Business Solar PV Panels

Solar panels in the UK are increasing in popularity. Homeowners, commercial properties and public buildings are all taking advantage of this fantastic investment opportunity. Many businesses are considering solar PV panels for their premises so they can earn an income as well as receive reduced energy costs through the government backed feed in tariff scheme.

Who is Suitable?

Most building will have the ability to be fitted with solar panels. Panels can be fitted either flat on a sloping roof or to stand up on a flat roof. Ideally a suitable site will be south to west facing and have direct daylight overhead. The site will need to be looked at by the experts before a decision can be made. Roofs must be strong enough to hold the panels in place for many years. Commercial and business properties are usually in commercial areas and this is ideal as they are unlikely to be around too many domestic homes.

Feed in Tariff Scheme

The feed in tariff scheme is excellent for funding the cost of solar panels. The scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all the electricity a site has generated and an additional payment for any excess electricity produced that is sold back to the national grid. The payments are in addition to the energy savings the company stands to make by having them fitted.

Funding

Funding for the installation of business solar panels is quite common and there are grants and loans available for businesses wishing to apply. A big installation, like a business property, is never going to be cheap so it is worth looking around. As yet there is no nationally available grant for businesses but there are some really good regional schemes that could offer up to 50% of the installations costs. A loan from your bank is also another option. However, at the moment the carbon trust is offering a 0% interest loan for up to four years for the installation of panels.

Choosing a Company

It is advised that you choose with care when deciding who should fit your solar panels. Generally you should look at companies that specialise in renewable energy that have been trading for a long time. Make sure that all the installers are certified under the micro generation scheme (MCS accredited) before dealing with the company. You will not be able to benefit from the feed in tariff scheme if they are not. Finally pick a company that has a wide range of solar panels to choose from so that you can pick the best one for your electricity use.