Article Contents
- Initial Consultation & Feasibility
- Permissions, Planning & Grid Application
- Detailed System Design & Engineering
- Installation & Logistics
- Commissioning & Activation
- System Handover & Support
- Scaling, Upgrades & Future Plans
Thinking about solar for your business? Whether you’re completely new to renewable energy or simply curious, this guide will walk you through commercial solar panel installation from start to finish.
By the end, you’ll understand everything – from design to installation – and appreciate why choosing the right commercial solar solution is key to realising benefits, minimising energy prices and avoiding headaches. And most importantly, you’ll understand why Smartly Energy is the best of the UK commercial solar companies to set up your solar PV systems for your business.
1. Initial Consultation & Feasibility
Every project starts with a chat. We begin with a free on-site visit or virtual call to understand your business, energy needs, and ambitions. We talk about current electricity bills, peak usage times, and any future plans like EV charging or expansion.
Next, we assess your building: roof size, orientation, shading, and structural integrity. Some roofs can’t handle heavy panels, while others are perfect flat surfaces. We also discuss ground-mounted options if you have land available.
Following this, you’ll receive a feasibility report. It includes anticipated system size (measured in kWp), estimated annual energy generation, projected savings, upfront commercial solar panel cost, and how quickly the investment will pay back.
Even if you’ve never looked into renewable energy, this report gives clarity by simplifying key financials and introducing a few green metrics.
2. Permissions, Planning & Grid Application
Commercial solar panel installation isn’t as simple as putting panels on a roof. There’s a legal and technical path to follow, too.
Planning & permitted development
Most rooftop solar projects qualify as “permitted development” in the UK, meaning they don’t require planning permission. However, properties in conservation areas or listed buildings may face stricter rules. We’ll guide you on whether you need full planning permission or can proceed under general allowances.
DNO/G99 application
If your system is larger than 3.68 kVA (single-phase) or 11 kVA (three-phase), a formal application to your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is required. This process – called G99 – ensures your system integrates safely with the UK grid. It typically takes 4–12 weeks and may include export constraints or installation of specific export meters.
Regulatory compliance
All work is carried out by certified partners and adheres to Building Regulations, the Electricity at Work Act, and CDM 2015 (Construction Design & Management). This ensures your installation will be safe, legal, and properly insured.
3. Detailed System Design & Engineering
Once permissions are underway, we begin final system design to ensure maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness when generating electricity.
Structural and electrical engineering
Our engineers calculate the maximum panel load your roof can handle. We design an efficient panel layout that considers sun angle and shadow-free exposure, while balancing weight, fire paths, and access.
We plan cable layout to minimise loss, comply with voltage requirements, and connect seamlessly with your current consumer unit or meter.
Inverter and monitoring selection
Inverters convert the rooftop DC power into usable AC power. We may suggest string, micro, or hybrid inverters based on your building’s size and your ambitions (e.g. EV, battery storage, future expansion). We also integrate monitoring systems, essential for tracking performance and identifying issues early.
Once your engineer signs off, you’ll receive a full design pack with drawings and estimates. This also confirms your final commercial solar panel installation scope and projected timeline.
4. Installation & Logistics
Commercial solar panel installation day is exciting, but it’s also business as usual. You won’t even notice the difference.
Site setup
We start by preparing the site: erecting scaffolding, creating safe zones, and installing roof netting. All gear and tools arrive via site-specific planning, ensuring minimal disruption.
Mounting and panel installation
Our experienced teams secure mounting railings and fix solar panels in place with roof-appropriate attachments, maintaining weatherproofing and stability. Clips, clamps, or brackets fit securely into corrugated, flat, or pitched roofs without damage.
Wiring and electrical connections
Once panels are in place, we undertake the “behind-the-scenes” work. Wiring travels through trunking to inverters and your distribution board. Protective isolation points, RCDs, and surge protection are all installed to meet electrical standards and ensure safety.
5. Commissioning & Activation
Commissioning is where the system switches from papers to power.
Testing and inspection
Before the system goes live, electric certificates (EIC) are issued after rigorous tests: output verification, earth loop impedance, polarity checks, and voltage assessments.
DNO notification
With your test results, we formally inform the DNO as per G99. We conduct any required witness tests and verify your system for compliance.
Go-live and SEG registration
Once connected, your system is powered up. We help you sign up for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs or manage any PPA arrangements for exporting unused energy. Congratulations – it’s official: your system is live.
6. System Handover & Support
It’s more than “switch on”, we walk you through the system.
Handover pack
Within days, you’ll receive a pack containing operation manuals, design specifications, warranties, certification documents, and DNO notices. The labels clearly indicate everything and make it easy to follow.
System training and monitoring
We show you how to use the online monitoring dashboard and explain what each metric means – generation, export, usage. You’ll know how to spot underperformance and contact us quickly if needed.
Maintenance and warranty
Solar systems are low-maintenance; panels are durable and validated by 25 year warranties. Still, we offer optional annual check-ups, performance tests, and panel cleans. Our support includes warranty claim assistance if anything needs replacing.
7. Scaling, Upgrades & Future Plans
After you install your commercial solar energy system, you can adapt it in the future.
Battery and EV expansion
Later, we can add battery storage to capture more energy, or EV chargers that sync with system output. Everything integrates smoothly with your existing setup and colour scheme.
Roof replacements or site expansions
If your roof is refurbished or replaced, we’re on hand for re-installation. For new buildings or satellite sites, we apply the same trusted process to keep things consistent.
Why Smartly is Your Best Commercial Solar Partner
We’re not just another installer. We’re committed to clarity, quality, and total ownership of your commercial solar solutions.
- Expert UK installers – certified, experienced, and locally responsive.
- All-in-one service – we handle feasibility, planning, commercial solar panel installation, commissioning, and monitoring.
- Transparent engagement – no hard sell, no expectation, just straightforward conversation every step.
- Post-install peace of mind – we offer comprehensive servicing, warranty claims, and performance checks.
FAQs: Commercial Solar Panel Installation
1. How long does a commercial solar panel installation take from start to finish?
From initial consultation to switch-on, installing solar panels in the UK take between 3 to 6 months. The timeline depends on factors like system size, DNO (grid) application approvals, planning permission (if required), and roof condition. We’ll give you a clear project plan upfront so there are no surprises, just a smooth transition to clean, renewable energy.
2. How much is commercial solar panel installation with Smartly?
The cost of commercial solar will vary depending on roof size, system capacity, and whether you want extras like EV chargers or battery storage. On average, the upfront costs of UK commercial systems range between £15,000 and £100,000+.
At Smartly, we provide a tailored quote with a full financial forecast, including potential savings, returns on investment and payback period, so you can see exactly how it benefits your bottom line.
3. Will installing solar impact my business rates or insurance?
Most UK businesses installing rooftop commercial solar solutions won’t see an increase in business rates thanks to government exemptions. However, it’s always worth double-checking with your local authority. As for insurance, you may need to inform your provider, but premium increases are rare. Smartly supplies all the necessary certification for smooth updates to your policy.
4. What happens on commercial solar panel installation day – will it disrupt my business?
Not at all. We work hard to keep business operations running smoothly. Most commercial solar panel installations occur on rooftops, and workers keep internal electrical work tidy and non-invasive. We will coordinate with your facilities team to schedule low-impact installation hours and make sure we complete everything safely and efficiently.
5. Can I scale or upgrade the system later if my business grows?
Yes, every Smartly commercial solar panel system includes future-proofing. Whether you want to add more photovoltaic panels, introduce battery storage, or install EV chargers, we’ll make sure your setup supports expansion. Many of our commercial clients begin with a core installation and scale over time as their energy needs evolve.
