Solar PV Partners

Solar PV

Switching to a clean energy supply forms an essential part of every net zero strategy – and solar PV (short for photovoltaic) is a cost-effective option for businesses considering self-generation.

Solar PV converts the power of the sun into electricity. It can be used directly onsite to power business operations, or combined with a battery storage system for use when grid prices or high, or to provide a back-up for critical processes. It can also be exported back to the grid for an additional income.

There is a particular opportunity to install solar PV panels on large commercial roofs – putting unused space to good use. They can also be incorporated within (rather than on top of) the walls and roofs of a building.

Benefits of Solar PV:

Carbon reduction

Carbon reduction: solar PV is 100% renewable, greatly reducing carbon emissions.

Increased resilience
Increased resilience: energy generated can be stored in a battery storage system, for emergency back-up use when the grid is down
Budget certainty

Budget certainty: protection from unpredictable grid energy prices

Lower energy bills

Lower energy bills: solar PV reduces the amount of electricity needed from the grid, and stored energy can be used when peak demand prices are high

Revenue

Revenue: you can also get paid for excess electricity that you export, via the Smart Export Guarantee

Solar Panels 2
There are different business models for adopting solar PV, depending on whether the building is leased or owned, and whether the installation will be owned by a third party or the landlord. One viable route is self-financing, where the site owners or occupiers invest in the installation. Another route is via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), where a third party finances the installation and the building occupier buys the output.