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Industrial Solar Panel Solutions
Take greater control of your business energy costs with a professionally designed solar panel system from Caddick Wright Electrical & Renewables.
We install high-quality solar photovoltaic systems for businesses across Yorkshire. Every system is designed around your property, roof, electricity consumption and future energy requirements, not simply the number of panels we can fit.
Solar panels generate renewable electricity during daylight hours, helping you purchase less electricity from your energy supplier. Add battery storage and you can save surplus solar energy at your disposal.
Solar Power Benefits
Supplying businesses with sustainable, trusted, and affordable green energy setups.
Learn more from our Solar Panel & Battery Storage FAQs.
Self-Sufficient Power
Produce your own electricity to minimise dependency on the national grid
Reduced Electricity Bills
Reduce energy bills and protect yourself against rising energy costs
Clean, Renewable Energy
Generate electricity without burning fossil fuels - reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact
Battery Storage Capability
Keep surplus power for use at other times
Low Maintenance
Solar panels require very little maintenance beyond occasional inspections and cleaning
Long Operating Life
Solar panels are typically designed to last for 25 years or more
Your local solar panel experts
We manage everything from the initial site survey, advice & guidance, design and installation to final commissioning of your new solar infrastructure
Solar Panel & Battery Storage FAQs
Industrial Solar Panels
Industrial Solar Battery Storage
Solar photovoltaic panels, commonly called solar PV panels, capture energy from daylight and convert it into electricity that can be used throughout your property.
Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity when daylight reaches the photovoltaic cells. An inverter then converts this into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used by your lights, appliances, equipment and other electrical systems.
In short, no. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, so they continue working during cloudy and overcast conditions. However, they will normally produce more electricity on bright, sunny days.
Yes, solar panels generate electricity throughout the year, including during winter. Output is normally lower during the winter because the days are shorter and there are fewer hours of strong daylight.
Solar panels themselves do not contain moving parts and make no operational noise.The inverter may produce a quiet electrical hum or cooling fan noise while operating, which is why its position should be considered carefully.
Industrial solar panels can be installed on many different types of property, including:WarehousesDistribution and logistics centresFactories and production buildingsIndustrial unitsWorkshopsStorage facilitiesVehicle service and maintenance premisesAgricultural and farm buildingsCold storage and refrigeration facilitiesTrade counters and builders’ merchantsMulti-unit industrial estatesManufacturing and assembly premisesLarge commercial yards with suitable ground spaceNew industrial developmentsFlat and pitched roofs can both be considered, subject to structural suitability and an appropriate mounting system. Solar panels can also be ground mounted if suitable space is available.
Not necessarily, but tenants will normally need written permission from the landlord or freeholder before installing solar panels.The lease should be reviewed to establish:Who controls the roofWho is responsible for roof maintenanceWho owns the solar systemWho benefits from the generated electricityWhat happens at the end of the leaseWho is responsible for removing or maintaining the installationThese matters should be agreed before the project proceeds.
A south facing roof will usually generate the highest overall amount of electricity. However, east and west facing roofs can still produce strong results.East facing panels generate more electricity during the morning, while west facing panels generate more during the afternoon and early evening. This can sometimes match a household's electricity usage particularly well.
It may be technically possible, but north facing roofs generally receive less direct sunlight and are therefore less productive. We will assess whether the expected generation would make the installation worthwhile during a site visit.
Shade from trees, chimneys, neighbouring properties or roof features can reduce solar generation. During your survey, we assess potential shading and design the panel layout to minimise its effect.Where some shading cannot be avoided, power optimisers or microinverters may help individual panels operate more independently.
Any significant roof defects should normally be addressed before panels are installed.Removing and reinstalling a commercial solar array to complete future roof repairs can be disruptive and expensive.The roof’s condition, expected remaining life and existing warranties should therefore be considered during the survey.
Yes, solar panels can be installed on suitable flat roofs using a mounting system designed to position and secure the panels correctly.The design must consider:Structural loadingWind loadingRoof membrane protectionDrainageShading between panel rowsSafe maintenance accessBallasted or fixed mountingRoof warrantiesThe roof should be assessed before installation begins.
Potentially. Many warehouses and industrial units have lightweight profiled metal or composite panel roofs that can support solar when an appropriate mounting system is used.The roof must be assessed for:Existing structural capacityAdditional panel and mounting loadsWind and snow loadingRoof-sheet conditionFixing locationsWater tightnessRoof warranty requirementsSafe maintenance accessA structural assessment may be required before installation proceeds.
