Councils and Local Authorities

Solar Panels for Councils and Local Authorities

Councils and local authorities have a responsibility to meet their Net Zero targets and one way that can help, is by having solar panels installed across council buildings and social housing. As well as increasing their green credentials, reducing their carbon emissions and footprints, local authorities can save on rising electricity prices and rely on solar energy to power their buildings.

By installing solar panels (which generates entirely emission-free renewable energy), councils can demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability for local residents, social housing tenants and regulatory bodies, where this could make your mission to Net Zero that little bit easier.

 

Local Authority Solar Panel Installers

Solar Voltaics was established in 2010 and has developed an excellent reputation as a leading solar installation company operating within the public sector, especially for local councils and authorities. We specialise solely in solar power, so whether you’re wanting to install solar panels and PV systems, solar battery storage systems or advice on how solar power systems can benefit your community, our team can help.

 

Solar Panel Installation on Hoskins House Portsmouth

Why Choose Solar Voltaics?

  • Quality Products
  • Expertise in Solar Solutions
  • Solar and Battery Installs
  • Save on Carbon Emissions
  • Outstanding Customer Service
  • Bespoke Solutions

Solar Panel Installations for Councils

At Solar Voltaics, we are committed to educating those who are responsible for sustainability in their council about the benefits and installation process of solar PV technology, tailored to meet their specific needs and what it offers – our competitive Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) offerings provide councils and local authorities with a range of financing options to choose from. Boasting over ten years in the solar industry, Solar Voltaics have been trusted by local authorities up and down the UK to supply solar PV panels that are cost-effective allowing you to budget extra funds for other parts of the constituency.

Our vast expertise, experience and resources enable us to efficiently manage complex projects, ensuring their completion on time and in accordance with industry standards. Alongside our proactive Health and Safety policy and comprehensive safety measures, we protect the general public, tenants, staff and other stakeholders, proudly maintaining a faultless safety record with zero incidents.

Solar Power Purchase Agreement Programmes (PPAs) provide an attractive option for councils looking to install commercial solar panels and reduce their carbon footprint. By partnering with solar project developers, local authorities can access the benefits of solar energy without the upfront costs.

If you are looking for solar PPA, solar finance information or government schemes for a commercial solar panel system over 200KW in size, get in touch with one of our team who will be able to help guide you through the process.

Installing Commercial Solar Panels for Local Authorities

Whether you’re wanting a straightforward installation on a smaller council building with limited roof space, or are a larger block of social housing flats to help low income households reduce their energy bills, Solar Voltaics has the technical expertise and resources to deliver complex projects on time and to a very high standard. For a local council looking to install high quality commercial solar PV systems, you can expect to cut energy costs, support your local community by reducing emitted greenhouse gases and ultimately a smart investment for the future and reaching your Net Zero aims.

Our capabilities include all types of pitched roof mounted solar panels, flat roof solar panel installations and ground mounted solar for councils that have grounds suitable for panels. We have extensive experience in the installation of all major inverter brands and specialise in SolarEdge DC optimiser solutions.

Portsmouth City Council commission largest solar installation to date

Hot on the heels of installing a 100KW solar energy system on the flat roof of the prestigious PCC Civic Offices building, Solar Voltaics has now completed the largest solar PV system ever ordered by Portsmouth City Council. At 175KW the system is installed on the gently curving roof of the landmark Somerstown Central Community

Accreditations & Partnerships

Working Across Different Council Buildings

Solar Voltaics specialises in bespoke commercial solar panel installations and our experts pride themselves on delivering a professional and personal service tailored to your specific solar needs (no two projects or councils are identical to us). We provide first-class situational analysis which includes why your authority wants to invest in a solar panel system, what sort of payback you can expect, the kW you may require, determining if battery storage systems are suitable and so much more.

Our experienced designers and commercial solar installation engineers work to provide a professional service that fits around your needs as a council. Our service covers all aspects of the solar PV design, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance – we’re here to help you figure out exactly what you need and make sure you get the most out of your solar panels.

Our Solar Panel Installation Process

We’ve been trusted to install solar panels for local authorities in the UK since 2010 and in that time, our team have developed industry-leading knowledge and experience what makes a solar project successful. Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, we design solar systems tailored to each building’s specific energy needs and layout. This bespoke service ensures cost savings, clean energy solutions, and customer satisfaction, setting us apart from other solar panel installation companies working in the public sector.

1.

Feasibility

A site survey will determine the suitability of your building for solar PV systems

2.

Proposal

We present the most efficient system design and output to match your energy needs

3.

Review

At this stage, our team can answer your questions and review options with you

4.

Contract

Our simple agreement policy, safeguards your quote if anything changes

5.

Install

Solar panel installation takes place with minimal disruption to your daily activities

6.

Maintain

We can monitor and maintain your solar PV system to maximise performance

Contact Us For The Next Steps

Solar Products

Explore our range of solar products, carefully sourced from reliable manufacturers and fully certified to MCS standards, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. From advanced solar panels that harness sunlight, to cutting-edge battery storage systems, we provide practical solutions that lower costs and promote sustainability.

Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar PV systems are very reliable, but planned solar maintenance is essential to ensure continued high output efficiency. Many solar systems in the UK have been installed for several years now, some for over 5 years. Whilst most maybe running well, many owners don’t check their systems performance regularly and wouldn’t know if it was performing well or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do commercial solar panels last?

