. Check out our Battery Energy Storage systems
What kind of warranties are available for solar PV systems?
Solar PV systems typically come with several warranties to protect against potential issues. These warranties can vary depending on the manufacturer and installer, but here are some of the most common types of warranties available:
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Product Warranty: This covers defects in the solar panels and other system components, typically for a period of 10-30 years.
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Performance Warranty: This guarantees the solar panels will produce a certain amount of electricity over a specified period of time, usually 25 years.
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Inverter Warranty: The inverter is an essential component of a solar PV system, and it typically comes with a warranty of 5-10 years.
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Workmanship Warranty: This covers the physical installation of the solar PV system; Solar UK’s workmanship is 2 years.
What government incentives are available for installing a solar PV system?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): The SEG is a new scheme that came into effect in January 2020. Under the SEG, energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are required to offer a tariff to pay homeowners and businesses for the excess energy they generate and export back to the grid. The rate paid for the excess energy will depend on the supplier and the market conditions.
There is also a VAT rate of 0% on domestic solar PV and battery storage systems, supplied and installed by***until March 2027.
There may also be local or regional grants or incentives available for installing a solar PV system, but customers will need to make their own enquiries.
How does a solar PV system impact the value of my property?
A first-class solar PV system, installed by an MCS-accredited company using first class components, will definitely become an asset to your property, enhancing both its sales appeal and its value. However, the opposite is also true; a poorly, uncertified system, can be a liability and detract from your property. Solar UK has been MCS accredited since 2011.
What does “efficiency” mean in solar PV systems?
An efficient solar panel is one that generates more electricity and occupies less space than a less efficient one. The efficiency ratings of panels are expressed as a % and today’s panels are generally between 20-25%.