A structural assessment may be required to confirm that the building can safely support the panels, mounting system and additional wind or snow loads.This is particularly important for:Older buildingsLightweight industrial roofsLarge installationsFlat roofsBuildings with limited structural recordsRoofs showing deteriorationSystems using ballasted mountingAny required structural work should be identified before the solar installation proceeds.
Yes. Integrated solar panels can be fitted in place of sections of roof covering rather than sitting above the tiles. This can create a streamlined appearance and is particularly suitable for new roofs, extensions and major roof renovations.
A professionally designed and installed mounting system should not damage a roof that is in suitable condition.The mounting method should be appropriate for the roof covering, weatherproofing must be carefully maintained, and the structure will be assessed before installation.
The correct number depends on:Your annual electricity consumptionThe available roof spaceRoof orientation and shadingThe output rating of the chosen panelsYour daytime electricity usageWhether you have a battery, electric vehicle or heat pumpYour available budget
We design the system around your property and energy requirements rather than simply installing the maximum number of panels available.
The expected generation depends on:Installed system capacityAvailable roof areaRoof orientation and pitchShadingLocal weather conditionsPanel efficiencyInverter designSystem lossesYour proposal should include an estimated annual generation figure based on the proposed system and site conditions.
Most commercial systems include online monitoring.Depending on the equipment, you may be able to view:Current solar generationDaily and annual productionGrid importGrid exportBuilding consumptionBattery chargeEnvironmental savings estimatesFault notificationsIndividual inverter performanceMonitoring allows unexpected reductions in output to be identified more quickly.
Eligible commercial solar installations may receive payment for exported electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee.The SEG applies to eligible solar PV installations with a capacity of up to 5MW. Export payments are based on measured electricity sent to the grid, and tariffs vary between suppliers.A suitable export meter and evidence that the installation meets the relevant certification requirements will normally be needed.
Export limitation restricts how much electricity the solar installation can send to the local electricity network.This may allow a larger system to be installed where the DNO cannot accept its full potential output.The business can still use the generated electricity on site, but an approved control system limits surplus export to an agreed level.
Commercial solar installations will normally be subject to the applicable standard VAT treatment.The temporary zero rate available for certain residential energy saving installations does not generally apply to standard commercial installations.VAT-registered businesses may be able to recover some or all of the VAT, subject to normal tax rules and how the system is used. Businesses should seek advice from their accountant or tax adviser.
Business solar grants are not universally available across the UK.Support may occasionally be offered through:Local authoritiesCombined authoritiesRegional net-zero programmesBusiness energy-efficiency schemesSector-specific fundingFinance providersEnergy suppliersAvailability and eligibility vary by location, company size and business sector. Ofgem advises businesses to check current regional and supplier-supported energy efficiency schemes.Funding should not be assumed until written eligibility has been confirmed.
Yes, depending on the project and provider, potential arrangements may include:Outright purchaseAsset financeBusiness loansHire purchasePower purchase agreementsRoof lease arrangementsThird-party funded installationsEach option has different implications for ownership, tax, maintenance, electricity pricing and long-term savings. Independent financial and tax advice should be obtained before entering a long-term agreement.
Many roof-mounted commercial solar installations can be completed under permitted development rights, provided they meet the relevant conditions and limitations.Planning permission, prior approval or additional consent may be required where:The installation exceeds permitted development limitsThe building is listedThe site is within the curtilage of a listed buildingThe site is a scheduled monumentThe property is in a protected locationA ground mounted system is proposedThe equipment would significantly alter the building’s appearancePermitted development rights have been removedThe proposal involves additional structures or substantial external equipmentNon-domestic solar installations are covered by specific permitted development provisions, and the individual planning position should be confirmed before work begins.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is a UK quality scheme covering small-scale renewable energy systems and installers.An MCS certified installation demonstrates that the system has been installed in accordance with recognised standards. Certification may also be required by energy suppliers when applying for export payments.Caddick Wright is an MCS Certified Installer, you are in good hands.MCS certification is commonly required where a business wants to apply for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff.An MCS certificate provides evidence that the installation was completed under the scheme’s applicable standards. Some suppliers may accept equivalent certification, but their requirements should be checked before installation.
The installation period depends on:System sizeRoof accessScaffolding requirementsRoof typeElectrical infrastructureDNO approvalPlanning requirementsStructural workWeatherBusiness operating restrictionsA smaller installation may be completed in several working days, while a large commercial project may require a phased programme over several weeks.Pre-installation approvals and design work can take longer than the physical installation.
