The UK’s shift toward renewable energy isn’t just for homeowners. Across South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and beyond, commercial buildings – from warehouses and farms to schools and offices – are making the switch to solar.

But unlike domestic installs, commercial projects need a different level of planning, design, and expertise. That’s where experienced commercial solar installers come in.

At Wright Renewables, we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes to help reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, and meet ESG goals. If you're just starting your solar journey, here's a quick introduction to how commercial solar works and what to expect.

Looking for expert commercial solar installers? Cut energy costs and go green with Wright Renewables. Book your free site survey across South Yorkshire today

Why More Businesses Are Turning to Commercial Solar Installers – And What You Need to Know

Why More Businesses Are Turning to Commercial Solar Installers

It's becoming more affordable and the benefits of creating your own electrics are becoming more obvious as the "Cost of being in business" climbs.

Increases in labour and material costs are forcing business owner to be more efficient.

Cutting you property electric bill is a clear benefit but compounding that, we are now consuming more energy in the form of electric vehicles

What Is a Commercial Solar Installation?

In simple terms, a commercial solar system uses solar PV panels to convert sunlight into electricity for use in your building. But while the technology is similar to domestic systems, the scale and complexity are often very different.

A typical commercial system:

  • Requires more panels (sometimes hundreds)
  • Connects to three-phase electricity supplies
  • May need structural surveys or planning permission
  • Can include battery storage for off-peak use
  • Often integrates with existing building management systems

Why Go Solar as a Business?

Commercial solar panels can help reduce daytime electricity bills, protect against energy price rises, and boost your green credentials with staff, customers, and suppliers.

Many of our clients in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire report saving thousands of pounds a year – while making real progress towards their net zero targets. Plus, you may be eligible for capital allowances, or benefit from schemes like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund.

Why Do Businesses Pay More for Electricity?

While it might seem unfair, business electricity rates are often higher than those for domestic users, it comes down to when and how energy is used. Businesses typically operate during peak hours, when demand across the grid is highest. Add to that higher overall usage and a greater emphasis on reliability, and it's easy to see why suppliers charge more.

This challenge, however, brings a hidden opportunity.

By investing in a tailored solar PV and battery storage system, businesses can take control of what was once a fixed and escalating cost. Instead of being locked into volatile energy contracts, they can generate their own electricity during daylight hours and store the excess for evening use. This doesn’t just lower bills—it transforms an overhead into an asset.

At Wright Renewables, we design solar system installations with batteries that fit the real demands of modern businesses—whether you’re a retail space in South Yorkshire, a warehouse in Nottinghamshire, or an office in Lincolnshire. Every system we fit is future-ready and supports long-term decarbonisation goals.

Can I Still Install Solar Panels If I Rent or Lease My Building?

It’s a common misconception that solar panel installation is only for property owners. In reality, many businesses operating from leased or rented premises are already benefitting from solar and taking the system with them when they move.

In the UK, more and more landlords are open to renewable energy upgrades, especially when those upgrades improve the building’s EPC rating and make it more attractive to future tenants. But even if you’re not planning on staying long-term, a solar PV system doesn’t have to be a sunk cost.

Solar Panels Can Be Relocated

Modern solar PV systems can be de-installed and re-installed when needed. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing or moving to a new premises entirely, your solar setup can move with you, providing it’s designed with flexibility in mind from the start.

We always advise a conversation between tenant and landlord at the planning stage. In many cases, landlords are happy to grant permission, especially when the installation is carried out by a professional, MCS-certified commercial solar system installer like Wright Renewables.

If you’re unsure about ownership, leasing, or permissions, we can guide you through the process and ensure your investment in solar works for your business today and wherever it might go next.

Can Solar Panels Power Air Source Heat Pumps?

Absolutely! and the results can be game-changing.

An air source heat pump (ASHP) is already one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat a commercial space, extracting heat from the air and using electricity to concentrate it. But when that electricity comes from your own solar panels, you’re not just heating your premises efficiently, you’re doing it sustainably and often at zero marginal cost.

Here’s how it works:

  • During daylight hours, your solar PV system generates electricity from sunlight.
  • That electricity powers your air source heat pump, reducing or even eliminating your need for grid energy.
  • Any surplus energy can be stored in batteries or redirected to other systems, lighting, computers, machinery thus maximising your self-consumption.

The beauty of this setup is its scalability. Whether you run a small retail unit or a multi-zone warehouse, Wright Renewables can design a system that intelligently balances solar generation, battery storage, and ASHP output to meet your real-world demands.

"We’ve seen clients cut their heating-related electricity costs by over 70% once solar and heat pumps are working together."
Lee Rolfe, Managing Director, Wright Renewables

And this isn’t just about savings. By pairing solar with heat pumps, your business is making real progress on decarbonisation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and aligning with UK Net Zero goals.

Choosing the Right Commercial Solar Installers

Not all installers are equipped to handle large-scale projects. Commercial Solar has different Installations standards.

A professional commercial team will offer:

  • Site-specific design to maximise yield
  • Grid connection support, including DNO applications
  • Project management from start to finish
  • Maintenance packages to ensure long-term performance
  • Accreditations like MCS and TrustMark

At Wright Renewables, we’re proud to be part of the OVO Solar & Heating network, a group of vetted, trusted installers committed to quality and safety – without sub-contracting.

Local Expertise You Can Rely On

As a Worksop-based company, we understand the needs of local businesses. Whether you're a manufacturing firm in South Yorkshire, a school in Derbyshire, or a logistics centre in Lincolnshire, we’ll design a system tailored to your site and energy profile.

“Every commercial site is different,” says Adam Roberts, our expert on commercial energy systems. “Our job is to make the process easy and the results measurable. We don’t do guesswork – we deliver systems that work hard for your business.”

Let’s Talk Solar

Thinking about installing solar panels at your workplace? The first step is a quick site survey and energy review. From there, our team can design a system that fits your goals – financial, environmental, or both.

Get in touch with the commercial solar installers at Wright Renewables and discover how solar can power your business forward.

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