Energy Guide

Commercial solar and batteries

Is our commercial property suitable for solar?

How do we know whether commercial solar is suitable for our site?

A roof or parcel of land is only the starting point. Suitability depends on condition and structure, usable area, shading, electricity demand, connection arrangements, planning and property rights, programme, finance and the organisation's likely time at the site. A desktop estimate should lead to checks, not be treated as a final design.

Written by Energy Guide editorial team · Specialist review: Pending · Source checked:

Start with the building and occupation

Establish roof age, condition, structure, access, fire and insurance requirements, shading and any planned refurbishment. Confirm ownership, lease restrictions and how long the organisation expects to occupy the property.

Match generation to demand

Annual consumption alone is not enough. Daytime and seasonal load shape helps show how much generation might be used on site and how much could be exported. Keep actual data distinct from modelled generation and assumed future prices.

  • At least 12 months of electricity data
  • Half-hourly data where available
  • Roof or land constraints and planned works
  • Network operator and connection route
  • Planning, landlord and lender requirements
  • Maintenance, monitoring and end-of-life responsibilities

Treat the first proposal as a hypothesis

Compare proposals on the same boundaries and assumptions. Ask who verified the survey inputs, what is excluded and which approvals must still be obtained before the forecast can be relied upon.

Sources

These sources support the explanation above. Check the linked source for current rules and eligibility.

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