Commercial solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25-30 years. They continue to generate electricity beyond this period but at reduced efficiency.

How much electricity do solar PV systems generate?

An optimally orientated, un-shaded 1kWp array will, each year, generate approx 850kWh (units) of electricity.

How do solar PV cells work?

Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert radiation from the sun into electricity.  A typical PV cell consists of a wafer of semi-conducting material, usually silicon, manufactured with two electrically different layers.  When sunlight hits the cell it excites the electrons within the silicon, creating an electric field across the layers and causing a flow of electricity.

What are the cost benefits of installing commercial solar panels?

Commercial solar panels can significantly reduce electricity bills, offering a high return on investment over time. The initial costs are offset by savings on energy bills and potential tax incentives. Moreover, solar energy’s predictability helps businesses budget more effectively by reducing exposure to fluctuating energy prices.

What is the environmental impact of commercial solar panels?

Solar panels significantly reduce carbon emissions by generating renewable energy. This reduces a business’s carbon footprint and supports sustainability goals.

Where can I place my solar PV panels?

Solar panels can be mounted in a range of locations, from a roof to the ground and even bespoke frames. We install on a range of roof types, including flat roofs. Ground mounted systems use ballast or specially designed mounting frames. Solar panels are best if they are south facing, but east and west facing roofs are are suitable, although output will be slightly less. A roof pitch of between 10 and 50 degrees is best and preferably with little or no shade. If shade cannot be avoided then we can include optimisers to reduce the shading impact.

Can public buildings continue to operate during a solar panel installation?

Yes, in most cases installing solar panels will not affect your public building’s operating as normal.

The Business Case

Payback and Returns

A commercial solar installation can offer a typical investment payback from 3 years onwards. The payback period depends on site electricity consumption and the retail price of electricity both now and anticipated in the future. If you provide us with a good estimate of your electricity usage and costs, then we can overlay this with the expected output of the solar PV system to determine how much of the solar energy you are likely to use. It is the combination of energy consumption profile and solar PV output that determines how useful a solar energy system will be to your school.

PV systems require little maintenance besides regular monitoring and replacement of inverters (5-10 years). In general, PV panels are self-cleaning unless your office building is in an area that suffers from high dust levels, leaf fall etc.

Why Choose Solar Voltaics?

CHAS (Construction Health and Safety) & Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

Solar Voltaics is accredited under the CHAS (Construction Health and Safety) scheme. We are experienced in working on construction sites and operating to strict safety standards.

All installations are carried out to the standards laid down by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). We are regularly audited by NAPIT to confirm that our workmanship standards are up to the required quality levels.

No Sub-Contracting

At Solar Voltaics we prefer not to sub-contract to other companies. We stand by the quality and professionalism of our installations, because we manage them all with our own professionally trained staff.

Recommendations

We are more than happy to put you in touch with previous clients who can vouch for how we performed for them. Our solar PV experts understand that this is good commercial practice and we have plenty of clients that we can refer you to, including public sector, private companies and institutions in the UK.

Get in Touch With a Solar Installer

Call now to learn how little it takes to get started, and how much you can save when your solar panel installation is in place.

We don’t do a hard sell. You can have as much or as little information as you like and we won’t hassle you with unwanted follow-up sales calls. Most of our clients want to do their own research and due diligence and we will gladly supply any information you require regarding our trustworthiness and commercial standing.

Get In Touch

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Address

Solar Voltaics Ltd
Bramley Barn, Main Road
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 8XA

Our Testimonials

View Our Google Reviews

    • Outstanding Solar Panel Installation Service.
      We recently had solar panels installed at our business premises, and we couldn’t be happier with the service provided. From the initial consultation to the final installation, the entire process was seamless and professionally handled.
      The team demonstrated exceptional expertise and professionalism, answering all our questions and providing detailed explanations about the system and its benefits. They were punctual, efficient, and maintained a clean work environment throughout the installation process.
      The quality of the solar panels and the installation work exceeded our expectations. We’re excited about the long-term savings and environmental benefits.
      We highly recommend this company to anyone considering solar panel installation. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and quality workmanship is truly commendable.
      Thank you for making our transition to solar energy such a positive experience.

      Steven Hale
    • Excellent from start to finish. We can highly recommend Solar Voltaics Ltd. Planning and installation involved a highly professional and knowledgeable team, who stuck to timelines and communicated promptly. Thank you.

      Heidi and Andy
    • From start to finish on our home solar project everything has been handled so well. Great communication, lovely engineers and electricians, all round just an excellent bunch of people. They went above and beyond to get everything working despite some issues with our wi-fi too. Very happy and can’t think of a single negative point, thanks guys 🙂

      Laura
    • Excellent service. We have a difficult roof, with multiple pitches and very little loft space, but the design has worked brilliantly. All our questions and concerns were answered intelligently and helpfully. The installation teams worked swiftly and tidily, leaving no mess anywhere.

      Egan and Jane
    • From our first communication with Solar Voltaics, after finding their details on Portsmouth City council verified supply list for Solar panels. The whole experience has been pleasurable, from initial contact with Jo on the 25th March a desk top quotation was completed and received on the 27th, after comparing the quotation we had from other suppliers, we placed our order paid the deposit which was held in an approved scheme. The survey to double check the the proposed work was completed and the installation was completed by the 23rd April. Thank you to all who were involved in the installation, a totally professional team.

      Nigel

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