Commercial solar panels have many benefits, including lower energy costs, a reduced carbon footprint, valuable tax incentives, and an enhanced reputation for sustainability. With a shift towards favouring sources of renewable energy over conventional fossil fuels, many businesses are investing in green technology, with solar panels leading the way as a cost-effective and highly efficient solution.
In this article, we will explore the key questions to take into account when considering solar panels for your commercial premises.
When you first consider the installation of solar panels on your commercial premises, the first aspect to explore is whether your project requires planning permission. In most cases, installing solar panels on the roof of a building falls under Permitted Development (PD) rights and does not necessitate planning permission. This significantly eases the process, allowing businesses to commence solar power planning immediately without frustrating administration and time delays. However, it’s important to check with your local authority whether planning permission is required, as some areas may not allow solar panels to be installed under PD rights.
Additional factors must be considered if your premises are listed or located in a conservation area. You may need permission from the local authority to install solar panels to avoid contravening strict conservation rules which are in place to preserve the historical and aesthetic integrity of your area. As there are financial penalties for breaching these regulations, it is imperative that you seek guidance and approval before commencing any installation.
The roof is often an ideal location for solar panels due to its exposure to sunlight and utilisation of unused space. However, before proceeding, your roof will need to be assessed to ensure that it is structurally sound and can support the panels’ weight. This involves checking the strength and stability of the structure, as well as assessing factors such as orientation and shading, which can affect the efficiency of the solar panels.
If the roof is unsuitable or you have underused outdoor spaces, ground solar panel installations can be an excellent option. They are particularly viable for businesses with extensive land. However, it’s important to note that if your ground installation exceeds 9m², you will need to obtain planning permission. Furthermore, only one installation of this size is permitted per property without consent from the local authority. Therefore, planning and considering the available space is essential from the outset.
Finally, one often overlooked factor is the impact of your solar installation on adjacent businesses. It’s important to ensure that your solar panels do not adversely affect your neighbours through reflection, shading, or visual impact. Maintaining good relations with neighbouring businesses is vital; respecting their views fosters a positive community approach to renewable energy initiatives.
For more information on our professional solar panel planning and installations for commercial businesses, please send us a message or call us today on 02922 710772.
Image Source: Canva