How Much Roof Space Does Commercial Solar Need?

Space requirements depend on panel size, system capacity, roof layout, access zones and obstructions. A site assessment confirms the usable installation area.

Does Solar PV Work on Flat Commercial Roofs?

Yes. Flat roof systems use suitable mounting arrangements to position panels securely while maintaining access and drainage.

Does My Business Need Battery Storage?

No. Many commercial sites use a high percentage of solar generation during working hours without battery storage. A battery suits sites with surplus daytime generation, evening demand or variable electricity pricing.

How Long Does Commercial Solar Installation Take?

Timescales depend on system size, roof type, site access, electrical work and network approval. The project programme will form part of the proposal.

Will Installation Disrupt Business Operations?

Some electrical work requires planned isolation. We coordinate shutdowns, access and working areas with your site team to reduce operational disruption.

Does Commercial Solar Work During Cloudy Weather?

Yes. Solar panels produce electricity from daylight. Output reduces during poor weather and lower-light periods.

What Happens During a Power Cut?

Standard grid-connected Solar PV systems shut down during a power cut for safety. Backup power requires compatible battery equipment and a dedicated electrical design.

Who Maintains the System?

Wootton Group provides planned maintenance options covering visual inspections, electrical checks, performance reviews and system condition.

Does My Business Need Planning Permission?

Requirements depend on the property, system size, location and installation type. Listed buildings, conservation areas, ground-mounted systems and larger projects often require further planning checks.

What Information Do You Need for an Initial Assessment?

Recent electricity bills, annual consumption figures, half-hourly data, site plans, roof information and property ownership details support an accurate initial review.

Commercial

Solar

Turn unused roof or land space into a source of renewable electricity.

Wootton Group designs and installs commercial Solar PV and battery storage systems for offices, warehouses, factories, retail sites, schools, hospitality venues, farms and public-sector buildings.

Take Greater Control of Your Business Energy Costs

High electricity costs place continued pressure on business overheads.

Commercial Solar PV generates electricity directly from daylight. Your premises use the generated electricity before purchasing energy from the grid.

Sites with steady daytime electricity demand often achieve strong levels of on-site usage. Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, offices, schools, care facilities and retail premises often operate during peak solar generation periods.

Wootton Group reviews your electricity profile, available installation space and long-term plans before recommending a system.

Why Invest in Commercial Solar PV?

Lower Grid Electricity Use

Solar generation reduces the amount of electricity purchased from your energy supplier during daylight hours.

Greater Cost Control

Producing electricity on site reduces exposure to future changes in commercial electricity prices.

Use Existing Space

Roof areas, unused land and suitable car parks provide valuable space for renewable energy generation.

Support Environmental Targets

Solar PV helps reduce operational carbon emissions and supports environmental, social and governance reporting.

Improve Energy Performance

Renewable energy investment supports wider energy-efficiency plans and strengthens your organisation’s sustainability strategy.

Support Electric Vehicle Charging

Solar generation works alongside workplace electric vehicle charging to reduce reliance on grid electricity.

Prepare for Future Energy Demand

A scalable system supports future expansion, electrified heating, new equipment and a growing electric vehicle fleet.

Export Surplus Electricity

Eligible surplus generation exported to the grid receives payment through an agreed export tariff.

Solar Electricity Designed Around Your Operations

Every commercial site has a different electricity profile.

A warehouse with refrigeration uses energy differently from an office, school or manufacturing plant. System design must reflect how much electricity your organisation uses and when demand occurs.

Our assessment reviews:

Annual electricity consumption.
Half-hourly electricity data where available.
Daytime, evening and weekend demand.
Available roof, land or car park space.
Roof condition and structural information.
Shading and site orientation.
Existing electrical infrastructure.
Incoming supply capacity.
Planned electric vehicle charging.
Current or future electric heating.
Business growth plans.
Landlord, tenant and lease requirements.

The completed proposal sets out the recommended system size, estimated annual generation, expected on-site usage, equipment specification and project cost.

Store Energy for Use When Your Business Needs More

Commercial battery storage holds available electricity for later use.

A battery supports higher levels of on-site solar usage by storing surplus generation during lower-demand periods. Stored electricity then supports the premises when electricity demand rises or solar generation falls.

Depending on system design, tariff and site requirements, battery storage supports:
Greater use of solar-generated electricity.
Reduced grid electricity use during higher-priced periods.
Charging from lower-cost off-peak tariffs.
Management of short periods of high electrical demand.
Improved control over electricity import and export.
Future electric vehicle charging requirements.
Selected backup power arrangements.

Battery size requires careful assessment. Wootton Group reviews the site’s electricity data before recommending storage capacity and operating settings.

Choose a Commercial Route Suited to Your Organisation

Capital Purchase

Your organisation purchases and owns the Solar PV system.

This route provides full control over the equipment, generated electricity and eligible export income. Capital purchase often suits businesses with available investment funds and long-term occupation plans.

Power Purchase Agreement

A Power Purchase Agreement provides an alternative to purchasing the system outright.

Under a PPA, an approved funding partner installs and owns the equipment. Your organisation purchases generated electricity at an agreed rate over a fixed contract term.

The funding partner usually funds the installation, operation and maintenance costs set out within the agreement.

PPA suitability depends on:

Annual electricity usage.
Daytime electricity demand.
Available installation space.
Property ownership or lease terms.
Site operating history.
Credit approval.
Contract length.
Current grid electricity rates.
Proposed electricity purchase rate.

Wootton Group reviews initial site suitability before progressing a PPA proposal through an approved provider.

From Initial Review to System Handover

Initial Consultation

We discuss your site, business operations, electricity costs and project aims.

Energy Data Review

Our team reviews recent electricity bills and half-hourly data where available.

Site Assessment

We assess roof or land space, electrical infrastructure, equipment locations and access requirements.

System Design

We prepare a system proposal based on your energy profile and available installation area.

Commercial Proposal

You receive clear information covering equipment, estimated generation, project scope, warranties and costs.

Network Application

The relevant electricity network application takes place based on the proposed system size and connection requirements.

Project Planning

We agree access, delivery arrangements, working areas, health and safety requirements and the installation programme.

Installation

Our team installs, tests and commissions the agreed system.

Handover

You receive system guidance, monitoring access, warranties and relevant project documentation.

Ongoing Support

Maintenance and performance support remain available following completion.

Our Commercial Solar Projects

Frequently asked questions

Commercial Solar