Solar PV systems for commercial buildings

Solar PV systems on commercial buildings have mostly been installed as a visible statement, to provide reliable energy generation and an effective way to meet CO2 targets. However, the introduction of the new feed-in-tariff at last brings significant funding for the installation of solar PV systems to businesses, shops, offices, factories and other commercial premises.

The UK’s new feed-in-tariff will build on the experience of countries such as Germany, where PV systems are now commonplace on industrial and commercial buildings. The roofs of German factories, shops and warehouses now carry huge numbers of solar PV modules – reliably generating a return on investment for the system owners, year in year out.

Solar PV and the feed in tariff

The UK Government’s new feed in tariff is due to start in April 2010. This cash back scheme will pay a premium rate for electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar PV – fixed for up to 25 years. The feed in tariff means that the payback period for solar PV systems has dropped significantly and net income can now be predicted reliably. Unlike most previous funding schemes, this money is available to businesses and commercial enterprises.

Solar PV – a brilliant solution

Photovoltaic (PV) modules generate electricity from sunlight. Solar PV modules come in various forms and can be integrated directly into the fabric of a building: PV modules can be mounted on roofs or facades; PV roof tiles can directly replace conventional roofing materials; PV glazing laminates can replace ordinary glass in roofs, skylights and facades. Indeed solar PV panels can be incorporated into almost any building or structure.

• Solar PV systems generate free electricity with no carbon emissions.
• Solar PV systems are practicable for most buildings - new build or retro-fit - and result in no loss of usable building space.
• Every unit of PV generated electricity qualifies for payments under the feed in tariff.
• Typical solar PV installations will save several tonnes of CO2 every year.
• PV systems have no moving parts and require no maintenance.
• Solar PV systems are reliable, have a predictable performance (PV modules have performance guarantees of over 25 years) and an expected life of over 40 years.

For more technical information see our solar PV pages.

Why choose Sundog Energy?

Sundog Energy has been a leading player in the provision of renewable energy systems since 1995. We have designed and installed PV systems from the smallest home systems to some of the largest commercial and public sector projects undertaken in the UK. We have installed many hundreds of systems and many thousands of PV modules. We have worked with many local authorities, construction companies and house builders all over the country.

Sundog Energy can assess your building for its suitability for a solar PV system and provide options, costings and output data to show what could be achieved. The initial survey and quote are free - Contact us