The benefits of solar panels for commercial properties

As people continue to become more concerned about the effects of climate change and energy costs continue to rise, the need for energy-efficient and sustainable commercial properties is also increasing. Solar PV roof panels provide an effective way to make a commercial property more energy efficient.

While there are many things to consider before installing commercial solar PV panels, these systems provide a wide range of benefits for all stakeholders, from specifiers and property owners to potential occupants. Whether you’re looking for ways to achieve compliance or attract buyers or tenants, commercial PV solar panels offer a cost-effective and practical solution for creating more sustainable buildings, reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment and future-proofing investments.

Although solar panels are often associated with flat roofs, they are also suitable for installation on commercial buildings with tiled pitched roofs, which are often found on care homes, schools, pubs, boutique hotels and high-street shops. In this blog post, we’ll focus on the benefits that solar panels, such as the Marley SolarTile®, can bring to these properties.

Reducing carbon footprints and energy costs with commercial solar panels

Let’s start with one of the most significant benefits of installing commercial solar panels: improving efficiency and cutting energy costs. Since solar panels essentially generate free electricity once installed using the energy from the sun, they reduce reliance on the grid, provide a low-carbon power source and bring down energy bills. These benefits are mainly for the building owners, helping them to save money and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Commercial solar panels and supporting compliance

Although solar panels are not required on commercial buildings, they can support compliance in terms of carbon reduction and energy performance. Some of the legislation that relates sustainable energy, and the inclusion of commercial solar panels includes:

Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) Volume 2 (Buildings other than Dwellings): In Approved Document L, Regulation 25A requires that high-efficiency systems be considered during the planning phases of a commercial property. However, the building regulations do not require any systems to be installed.

Energy performance certificates (EPCs): All commercial buildings in the UK have EPC ratings, which range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). If a commercial building's EPC rating is E or lower, it is considered substandard, and improvements must be made before it can be legally rented or sold. The installation of solar panels can increase an EPC score.

Approved Document S (Infrastructure for the Charging of Electric Vehicles): According to Approved Document S, new-build commercial properties and those undergoing major renovation must provide a certain number of electric vehicle charging points based on the number of associated parking spaces. Commercial solar panels can provide a free energy source for these EV chargers.

The inclusion of solar panels on commercial buildings can also contribute to environmental certification schemes like BREEAM and LEED, thereby making a property more attractive to potential occupants.

Futureproofing commercial properties with solar PV panels

Sustainability is a long-term commitment, and regulatory standards, compliance requirements and certification schemes will only become stricter and complex in the future. Installing commercial solar PV will bring sustainable advantages to a property for years to come.

Marley’s SolarTile® is a roof-integrated solar panel for pitched roofs and is part of the Marley Roof system. It is ideal for installation in new builds and during roof replacement projects, providing an attractive appearance and excellent efficiency. Since the panels act as a roof covering, they reduce the number of roof tiles required, helping to keep costs down and minimising the weight of the finished roof.

To find out more about the benefits of solar PV on commercial projects or for further technical support, contact the Marley team.