Solar Panels and Battery Storage: The Rise

The UK is witnessing a significant transformation in its approach to renewable energy, particularly with the increasing adoption of large-scale commercial solar panels and battery storage systems. Businesses across the nation are embracing solar energy not just as a green initiative but as a strategic move to manage energy costs and enhance sustainability. This trend towards larger and more sophisticated installations is driven by several factors, including rising energy demands, fluctuating energy prices, and technological advancements in energy storage solutions.

Growth in System Size: A New Horizon for Rooftop Solar PV

Historically, commercial rooftop solar installations in the UK have been relatively modest in scale, often limited by roof space, initial costs, and regulatory constraints. However, recent years have seen a substantial increase in the size of these systems. For instance, the installation of a 900 kWp solar PV system on the rooftop of Avalon Plastics in Glastonbury stands as a testament to this shift. Similarly, Crendon Timber Engineering has installed a portfolio of solar systems just shy of 2 MW in total, which significantly cuts down their reliance on grid electricity.

This surge in system size is fuelled by a combination of falling solar panel costs, improved efficiency, and growing confidence in the return on investment that solar PV offers. Additionally, government incentives such as Enhanced Capital Allowances reduce the financial burden. Meanwhile, streamlined regulations and policies aimed at increasing grid capacity and supporting net-zero targets ensure that businesses can adopt solar energy more easily and with greater confidence.

Influencing Factors: Energy Demand, Prices, and Storage Solutions

Several factors are influencing the move towards larger rooftop solar PV systems:

1. Energy Demand Profile: Many businesses operate with a significant and consistent energy demand, making solar PV a practical solution to offset this load. Manufacturing plants, data centres, and large retail outlets are examples where the energy demand profile aligns well with solar generation. During peak daylight hours, these businesses can consume a substantial amount of the electricity generated on-site, reducing their dependence on the grid.
2. Energy Prices: The volatility of energy prices has prompted businesses to seek more stable and predictable energy solutions. Solar PV provides a hedge against rising electricity costs, offering a fixed and often lower cost per kilowatt-hour over the system’s lifespan. This financial predictability is particularly attractive to businesses looking to manage operating expenses more effectively.
3. Battery Storage Integration: One of the most significant advancements enhancing the value of commercial solar PV systems is the integration of battery storage. Batteries allow businesses to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during periods of high demand or when solar generation is low. This capability not only maximises the use of generated energy but also addresses grid constraints that may limit feed-in connections.

Overcoming Grid Restrictions with Batteries: A Case Study

Consider the case of a medium-sized manufacturing company that installed a 245 kWp rooftop solar PV system. Initially, the local grid restrictions limited the amount of energy they could export, capping their potential to benefit fully from their investment. By integrating a battery storage system with a capacity of 94 kWh, the company was able to store surplus energy generated during peak sunlight hours.

This stored energy is then utilised during the evening and night shifts, when the solar PV system is not generating power but the manufacturing processes are still in full swing. As a result, the company not only reduces its electricity costs but also benefits from increased energy security and independence from the grid.

Conclusion: A Sustainable and Economically Viable Future

The trend towards larger commercial rooftop solar PV systems in the UK is a clear indicator of the growing importance of renewable energy in the business sector. By understanding and leveraging the factors driving this growth—such as energy demand profiles, energy prices, and the integration of battery storage—businesses can make informed decisions that benefit both their bottom line and the environment.

As technology continues to advance and regulatory frameworks evolve, the potential for even larger and more efficient rooftop solar PV installations will likely increase. This not only supports the UK’s broader goals for renewable energy adoption but also positions businesses to thrive in a future where sustainability and economic viability go hand in hand.