Commercial Solar Site Assessment: What UK Businesses Should Prepare
A commercial solar proposal should be based on the individual building, electricity demand and operational needs of the business. A site assessment brings that information together so that the proposed system is practical, appropriately sized and supported by realistic generation estimates.
Preparing the right documents and site information in advance can make the initial review more useful and reduce delays later.
What does a commercial solar assessment consider?
The assessment normally considers the available installation area, the condition and structure of the roof, electrical infrastructure, access, shading and the business’s electricity consumption. The objective is to understand whether solar is suitable and what system configuration may work for the premises.
1. Recent electricity bills and half-hourly data
Provide recent electricity bills showing annual consumption, unit rates, standing charges and meter information. Larger sites may also have half-hourly consumption data, which shows when electricity is being used throughout the day.
Solar generation is often most valuable when a business can use a significant proportion of it on site. Daytime operating hours, machinery, refrigeration, heating, cooling and EV charging can all affect the consumption profile.
2. Building and roof information
Useful information includes building plans, roof dimensions and the age and type of roof covering. The survey may examine:
- Available roof area
- Roof orientation and pitch
- Structural condition and loading capacity
- Roof lights, vents and existing equipment
- Areas affected by shading
- Safe access for installation and maintenance
- Expected roof repairs or replacement work
If roof work is likely to be needed soon, it is generally better to consider this before panels are installed.
3. Electrical infrastructure
The survey will consider the main electrical intake, distribution boards, metering and suitable connection points. The proposed system may also require discussion with the relevant Distribution Network Operator, depending on its size and export arrangements.
4. Ownership, lease and landlord consent
Confirm who owns the building and roof. A tenant may need written landlord approval, while a lease may contain restrictions affecting alterations. Businesses should also consider how long they expect to remain at the premises compared with the proposed agreement or investment period.
5. Planning and site restrictions
Some non-domestic solar installations may fall within permitted-development rules, but limitations and conditions apply. Listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation considerations and particular equipment sizes or locations can require additional checks.
Planning position should therefore be confirmed for the individual site rather than assumed.
6. Fire safety, insurance and warranties
The project should consider safe isolation, access routes, equipment standards and ongoing maintenance. Notify the building insurer and check whether it requires specific documentation, installation standards or risk information.
Ask what warranties apply to the panels, inverters, mounting system and workmanship, and understand who will handle monitoring and maintenance after installation.
7. Choose the right commercial route
Commercial solar can be purchased outright or considered through funded arrangements, subject to site assessment, eligibility and provider approval. The appropriate route depends on the business’s objectives, cash position, premises and expected consumption.
Rather than comparing headline system sizes alone, review estimated generation, on-site usage, exported electricity, contract terms, maintenance responsibilities and the assumptions behind projected savings.
Information to prepare before an initial review
- Recent electricity bill
- Annual electricity consumption
- Half-hourly data, if available
- Site and roof address
- Roof age, material and known issues
- Ownership or lease details
- Normal operating hours
- Planned changes to electricity demand
- Photographs or plans of the building
Start with a commercial solar suitability review
ABSS works with commercial solar specialists to help businesses assess their premises, electricity demand and available installation options.
Explore commercial solar solutions or request a free commercial solar review.
Frequently asked questions
Can a leased business property have solar panels?
Potentially, but the tenant will normally need to review the lease and obtain the necessary landlord approval.
Does commercial solar always need planning permission?
Not always, but permitted-development rules have limits and site-specific restrictions. Planning requirements should be checked for the individual premises.
Why are electricity bills needed?
They help establish annual consumption, current costs and meter information so the proposed system can be considered against the way the business uses electricity.
Planning reference: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, Schedule 2 Part 14.
