Commercial Solar Panels Essex: Benefits, Costs, and Savings

Solar panel systems are quickly taking over the commercial rooftops of Essex, as the county transitions towards renewable energy. With the financial and environmental benefits on offer, it's easy to see why. Commercial solar panel systems can save your business thousands on its annual energy bills, whilst lowering its carbon footprint.

In this article, we'll run you through the benefits of commercial solar installation. We'll also outline the installation costs and savings you'll make on your electric bills.

A solar panel system for commercial properties involves the a large-scale use of solar PV (photovoltaic) cells. These cells absorb the sun's rays and convert them into electricity, powering your business on a day-to-day basis.

Commercial installations differ greatly from residential solar installations. For a start, the increased roof space means that a much higher number of panels are required. An average four-bedroom house will need around 11 to 16 solar panels installed for adequate energy supply. A medium-sized business property will need around 75 solar panels.

Many businesses are ideal for solar power because they have an abundance of space and in many cases, a flat roof. These include farms, office buildings, warehouses, and educational institutions.

[Want to know if your business building can accommodate commercial solar power? Check out our guide.]

Commercial solar has benefits that extend much further than being an environmentally-friendly source of energy. Let's take a closer look.

Reducing energy bills

Generating energy from the sun will instantly reduce your business' reliance on the expensive energy produced by the grid. While your solar system may not cover your entire business' electricity usage, you'll dramatically reduce your monthly electricity bills. You'll be able to reinvest the money you save into more worthwhile causes.

Solar power will also future-proof your business against fluctuating energy prices. Sudden spikes in energy costs are not uncommon, and can throw a spanner in the works of your budget. By generating your own energy, the effects your business feels will be minimal.

Low maintenance

Solar panels are generally low maintenance, only requiring professional cleaning every one to two years. They'll also need an annual service to ensure they are performing to their maximum. Despite this, you can expect longevity from your commercial solar panel installation.

Well-maintained solar panels will last upwards of 25 years, providing you with constant and reliable solar energy.

Environmental benefits

Installing solar panels on your commercial property will help push your company towards a greener future. Solar is a form of renewable energy, meaning it won't run out, unlike fossil fuels. It doesn't generate greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the air and warm the planet. By utilising solar panels, you'll lower your business' carbon footprint while you save money and the planet.

Other benefits

Here are some other benefits that solar panels for businesses have to offer:

💷 Generating income: By utilising the government's Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, you can sell excess electricity back to the grid. You'll receive payments in return, without having to do anything.

🔌 Resilience to power outages: Local power cuts can ruin a work day, costing you money. With solar power and a commercial solar battery, you can conserve energy to use as backup.

🎯 Compliance with targets: The UK Government has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2050. This is likely to prompt strict regulations on UK businesses. Installing solar panels early will save you from increased supply and demand costs down the line.

The cost of a commercial solar panel installation will vary greatly depending on the size of your property. Smaller buildings will require fewer panels, and therefore material and labour costs will be lower. However, if the installation is taking place in a difficult to reach area, costs will be higher.

Here are some average prices for different-sized buildings:

Because of their large size, commercial solar systems tend to pay themselves back quicker than residential solar systems. On average, it will take two to five years for a commercial system to cover its installation costs in savings. Usually, larger systems have shorter payback times, as the amount of energy they produce is significantly greater.

Let's look at how much you can expect to save with a commercial solar system.

Once again, the amount of money that you'll save with commercial solar comes down to the size of your system. Remember, savings will vary depending on location, sunlight exposure, and how well-maintained the panels are. Here are some average annual and lifetime savings for different-sized buildings.