MEMBER BLOG: Do Solar Panels Work on Commercial Buildings?

December 1, 2023
MEMBER BLOG: Do Solar Panels Work on Commercial Buildings?

Submitted to AREG by i-Protech 

Do solar panels work on commercial buildings? This a question the team at i-Protech is asked daily – and the answer is yes!

Solar PV is currently one of the most reliable investments in a turbulent market, and the installation of large-scale solar on your commercial buildings should be an integral part of your energy strategy.

By generating cost-efficient electricity on-site with no CO2 emissions, you can achieve your business aims by increasing the value of your property and improving your environmental, social, and corporate credentials (ESCs).

You can also:
• Lower your electricity costs by up to 30% with reduced grid energy consumption
• Secure predictable power costs by shielding your business from fluctuating market prices
• Power your organisation with 100% renewable energy and no greenhouse gas emissions
• Gain budget stability through accurate forecasting of operating expenses
• Monetise underused assets by installing large-scale Solar on ground or roof space

With a growing expertise installing large-scale solar systems, i-Protech can help transform your unused roof or ground space into a source of renewable energy. To help you understand more about the benefits of solar, we have answered some of your most frequently asked questions:

Are commercial solar panels worth it?

Anything that reduces your energy bills is worth considering, and Solar PV energy for business is one of the best ways to cut costs. Of course, there is an initial outlay which may look expensive, but the mid-to-long-term benefits more than outweigh any commercial solar panel cost.

How much electricity can a commercial solar panel generate?

The higher the rating, the more power the solar panel can produce. A common solar panel might be rated for around 350-400 watts, whereas the more sophisticated models for commercial use can be rated as highly as 600 watts.

Which type of solar panel is best for commercial use?

Typically, there are four types of commercial solar panels: monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels, and PERC solar panels. All solar panels work by converting the sun’s photons into electrons that are then converted from DC to AC power by an inverter. Our preferred option is Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells, which are made from a single crystal structure, resulting in higher efficiency and better space usage. Their black or dark appearance is considered aesthetically pleasing.

Is planning permission required for solar panels on commercial buildings?

In many cases the answer is no, you do not need planning permission for solar panels. You can erect them both for residential and commercial use.

What are the benefits of solar panels on commercial buildings?

Commercial buildings fitted with solar panels can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating climate change. Solar energy production produces no greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, or harmful by-products.

What is the difference between commercial and domestic solar panels?

Commercial and residential solar panels are made of the same materials, and they work identically. The only differences are scale – commercial panels are usually larger than residential panels, which makes them heavier and requiring more space to install.

Do solar panels work in winter?

Even in below-freezing weather, solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. That’s because solar panels absorb energy from our sun’s abundant light, not the sun’s heat. In fact, cold climates are actually optimal for solar panel efficiency, perfect for the North-east of Scotland!

Do you have a solar project in mind? Contact i-Protech’s team of experts today to find out how you could save up to 30% on your electricity with commercial solar power by visiting our website at https://i-protech.co.uk/

Get in touch

AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise