Installing commercial solar panels is one of the most effective ways for UK businesses to cut energy costs, improve sustainability performance, and secure long-term resilience. But a successful project depends on choosing the right partner, one with engineering expertise, strong safety standards, and a proven commercial track record.

Spirit Energy is an established commercial solar installer working across the South of England. Our engineering-led approach ensures accuracy at every stage, from feasibility studies to commissioning.

Below is the full 7-step process we follow for every commercial solar panel installation project.

Step 1: Initial Enquiry and Project Scoping

Your project begins when you contact our commercial team.
We gather essential information about your site and operations, including:

electricity usage and peak load
business operating hours
available roof or land area
structural considerations
grid supply type
your financial or ESG objectives

This gives us enough data to outline the scale and feasibility of a commercial solar panel installation for your business.

Step 2: Technical Desktop Assessment and Concept Design

Our engineers complete a detailed remote assessment using:

aerial imagery
3D modelling
shading analysis
preliminary grid capacity checks
flat roof suitability checks, where relevant

We then prepare:

a concept design
estimated generation
financial yield modelling
indicative project cost

This confirms early technical viability before committing to on-site engineering.

Step 3: Final Proposal and DNO / Regulatory Permissions and Feasibility Study Cost

Once the concept design is approved, we prepare a detailed commercial proposal outlining:

confirmed layout
equipment specification (modules, inverters, mounting structures)
pricing
financing options
projected savings, payback, IRR and lifetime value
installation timeline
health & safety considerations

As your commercial solar panel installers, we handle all DNO submissions and regulatory paperwork on your behalf. Most projects will undergo a feasibility study cost prior to final order being placed to ensure all permissions are obtained e.g., roof being strong enough, DNO permission, and planning permission if applicable.

Step 4: Onsite Technical Survey and Structural Assessment

A senior engineer attends your site to conduct a full technical survey, reviewing:

roof structure and load-bearing capacity
electrical distribution and cable routes
locations for inverters, switchgear and protection equipment
access and safety requirements
suitability of roof membranes or ground areas
any operational restrictions

Where required, we arrange structural engineering calculations for compliance.

This step finalises the technical design ahead of installation.

Step 5: Commercial Solar Installation and Commissioning

Following approvals and final placement of the order, our in-house commercial solar installation team completes the full build.
This includes:

Access equipment (scaffolding/MEWP)
Mounting frame installation
Module mounting
Inverter and switchgear installation
Cable runs and protection setup
Monitoring system configuration
G99 protection testing
System commissioning
Submission of all certificates and documentation

A typical commercial installation schedule is planned around business operations to minimise downtime.

Step 6: System Handover, Monitoring and Staff Training

Once your system is live, we provide:

full handover documentation
as-built drawings
component warranties
commissioning records
access to monitoring portals
training for facilities or maintenance staff
SEG or export guidance where required

Your team will be able to track performance, consumption and alerts in real time.

Step 7: Long-Term Maintenance and Optimisation

To maintain maximum yield and system longevity, we provide ongoing:

annual maintenance
performance monitoring
panel cleaning
inverter servicing
firmware updates
system optimisation advice
rapid fault diagnosis

This ensures your commercial solar panels continue delivering strong financial and environmental returns year after year.

FAQs: Commercial Solar Panels for UK Businesses

What affects the cost of commercial solar panels?

System size, roof type, structural requirements, grid connection, access equipment and inverter configuration all influence cost.

How long does commercial installation take?

Most projects take several days to a few weeks depending on system size and complexity.

Can you install solar panels on flat commercial roofs?

Yes. We design ballasted or mechanically fixed mounting systems depending on roof structure, membrane type and engineering requirements.

Which areas do you serve?

Spirit Energy provides commercial solar panel installation across the South of England.

Do I need planning for my building?

Most commercial units won't need full planning permission as long as the panels are at least 1m from the edge of the roof and there are no other complications e.g. conservation area or a listed building. 50kWp systems and above will require a prior approval application which we would include as part of our service.