Why Are You Here?
Cost + Savings Analysis
Comprehensive cost analysis assessing feasibility and ROI for commercial solar and storage systems.
Energy Bills
Offering improved energy security and long-term savings through reduced energy bills.
Equipment Options
Tier 1 solar panels, inverters, battery units, remote monitoring, mounting and ancillary equipment options.
Green Credentials
Proof of environmental-commitment through Green Credentials and sustainable practices.
Planning
Strategic planning for commercial solar panels in the UK, with efficiently designed installations.
Understanding the Process
Assessment, design, approvals, procurement, installation, testing and maintenance.
Commercial Solar Panels UK
Commercial solar panels in the UK are considered the smartest investment for businesses that want to cut energy costs, strengthen energy security, and demonstrate sustainability leadership. From factories and warehouses to farms and leisure centres, UK businesses are using solar PV systems to lock in lower bills and achieve measurable carbon footprint reduction.
On this page, we cover aspects you need to know about commercial solar panels in the UK – including costs, financing, system design, battery storage, installation, warranties, and real-world case studies.
Benefits of Commercial Solar Panels UK
Installing a commercial solar PV system offers clear, measurable benefits:
- Energy cost savings – reduce electricity bills by typically 25-75%
- Energy security – protect your business from rising grid costs and energy volatility
- Sustainability goals – annual CO₂ savings strengthen your net zero journey
- Exported electricity payments – sell surplus energy back to the grid
- Return on investment (ROI) – solid payback periods and long-term gains
- Property value increase – commercial properties with solar systems are more attractive to buyers and tenants
Battery Storage and Energy Management
Adding solar battery storage units alongside your PV system allows you to:
- Store solar energy generation for use outside daylight hours
- Improve efficiency with energy management tools that maximise self-consumption
With stored energy, your business can smooth out peaks in demand.
Costs, Financing, and Return on Investment
The cost of commercial solar panels UK depends on system size, roof space, and business energy needs.
Typical considerations:
- Installation cost – upfront capital expenditure
- Funding options – asset finance, equipment finance, or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
- Payback period – typically 3–5 years, depending on energy savings
- O&M package – operations and maintenance costs are nominal compared to savings
- ROI – solid long-term returns, especially with rising energy costs
Case Studies
GB NRG has delivered commercial solar PV installations for many established UK companies.
- Bradfords Building Supplies – With over 250 years in the trade, Bradfords turned to GB NRG to install solar PV systems across multiple sites. Their systems were designed to maximise daytime self-consumption, powering depots and reducing reliance on the grid.
- TMB Patterns – As a precision manufacturer in our local town of Bridgwater, TMB Patterns required a reliable energy solution to support critical systems. GB NRG delivered a bespoke solar PV system with high-efficiency panels and monitoring technology to ensure consistent output and long-term energy savings.
These projects demonstrate how commercial solar panels in the UK are being used across different sectors – from factories and manufacturers to retail and distribution businesses.
Installation Process and Planning
Installing commercial solar panels UK involves:
- Feasibility assessment and pre-installation surveys
- Site suitability checks – structural and drone surveys etc.
- Bespoke design – PVSOL/CAD visuals, schematics, and system sizing
- Planning permissions (if required) and grid connection consents
- Installation – scaffolding & access, mounting systems, solar panels, inverters, cabling etc.
- Project management – full end-to-end delivery
Maintenance and Warranties
One of the biggest advantages of installing solar panels for your business is that they require very little day-to-day upkeep in comparison to other energy technologies, but regular checks (typically annually) are essential to protect performance and long-term return on investment.
