What can companies expect regarding a typical commercial solar timescale?
Rising energy bills are creating an unwanted and unnecessary burden for companies across the country. Taking up valuable financial resources that could be invested into more critical sectors such as job creation, marketing, or research and development.
At Eclipse Energy our solar systems are designed to be much more than an environmental consideration, but a long lasting and practical business investment. Due to the comparatively simple install process, the abundance of commercial rooftop space and the incredibly high potential for return – solar power is one of the most popular sustainable solutions for businesses across the country. With annual returns of up to 25%, and a system life in excess of 25 years. It’s obvious why companies are turning to solar to reduce their costs and build a sustainable future.
How does the Commercial Solar installation process work?
Whilst energy prices can increase almost overnight, to design and deliver a commercial solar system for your company can take up to a year to complete. So how does the process work and what is a typical commercial solar timescale?
Step 1: Initial Enquiry & Consultation (week 1)
Firstly, we conduct an in-depth initial consultation, either over the phone or via video conferencing. In this consultation we will discuss the motivations behind your solar project, your requirements, and expectations. At this stage we also look to collect information that is vital for us to create an initial design and quotation. This includes your current energy usage and cost of electricity.
Step 2: Free Desktop Survey, Design and Quotation (week 1-2)
From your consultation, we will create a bespoke no obligation design and quotation for your business premises. This design will include suggested panel layout and materials required, including what brand of panels and inverters we suggest. This quotation gives an accurate price, as well as estimated annual savings, carbon savings, and anticipated payback periods.
Step 3: In-Depth Site Survey (week 3-19)
If you are happy with the desktop design and quotation, we conduct a thorough site survey. This is to finalise the design and ensure location of all materials is accurate and viable for your project.
Step 4: Finalised Design (week 20-25)
The finalised design and quotation is agreed upon, confirming your order and allowing us to proceed with the installation process.
Step 5: Planning (week 26-32)
We communicate with the relevant planning departments on your behalf. This includes ensuring your installation complies with local planning regulations. As well as liaising with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to inform them of your new generation equipment. This is all conducted without any input required from yourself, ensuring a smooth hands-off process.
Step 6: Installation (week 33-52)
We install your system to pre-agreed timescales, with our team of fully accredited installers and electrical engineers. All the work is commissioned and tested by our in-house Installation Manager. You will also receive a handover pack bespoke to your system.
Step 7: Monitoring and Maintenance
As part of our package, we pledge to provide a free monitoring service for the lifetime of your system. Using the latest SolarEdge technology, we can remotely monitor your system, ensuring that every single panel is operating at maximum efficiency. In the event of a single panel failure, we can isolate the root cause of the issue. Fixing it quickly with no guesswork required.
What next?
Whilst the timescale above acts as a fairly typical guide, there are factors that can significantly reduce these times. For example, the actual size and complexity of the installation can reduce the timescale. In addition, if the internal deliberation process is quick, and if the local DNO does not take the full 65 working days to approve the project.
To find out more and to request a no obligation desktop consultation and quotation from our Commercial Solar experts at Eclipse Energy, please contact us either by calling 01422 414850, or filling out a form here.
