Advantages of flat roof solar panels for businesses
Looking to save money on energy costs and future-proof your business in the face of energy insecurity? Look no further than flat roof solar panels.
In the pursuit of sustainable and cost-saving energy solutions, businesses are increasingly turning to solar power to meet their electricity needs. Among the wide range of options on the market, flat roof solar panels emerge as a practical and efficient choice for commercial enterprises, and here at DVC Commercial Roofing Contractors, we have a wealth of experience in helping UK businesses integrate a flat roof solar system into their existing infrastructure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at what you need to know about flat roof solar panels and explore how they can help your business thrive in a challenging economic climate.
What you need to know about flat roof solar panels
As the name suggests, flat roof solar panels are solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on horizontal surfaces, typically found atop commercial buildings on otherwise disused roof space. Unlike sloped or pitched roof installations, flat roof systems utilise mounting structures such as ballast systems or racking solutions to secure the panels in place. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Installation
Compared to other types of solar installations, flat roof solar panels are relatively straightforward to install. Their horizontal orientation simplifies the mounting process and allows for efficient placement and alignment of panels.
Utilising space
Flat roofs offer ample space for solar panel installations, maximising the solar potential of commercial buildings and opening up the potential for cost savings. Compared to installations on sloped roofs, businesses can harness more sunlight and generate greater electricity output with flat roof panels, all whilst making practical use of an otherwise obsolete space.
Orientation
With flat roof installations, solar panels can be positioned in optimal orientations to capture sunlight throughout the day. This flexibility enables businesses to maximise their energy production and optimise the performance of their solar systems.
Accessibility
Flat roof solar panels are easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning purposes, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the solar array. Regular planned maintenance is certainly recommended, as this helps prevent debris buildup and ensures efficient operation of the panels.
What are the advantages of flat roof solar panels for businesses?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at the range of benefits that flat roof solar panels can offer, specifically to businesses:
Significant cost savings
Of course, it goes without saying that one of the most significant advantages of flat roof solar panels is their ability to generate clean, renewable electricity at a significantly lower cost than traditional grid power.
By tapping into solar energy, businesses can reduce their reliance on utilities that are becoming increasingly unaffordable and lock in predictable energy costs for years to come. The energy crisis that has taken place in recent years highlights just how important it is for businesses to aim to future-proof their energy sources, and installing flat roof solar panels makes this possible.
A healthy return on investment
They have the potential to offer an attractive ROI for businesses, with many systems paying for themselves within just a few years of installation.
Through energy savings, government incentives, and potential revenue from selling excess electricity back to the grid (known as net metering), businesses can recoup their initial investment and enjoy the long-term financial benefits offered by a flat roof solar system.
Benefit from tax incentives and rebates
The UK government currently offers a number of tax incentives, rebates, and other financial incentives to businesses that invest in solar energy.
One such incentive is the Business Rates Relief for renewable energy installations, which provides relief on business rates for commercial properties with solar panels. Additionally, the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme provides payments to businesses for generating renewable electricity, including solar power, and exporting excess electricity back to the grid. Incentives such as these certainly make flat roof solar panels even more financially appealing for businesses.
Environmental benefits
By generating electricity from sunlight, flat roof solar panels help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate environmental impact. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, helping businesses contribute to sustainability goals and do their bit to combat climate change. You can learn more about our efforts to implement environmentally friendly practices on our roofing projects here.
Energy independence
Businesses can generate their own electricity on-site, reducing their dependence on increasingly unstable external energy sources, enhancing their energy security, and future-proofing their business from an energy perspective. This independence is incredibly valuable because it provides businesses with greater control over their energy supply and insulates them from volatile energy markets and price fluctuations.
Brand reputation and CSR
Investing in forward-thinking renewable energy technologies such as flat roof solar panels can go a long way towards boosting a business’s brand reputation and corporate image, providing a great opportunity to enhance the business from a corporate social responsibility (CSR) perspective. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, businesses can grow their reach and attract environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners.
Looking to the future
Flat roof solar panels are designed for durability and longevity, and most systems are backed by warranties of 20 years or more. This long-term reliability ensures a stable and predictable energy source for many years ahead.
Scalability and flexibility
Flat roof solar installations are highly scalable and adaptable to businesses’ evolving energy needs. Whether expanding operations, adding additional panels, or integrating energy storage solutions, businesses can easily scale their solar systems to meet changing requirements and maximise energy efficiency.
How can DVC Commercial Roofing Contractors help?
Flat roof solar panels offer numerous advantages for businesses seeking to embrace renewable energy and enhance their sustainability efforts.
Here at DVC Commercial Roofing Contractors, we have the skills, knowledge, and experience required to help you modernise your infrastructure and embark on your solar energy journey.
Over the years, we have completed a number of projects for Canford Audio, that aim to provide a full-scale solution for businesses looking to utilise otherwise disused roof space by installing a flat roof solar system.
If you’re a business owner looking to tap into the benefits of solar power and require professional support both in enhancing your facility’s structural integrity and integrating the solar system, we can help. Contact us today to find out more.