Scaffolding is normally required for safe access to pitched roofs. The exact arrangement depends on the height, shape and accessibility of the property.Any scaffolding requirements will be discussed during the site visit.
Some disruption may be necessary, particularly when connecting the new system to the main electrical distribution equipment.Disruption may be reduced through:Planned shutdownsOut-of-hours workPhased installationCoordination with operating schedulesCompleting most roof work without affecting internal operationsAgreeing cable routes in advanceAny required electrical isolation should be identified during the planning stage.
The inverter is normally installed in a garage, utility room, plant room or another suitable, accessible and ventilated location.The final position will depend on the system design, manufacturer requirements, cable routes, weather protection and safe access for future maintenance.
Modern solar panels are generally designed to operate for several decades.Their output gradually reduces over time, and panel manufacturers commonly provide long-term product and performance warranties.Other components, particularly inverters, monitoring equipment and batteries, may have shorter service lives than the panels and may need replacing during the lifetime of the system.Warranty lengths and conditions vary between manufacturers.
Solar PV systems generally require relatively little maintenance, but they should not be ignored.Maintenance may include:Visual panel inspectionsMonitoring generationChecking for damaged panelsInspecting mounting equipmentChecking cables and electrical protectionInverter inspectionsRemoving heavy soiling or bird contaminationChecking vegetation and shadingReviewing fault alertsElectrical testing where appropriateSafe roof access should be considered when the system is designed.
Rainfall helps keep most angled rooftop panels reasonably clean. However, dirt, moss, leaves, bird droppings or pollution may occasionally reduce performance.Cleaning frequency will depend on the property’s location and surrounding environment. High or difficult-to-access panels should be cleaned by a suitable professional rather than by climbing onto the roof.
The effect depends on the system design and the cause of the fault.Modern systems can often identify underperforming strings, inverters or individual panels. The rest of the system may continue generating while the problem is investigated.Monitoring and periodic inspection help identify faults that may not otherwise be obvious.
The building insurer should normally be informed before installation.The insurer may request:Installer detailsSystem specificationsStructural informationFire-safety informationElectrical certificationMaintenance arrangementsConfirmation of roof warrantiesLeaseholders should also check the requirements of the landlord, freeholder and any mortgage lender.
The solar system will normally remain attached to the property.Ownership and responsibility will depend on:Who purchased the installationProperty ownershipLease termsFinance agreementsRoof-lease arrangementsAgreements with the landlordSale or assignment termsThese matters should be considered before installation, particularly where the business occupies leased premises.
Yes, solar generation can contribute electricity towards workplace, fleet or customer EV charging.The system can be designed so that available solar power is used by the building and chargers before surplus electricity is exported.Grid electricity will usually still be needed for overnight charging, rapid charging or periods of low solar generation.
Solar panels can contribute a substantial amount of electricity, but they will not necessarily supply the whole site at all times.Generation changes with:DaylightWeatherSeasonRoof orientationShadingThe business will normally continue to draw electricity from the grid when solar generation is insufficient. Surplus generation may be stored in a battery or exported.
Most commercial solar systems require an application to the local Distribution Network Operator before they are connected.The DNO will assess whether the local network can safely accept the proposed generation. The process normally falls under the relevant G99 connection requirements, depending on system capacity and configuration.The DNO may:Approve the system as proposedLimit the amount of electricity that can be exportedRequire export-limitation equipmentRequest design changesRequire network reinforcementIssue a connection quotationThe grid connection process should begin early because it can affect system size, programme and cost.
Possibly, but the roof’s condition and remaining service life must be considered.Installing panels on a roof likely to need replacement soon can result in substantial future costs because the solar system may need to be removed and reinstalled.Any deterioration, corrosion, damaged roof sheets, water ingress or suspected structural issues should be addressed before the solar installation begins.
Suspected asbestos containing materials must be properly identified before work begins.An asbestos survey and suitable management plan may be required. Solar panels should not be installed by drilling or fixing through asbestos-containing materials without an appropriate specialist assessment and controlled method of work.Any asbestos removal, encapsulation or specialist access work must be completed by appropriately competent contractors.
Yes, larger industrial solar systems are normally designed to connect to three phase electrical distribution.The design must consider:Main switchgearDistribution-board capacityPhase balanceProtective devicesMeteringCable routesFault levelsExisting generation equipmentSite maximum demandDNO connection requirementsThe connection point must be selected as part of the electrical design.
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