Maintenance
- Annual professional maintenance – Yearly (or 6 monthly) inspection ensures panels, inverters, and electrical connections are working at peak efficiency
- Cleaning – Dust, bird droppings, and debris can reduce output in excess of 10%. Scheduled cleaning restores maximum energy generation
- Remote monitoring – Many systems include 24/7 monitoring, allowing instant detection of faults, performance drops, or inverter issues
- O&M Packages (Operations & Maintenance) – Comprehensive plans can cover monitoring, inspections, cleaning, and performance reporting
Warranties
- Solar efficiency warranty – Typically 25 years, guaranteeing both product quality and performance
- Inverter warranty – Typically 5–10 years, with options for extended cover. Inverters are the component most likely to require replacement during the life of the system
- Mounting system & fixings – Backed by long-term warranties against corrosion and weathering
- Electrical certification – Full compliance with MCS & NICEIC standards is provided at installation
By combining long-term warranties with proactive maintenance, businesses can be confident their commercial solar panel systems will deliver reliable, low-cost energy for decades.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Solar PV helps businesses reduce their environmental footprint while improving their sustainability reputation. Benefits include:
- Carbon emission reductions aligned with CSR strategies
- Support for the UK’s net zero journey
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels and volatile grid costs
- Strengthened ESG credentials with measurable reporting
System Design and Sizing
A commercial solar system must be tailored to each business. At GB NRG, we carry out detailed feasibility assessments and provide bespoke PVSOL/CAD visuals to design the right system.
Key factors in system design include:
- Roof space & orientation – how much usable roof area is available
- Energy consumption profile – when and how your business uses electricity
- System size – typically ranging from 100kWp for smaller sites to over 1MWp for large factories and warehouses
- Self-consumption rate – ensuring maximum on-site energy use
- Panel yields & efficiency – selecting high-output modules
- Structural assessments – confirming roof load tolerances
- Inverter configuration – optimising conversion of solar energy
For example, a business using 1,000,000kWh annually might technically be able to install a 1MWp system, but if the roof only allows for 500kWp, then the available roof space overrides the target size, and the system is designed to maximise ROI based on space available.
Technology and Components
Commercial solar PV systems use high-quality technology and components to ensure performance:
- Photovoltaic cells – convert daylight into electricity
- Inverter(s) – manage DC to AC power conversion
- Mounting system – roof, ground-mounted or carport solar mounting solutions
- Generation/smart meter – monitors system performance
- AC & DC isolators, string controllers, cabling – ensure safe, reliable operation
Solar fixings/brackets – designed for long-term durability
FAQs – Commercial Solar Panels UK
-
What is the price of commercial solar panels in the UK?
The price depends on system size and site conditions, but system sizes typically start from £70,000 for a business.
-
What are the cheapest commercial solar panels in the UK?
The cheapest is rarely the best option. While low-cost panels exist, high-efficiency panels deliver greater savings and ROI over time.
-
Are commercial solar panels for sale in the UK?
Absolutely – accredited installers, like GB NRG, offer turnkey solutions that include design, installation, and maintenance of solar panels in the UK.
-
What are the best commercial solar panels in the UK?
GB NRG only uses Tier 1, high-efficiency modules backed by strong warranties.
-
Who are the leading commercial solar installers in the UK?
GB NRG is a leading UK trusted commercial solar panel installer, with a track record across multiple industries, including construction, manufacturing, and distribution.
-
How do I choose a commercial solar installer in the UK?
Look for MCS & NICEIC-certified installers like GB NRG with proven experience, case studies, and strong aftercare. GB NRG ticks all these boxes.
Why Choose GB NRG for Commercial Solar Panels in the UK?
GB NRG has over 15 years of expertise in delivering high-quality commercial solar panel installations across the UK. From feasibility surveys to installation and maintenance, we provide a full end-to-end service tailored to your business needs.
📞 Call us today on +44 1278 727170 or click the button below to find out how we can help your business save money and achieve its sustainability goals.
Contact Us
customer reviews
BOOK YOUR FREE ASSESSMENT HERE
Optimise commercial solar efficiency with a thorough energy assessment for peak performance.
Talk to us
Our team is here to help with your queries and questions. Please get in touch by calling our contact numbers, sending us an email, or filling out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.