Saving money on energy bills and being more sustainable are just two of the many benefits of commercial solar panels for businesses in Ireland.
The installation process for commercial solar is similar to residential solar panels but there are some key differences.
This page will explore commercial solar panel installation in detail, from the steps involved to the grants that are on offer. Each solar panel installer will differ slightly in the process, but the steps in this page offer an outline for the process and its bureaucratic requirements.
The key takeaways:
Table of Content
Choosing a Reliable Solar Installer
Choosing a reliable solar panel installer is the first step in the installation process and getting this step right can make or break a successful solar installation.
Reliable and professional installers for commercial solar panels are not always the most well-known, but they are often larger companies.
We recommend choosing a commercial solar installer with years of experience.
Choosing a solar installation company with a proven track record of delivering high quality commercial PV installations means there is less chance of anything going wrong.
The installer should be listed in the SEAI’s register for non-domestic solar panel installation companies.
Choosing wisely can be difficult, so we can help you choose the right installer for your needs. Every installer we recommend is fully vetted and has a portfolio of successful commercial solar installations.
Preliminary Quote for Commercial Solar Panels
After finding a reliable solar panel installer which carries out solar PV installations for the commercial sector, the next step is to get a quote.
This can be done by either contacting the company directly or completing our free online assessment.
The installer will then carry out a data collection assessment of the roof’s suitability for solar panels and request information such as electricity bills before offering advice on the ideal solar PV system size.
They will then give you a preliminary quote for a solar installation based on the information provided – and this is a crucial step as it will determine whether you decide to take the next step and get the ball rolling.
On-site Visit
Two things can happen after the preliminary proposal. If the preliminary proposal is workable, then the installation company will arrange an onsite visit to carry out a technical examination. This will give the technicians a clear idea of exactly how many solar panels can be installed.
Receive an Official Quote
The technical on-site visit will form the basis of the official quote for commercial solar panels. If the price is right, then the initial phase of the process is over, and the installer will start preparing the application for connection to ESB Networks.
SEAI Grant Application
The application process for the Sustainable Energy Authority’s non-domestic solar panel grant is hassle-free. Your installer will guide you through this, and you might even receive confirmation on the same day as the application is submitted.
ESB Connection Application
The solar panel installer will apply for ESB Networks connection. For residential solar systems, the application is usually processed and accepted within a few weeks.
But for larger solar PV systems, which commercial solar panel systems often are, the ESB might carry out a site visit. This means that for some commercial solar installations, this step can take a few months – but your installer will keep you updated.
Solar Panels Installed
As long as planning permission is not needed, the solar installer will choose a day to carry out the installation of solar panels.
Official Handover
Once the commercial solar panels have been installed on the rooftop, the installation team will arrange a ‘handover’ where they will explain how they operate and demonstrate how the monitoring system works.
This is the final step in the installation process, and the solar panels are now producing free electricity for your business.
Do businesses need planning permission for solar panels?
Planning permission is not needed for commercial solar panel installations on businesses in almost all areas, with some limits in specific Solar Safeguarding Zones (SSZs).
Planning exemptions introduced in late 2022 allow for commercial solar pv panels covering a rooftop area of up to 300m² in Solar Safeguarding Zones without requiring permission.
SSZs are areas around an airport, aerodrome or helipad in which there is a potential for glint or glare from solar panels to impact aviation safety.
Outside of SSZs businesses and industrial premises can install unlimited amounts of roof mounted solar panels without requiring planning permission, as long as that electricity is primarily for internal use.
Ground-mounted or wall-mounted solar panels are also exempted from planning permission up to an area of 75m².
Get a Quote for Commercial Solar
For businesses thinking about getting solar PV panels, getting a preliminary quote for commercial solar is the best way of determining whether it is a viable option. Take our free commercial solar assessment today to get a quote.
