Commercial Solar PV systems

Most commercial buildings are ideal for solar PV; with large roofs, 3 phase electricity supplies and daytime usage of electricity, commercial buildings give their owners and occupiers an unbeatable opportunity to benefit from solar PV.

For owner occupiers the benefits are compelling, but even on leased buildings it is easy to install systems that will benefit both landlord and occupier. Ardenham Energy can give advice on how this is best achieved.

In March 2012, solar PV was given permitted development rights on commercial buildings so planning permission is no longer required on most buildings

• 12% + index linked returns available
• Cut your electricity bills
• Cut your carbon footprint
• Enhance the letability of your property
• Make early progress on the road to zero carbon buildings required by 2019
• Enhance your CSR

Ardenham Energy have considerable experience in fitting solar PV systems on the very varied buildings in the Commercial property sector and offer a full turn key service.

With full national coverage through our network of 6 regional offices, we can provide framework services across your portfolio. We can also offer a fully funded solution.

For all enquiries contact Ardenham Energy on 0800 369 8986

A solar PV array will earn you income in 3 ways but would typically achieve an index-linked return of 16% :

The Feed in Tariff (FiT) – This is paid to you by your electricity supplier for every KWH which you generate irrespective of whether you use the electricity or export it back to the grid. Commercial systems between 10 & 50KWP will earn FiT at a rate of 15.2p per KWH. The FiT is index linked and rises every April. For the last two years it is increased by about 4.7%.

Import Displacement – If you use the electricity that is generated you will be displacing electricity that you would otherwise have to buy from your electricity supplier so this worth whatever your current electricity price is. Typically this might be 8.5p per KWH. The value of import displacement will rise with the cost of electricity. OFGEM suggest prices might rise at 6% per annum.

Export – Any electricity that you generate but don’t use will be exported back to the grid. In theory this should all be paid for at a rate of 3.1p per KWH but in order to measure the exact amount that is exported you would need an export meter. The electricity companies have decided that it is not worth installing export meters on systems smaller than 30KWP, partly because they will soon have to install smart meters anyway. Instead, they deem (assume) that you will export 50% of the electricity generated and will pay you accordingly. If you use more than 50% of the electricity generated you will ahead on this basis.

For systems above 30KWP, you will need to have an export meter installed. This will cost about £300/annum but it will then allow you to sell the electricity at a higher rate under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Current rates are around 4.7p per KWH.

 All of the figures above depend upon the amount that the system generates. The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) gives a standard value of 858 KWH/KWP for 30 degree pitched roofs facing south but this is a cautious figure and actual generation is often 10% higher.

The figures below show the returns for a typical 50KWP system (200 no 250 watt panels)

Banks have become increasingly comfortable with lending on FiT generating assets. Ardenham Energy can arrange 100% funding through one of our funding partners, but the figures below include an assessment of the enhanced returns available from more normal commercial gearing on a 70:30 basis.

Call us on now on 0800 369 8986 for more information.