When considering a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for your UK-based business, one crucial question you’ll need to answer is: “What is the optimum solar PV system size for my business?”
The size of the system you choose will affect both the initial investment and the benefits you reap, including energy savings and environmental impact. Here’s a guide to help you determine the right system size for your business needs.
1. Assess Your Energy Consumption
The first step in determining the optimal size for your solar PV system is to evaluate your current energy consumption. Review your recent energy bills to understand your average monthly and annual electricity usage. This information is usually presented in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Calculate Your Needs: Identify your peak usage times and your overall energy needs. Businesses with high energy consumption—such as manufacturing facilities or large office buildings—will typically require a larger system to cover a significant portion of their energy use. For smaller operations or businesses with moderate energy needs, a smaller system might suffice.
Consider Future Growth: It’s also wise to factor in any anticipated growth or changes in your energy consumption. If you plan to expand your operations or add new equipment, you may need a larger system to accommodate these changes.
2. Evaluate Your Roof Space
The available roof space at your business premises will directly impact the size of the solar PV system you can install.
Determine Available Area: Measure the usable space on your roof or other installation areas. The size of your system is limited by how many solar panels you can fit in this space. Generally, a 1 kW solar PV system requires around 7 to 8 square meters of roof space. Therefore, a larger system will require more space.
Consider Panel Orientation and Shade: Ensure that the area where you plan to install the panels is free from significant shading and has the ideal orientation to capture sunlight. Panels facing south with minimal shade will operate more efficiently.
3. Calculate System Size Based on Energy Needs
Once you have assessed your energy consumption and available space, you can estimate the size of the solar PV system needed.
Energy Offset: Determine what percentage of your energy needs you want the solar PV system to cover. A common goal is to offset 50% to 100% of your electricity usage with solar power. For example, if your business uses 100,000 kWh per year and you want the system to cover 75% of your usage, you would need a system capable of generating approximately 75,000 kWh per year.
System Size: On average, a 1 kW solar PV system generates around 800 to 1,000 kWh per year in the UK, depending on factors like location and panel efficiency. Therefore, to cover 75,000 kWh annually, you would need a system size of around 75 kW. Your installer can provide a detailed calculation based on your specific conditions.
4. Consider Budget and Financial Incentives
The size of your solar PV system will also impact your initial investment and potential return on investment. Larger systems have higher upfront costs but can offer greater energy savings and returns over time.
Financial Planning: Assess your budget and explore financing options such as loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs). Additionally, consider any available government incentives, such as the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme, which can reduce the cost of installation and improve the financial feasibility of a larger system.
Return on Investment: Evaluate the potential savings on your energy bills and the payback period for different system sizes. Your installer can help you perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine the most economical and efficient system size for your business.
5. Consult a Professional
Finally, working with a professional solar installer is crucial in determining the optimal system size. An experienced installer can conduct a detailed site assessment, recommend the best system size based on your specific needs, and ensure that the installation is carried out efficiently and effectively.
Conclusion
Determining the optimum solar PV system size for your business involves assessing your energy consumption, evaluating roof space, calculating system size based on energy needs, considering your budget, and consulting with a professional. By carefully considering these factors, you can select a solar PV system that maximizes energy savings, supports your sustainability goals, and provides a solid return on investment.
Investing in the right-sized solar PV system can transform your energy strategy, reduce operational costs, and demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility.
