Solar Photovoltaics (PV) are now, to most, a well-known and widely deployed technology. Installed on roofs, land, car parks and even reservoirs across the world, this energy generation technology is already proving its worth and, in 2021, generated 4% of the UK’s electricity. 

Net Zero targets for cities, local government and regions of the UK all rely on the continuing deployment of solar PV. The technology is important to help decarbonise the UK’s electricity grid at scale and deliver the projected reductions in carbon intensity. Solar PV is also being connected directly into buildings’ electricity supplies by businesses, councils and homes to reduce the use of grid electricity in favour of self-generated renewables. In both cases, getting PV installed so that the benefits can start to be realised for the 25+ years of operation is key for the UK to meet its net zero commitments. My focus here will be on building connected solar PV, most often in rooftop form.  

Financially, this technology has made sense for years, with payback improved by replacing grid electricity with a high cost. Given the increase in energy costs today, this should help PV’s case even more over the short term. It is the upfront cost of the installation, whether through funding or existing capital, which can stop a project before it has started. Thought needs to be given to this as early as possible in project so that financing can be lined up in time for the early stages of a project, not just in time for the procurement of the installation. 

While solar PV is often thought of as not being suitable for large installation in cities with high rise buildings and shading impacting their feasibility, in reality the city area is much wider and offers numerous possibilities. Opportunities arise on schools and leisure facilities, light industrial or logistics units and larger, low-rise offices. 

For some time, the cost of solar had been reducing until Covid-19 and supply chain issues, alongside high demand, have slowed down that trend. Contractors are in high demand and, in some cases, can pick and choose the jobs to deliver. With lead times for projects increasing, planning projects in advance has become much more important.  

If a project is started today, it could be a year before it starts generating, and this can be longer for ground mount or car port systems. As such, it is vital to understand the process of planning solar PV installations or a wider rollout:  

1. Feasibility study – used to assess the system size of a single or portfolio of buildings. This assessment uses the roof space and energy demand, amongst other factors. 
2. Site prioritisation – this involves the assessment of the sites that are most or least ready for installation, helping to identify low hanging fruit. 
3. Enabling work – this includes structural surveys (geotechnical for ground mounted), grid connection application and planning applications. Application for prior approval can be applied for if a rooftop system is under 1 MWp and meets other criteria. 
4. Contractor engagement – depending on the scale of installations, it is worthwhile starting this process so that contractors know that the project is coming. This will help in understanding the level of interest in the project and lead times in more detail. 
5. Tendering – submitting a tender for technical and cost response from contractors is the only way to know for sure the cost and timelines for a planned installation.

In all of these cases, working with an expert consultant will help to guide the process and avoid obvious pitfalls. These can include points such as access considerations or reviewing Distribution Network Operator heat maps early in a project to assess if there could be grid connection issues. In terms of site prioritisation, it is useful to think about ownership, e.g. is the site freehold or leasehold, or how the roof type will impact feasibility and cost of installation. 

Implementation takes time and, when an extensive amount of improvements need to be made to meet net zero, it can be hard to know where to start. Solar PV, installed by a reputable contractor of a size that suits a building’s demand and is monitored throughout its lifetime, is a no regret option. Start your projects in motion as soon as possible.