Solar panels for commercial properties in Kent

The Benefits of Solar Panels for Commercial Properties in Kent

Rising energy costs and the need for more sustainable operations are two challenges that a huge number of businesses are facing. When bills go up, a company can either swallow the cost as best they can or pass price rises onto their customers – neither of which is an ideal solution. But there is a third option that provides long-term stability: in Kent, many organisations are tackling these issues by investing in solar panels. Providing affordable energy and benefitting the environment, solar panels are a way to future-proof your business’ energy requirements and meet sustainability targets.

Why Choose Solar for Commercial Properties

Energy bills have risen at an astonishing rate over the past five years, with estimates suggesting that businesses pay 70% more for electricity today than they did in 2020. Investment in commercial solar panels in Kent offers:

• Immediate savings on electricity
• Protection against future price rises
• Reduced carbon emissions
• Improved sustainability credentials
• Profit potential from selling excess energy back to the grid

For Kent businesses in particular, solar panels are a smart investment. The south of the UK gets good exposure to the sun’s rays year-round, enabling solar PV systems in Kent to produce ~0.5–4.7 kWh/m² daily even in winter.

This is partly why Tesco has recently bought almost two thirds of the electricity output of Kent’s Cleve Hill solar park. The site will provide the supermarket giant with up to 10% of its UK electricity demand over 15 years.

Customised Solar Solutions for Businesses

Solar specialists such as South East Solar & Electrical deliver custom solutions for businesses of all types. Whether you run a manufacturing plant, hotel or restaurant, warehouse or office block, a system can be designed to meet the energy needs of your company.

A consultation will determine the suitability of the property for solar panels, looking at the direction your roof faces, the materials used and average energy consumption. The ideal solution for your needs and budget can then be provided. In some cases, ground-mounted solutions are preferable; in others, a small number of panels may be required with scope to scale up. Whatever the circumstances, a solar specialist will create a bespoke offering.

Financial Benefits & ROI

Commercial solar panels in Kent cost between £15,000 and £60,000 for a small to medium sized enterprise (SME). The exact cost will depend on your energy needs, the roof size and whether you want additional features such as solar battery storage.

The initial outlay is worthwhile, however, because for commercial properties it can take as little as three years to break even. With modern solar panel systems lasting 25-30 years, some 24-27 years’ worth of power is essentially free of charge, assuming all the business’ energy needs are met by the installation. Let’s look at some examples:

• A 10kW system costs £13,000 – 15,000. Breaking even takes 5-6 years, yielding an ROI of 16-18%.
• A 20kW system costs £16,000 – 30,000. Breaking even takes 4-5 years, yielding an ROI of 15-28%
• A 50kW system costs £33,000 – £60,000. Breaking even takes 3-6 years, yielding an ROI of 19-36%.

All price examples exclude VAT.

In addition to cost savings and commercial solar energy ROI, Kent businesses can enjoy a further incentive: the Smart Export Guarantee. This scheme enables businesses to sell unused solar energy back to the National Grid for a fixed rate, adding to their potential to make a profit. What’s more, Kent organisations can also receive business rates relief for installing solar panels as well as accessing other commercial solar grants from their local authority or from national funding schemes.

Case study:

In March 2024, South East Solar & Electrical installed a 133kW system for a client in Swanley, saving them 124,545 kWh/year on energy from the grid and delivering an estimated break even period of three to four years.

Installation and aftercare

Like domestic solar systems, business solar panels in Kent do not typically require planning permission. They can be installed under permitted development provided they are roof or ground mounted, do not negatively impact the appearance of the building or the local surroundings, and are installed according to building regulations.

The process typically starts with a site survey, where an expert will determine your organisation’s energy needs, roof direction and type, and more. The system will then be designed according to your needs and installed by experts. Over the course of its lifetime, you will need to invest in routine maintenance such as cleaning and performance monitoring.

When it comes to commercial solar installation in Kent, South East Solar & Electrical is a highly trusted specialist with a wide range of projects to its name. From manufacturing firms to schools, we have successfully delivered commercial solar panels in Kent to diverse organisations, helping them to save money and reduce their emissions. Explore our case studies page for details of specific projects.

Our engineers are MCS certified, meaning you can be sure of the highest quality products and workmanship, as well as comprehensive guarantees. Our staff are DBS checked and we are an Octopus Trusted Partner.

FAQs on solar panels for commercial properties

How much does a typical system cost?

According to GreenMatch, a 10 – 50kW system will cost between £15,000 and £60,000. A 100kW system can cost up to around £120,000.

What savings can be expected?

The savings you make on energy bills will depend on several factors such as the current price of energy, how much of your energy requirement your system covers, and how large your installation is. Typically, businesses can expect to recover their installation costs within two to six years, after which time the energy generated by their panels is essentially free.

Do panels work in cloudy weather?

Yes. Even in the winter when the sun is at its lowest and there is more cloud cover, solar panels will still generate electricity. Although they work at peak efficiency in sunnier weather, they will continue to generate clean power when it’s cloudy.

Are batteries recommended?

Batteries can be a great option if you want to continue using clean energy after the sun sets. Whether you opt for a battery storage system depends on your needs and budget. Our experts will provide advice should you require it.

To find out more about our solar systems, or to obtain a free quote or consultation, contact South East Solar and Electrical today on  01634 981 937.