Commercial Solar FAQs
What is commercial solar?
Commercial solar refers to solar PV systems installed on business premises such as warehouses, factories, offices, retail buildings or multi-site operations. These systems reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions by generating clean, onsite power.
Is commercial solar suitable for my business?
Most businesses with a roof, yard or land area can install solar. We assess roof condition, orientation, shading and energy usage to confirm system suitability.
How much energy can commercial solar generate?
This depends on roof size, available space and system design. A typical commercial system ranges from 30 kWp to several megawatts for large sites.
How much does commercial solar cost?
Costs vary depending on system size, roof type, access and electrical requirements. We provide a tailored proposal with projected savings after a detailed survey.
What financial incentives are available?
Businesses can benefit from:
- Capital allowances (including full expensing)
- Grants (where eligible)
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) income
We’ll advise on the best route for your organisation.
What is a Solar PPA?
A Power Purchase Agreement allows your business to install solar with no upfront cost. You simply buy the energy the system generates at a fixed, discounted rate compared to grid prices.
How long until a commercial solar system pays for itself?
Most commercial installations achieve payback in 3–7 years, depending on energy usage and system size.
Will solar reduce my business energy bills?
Yes. Solar offsets grid electricity during the day, significantly reducing operational costs, especially for energy-intensive businesses.
How long does installation take?
Most commercial installations take between 3 days and 3 weeks, depending on size and complexity. Multisite rollouts are phased to minimise disruption.
Do you handle planning permission?
Most commercial solar projects are permitted development, but we handle planning where needed and provide all required drawings and documentation.
Do business operations need to stop during installation?
No. Installations are designed around your operations to minimise downtime. Work can be scheduled outside peak hours if required.
Will solar affect my roof structure?
All roofs are surveyed for load capacity and condition. If repairs are needed, we highlight them before installation. Mounting systems do not compromise roof integrity when correctly installed.
What is the expected lifespan of a commercial solar system?
Solar panels typically last 25–30 years, with inverters lasting 10–15 years before replacement.
Do commercial solar systems need maintenance?
Solar PV requires minimal maintenance. We offer ongoing monitoring, cleaning, and performance checks to ensure long-term output.
Do you provide performance monitoring?
Yes — all systems include a monitoring platform showing real-time generation, savings and system health.
What warranties are included?
Panels usually include 20–25 year performance warranties and 10–12 year product warranties. Inverters and batteries have their own warranty periods.
Do you install commercial solar systems in Leeds?
Yes — we provide full design, installation and maintenance services for businesses across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Can you handle multisite or national portfolios?
Absolutely. We specialise in larger commercial systems and multi-site rollouts for organisations with multiple buildings.
Do you help with funding or finance options?
Yes — we provide guidance on PPAs, grants, tax reliefs and business finance options.
Can Scott Electrical help assess the ROI?
Yes — our solar calculator provides an initial estimate, and our survey produces a detailed financial model with projected payback and savings.
How accurate is the solar calculator estimate?
The calculator gives a useful starting point, but final projections are based on detailed measurements, energy usage analysis and a technical site survey.
What information do I need to use the calculator?
Ideally: your address, roof size/orientation, and current annual electricity usage.
Can I use the calculator for multiple sites?
Yes — submit details for each site and we will model them individually.
What types of businesses benefit most from commercial solar?
Manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, retail, hospitality, agriculture, education and healthcare all see strong returns due to high daytime energy use.
Do you work with landlords and commercial property owners?
Yes — we design solutions for both owner-occupiers and landlords supporting tenants with lower energy costs.
Can solar support sustainability or ESG goals?
Absolutely. Solar significantly reduces carbon emissions and supports net-zero commitments — ideal for ESG reporting and tender requirements.
Contact Scotts Electrical Leeds
Looking for reliable commercial solar panel installers in Leeds or West Yorkshire? Contact our expert team today to arrange a free site assessment and tailored quote.
Scott Electrical
Richmond House
Redvers CI
Leeds
LS16 6QY
Fill in our contact form, and we will get back to you shortly
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When i rang and spoke to Paul he came across very well and i was confident to give him my job to install the car charger.
The date was confirmed and Paul himself and one of his colleagues arrived on time. They completed the installation without any issues and their work was of a very high order . Furthermore Paul took the time to explain thoroughly the workings of the EO app which is required for use with the charger.
I would certainly recommend Paul /Scott Electrical to my friends and colleagues for any future electrical work.
