Start with the building and its demand
Roof condition, access, structure, daytime consumption and grid capacity drive feasibility.
Match generation to interval demand
Half-hourly consumption data shows when the site imports electricity. Modelling expected generation against that profile separates higher-value on-site use from exported surplus and reveals seasonal or weekend mismatches.
Future EV charging, heat pumps, production changes or tenancy plans should be included where they are sufficiently defined.
The property can decide feasibility
Roof condition, structure, warranties, access, fire strategy, landlord consent, asbestos records and cable routes can materially affect scope and programme. Grid capacity and export requirements should be checked early.
Make the financial assumptions auditable
The model should state energy prices, export value, degradation, maintenance, inverter replacement assumptions and the treatment of tax or finance. Decision-makers should be able to change an assumption and see what drives the result.
Common questions
- What data helps with a commercial solar assessment?
- Recent bills, half-hourly consumption, site plans, roof information, lease details, planned electrical loads and any previous grid correspondence are useful starting points.
- Can a leased building have solar panels?
- Potentially, but landlord and tenant permissions, lease term, roof responsibilities, metering and allocation of costs and benefits need to be resolved.