Energy from a commercial solar PV system can cost a fraction of what you are paying from a utility company. Whilst saving only a few pence per kWh sounds small, it soon adds up. Additionally, solar panel maintenance costs in the UK are relatively low. You can therefore enjoy reduced overall expenses for your electricity consumption.
Commercial solar panels can make your day-to-day operations more efficient. Standard solar panel efficiency levels are 15-20%, but they can reach 42% in some cases. Commercial rooftop solar panels are not, however, all produced from the same material and therefore they do have different efficiency ratings.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from one silicon piece and are known for being the most efficient solar panel material on the market. As such, they are also the most expensive. Large solar panels made from this material, however, will perform better in low sunlight levels than polycrystalline panels.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Several pieces of silicon are melted together to produce polycrystalline panels. These are easier to create, which makes them less expensive. Whilst less effective at saving space, these panels still operate with 13-16% efficiency.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels are another popular option that requires even less material. These panels are the cheapest to manufacture, but they also have low energy efficiency, requiring the most space.
When evaluating commercial solar panel efficiency, it is therefore important to examine the materials used in the manufacturing process.
On 31 March 2021 two new tax relief measures were announced by the UK government: The 130% Super-Deduction and the 50% First Year Allowance (FYA). To claim the tax break Businesses must invest in qualifying plant and machinery by 31 March 2023. Solar Panels are qualifying assets under the 50% First Year Allowance. This means that by investing in solar, you will only pay corporation tax on your operating profits minus 50% of the value of your solar investment.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) took effect in January 2020, and businesses can potentially experience financial gain from exporting excess energy back to the national grid. To be eligible, you must have a smart meter to measure the power exported.
Typical solar panel system sizes and costs are:
If you are considering making the switch to commercial solar panels for your business, we can design the required system, provide costs and undertake all aspects of the solar installation. Please complete the form below to request a quotation or if you would like further information.
Alternatively, please click to call us on: Keighley 01535 687010 or Skipton 01756 793039
We are MCS & RECC accredited for all solar panel installation and are NICEIC approved electrical contractors.