Solar PV for businesses: design around demand
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Size a business PV system using its demand over time, rather than the roof area alone. Compare working days, weekends, holidays and shutdowns. Household price examples and grant rules are not a business project budget.
Build the energy case from operating data
Obtain interval readings and identify daytime base load, seasonal use and planned changes in machinery, heating or vehicles. Compare production with demand at the times it occurs. Large annual consumption does not guarantee that every generated kWh replaces purchased electricity.
Evaluate export restrictions, curtailment, storage and control against the actual connection agreement. Verify the building's structure, roof rights, fire arrangements and future roof repairs.
Compare a consistent financial scope
Keep VAT treatment, eligible expenditure, financing and operating costs consistent across offers. Model energy savings, export value and additional fees separately. Confirm how a battery or control system changes both investment and the usable energy flows.
Ask for exact equipment, structural and electrical work, connection administration, monitoring and maintenance. Assign operating responsibility and access rights after handover. Budget without unconfirmed support and review business-grant eligibility independently of the sales offer.