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ADM & Partners

Commercial solar PV: it runs on daylight, not sunshine

Solar works for businesses all over the UK, not just in the sunny south. If it's light outside, your panels are generating.

Book a free energy review

The UK advantage

Daylight, not sunshine

Solar panels turn daylight into electricity. Direct sunshine isn't needed. On a bright, cloudy day they still generate, just less than on a clear one.

Panels actually work more efficiently when they're cool, so the UK's mild, bright climate suits them well, and long summer days make up for shorter winter ones.

Germany, which gets similar light levels to the UK, is one of the biggest solar users in Europe.

  • Clear
  • Bright and cloudy
  • Overcast
  • Cool and mild
  • Long summer days
  • Annual total

How it works

How it works, in four simple steps

  1. 1

    Capture

    Panels on your roof, car park or land capture daylight and turn it into electricity (DC).

  2. 2

    Convert

    An inverter converts it into the standard electricity (AC) your building uses.

  3. 3

    Use

    Your site uses that power first, so you buy less from the grid.

  4. 4

    Store or export

    Any spare can be stored in a battery or exported to the grid, and you can be paid for exported power.

Learn about battery storage

The benefits

Why businesses are switching

Lower bills

Many businesses cut their electricity costs by around 30 to 40%, depending on their usage.

Protection from price rises

Every unit you generate is one you don't have to buy.

Best for daytime users

Factories, warehouses, offices, farms, schools and retail use power when panels generate most.

Cut carbon

Support your net zero goals, reporting and tender requirements.

A long life

Panels typically last 25 years or more, with very little maintenance.

A visible commitment

Show customers, staff and investors you are taking action.

Options

Where it can go

Rooftop

Uses space you already have. Usually the quickest and lowest-cost option.

Solar carports

Generate power while sheltering vehicles. They pair naturally with EV charging.

Ground-mounted

For sites with spare land. Panels can be angled for maximum output.

Sized to your needs, not your roof

We design around your actual half-hourly usage data, not guesswork. That way the system isn't oversized and the savings estimate is realistic.

See solar and battery example scenarios

The process

What happens, step by step

  1. 1

    Free review

    A free review of your bills and usage.

  2. 2

    Site survey

    A site survey and roof or structural check.

  3. 3

    Design

    System design and a savings forecast.

  4. 4

    Grid and planning

    The grid connection application with the local network operator, and any planning checks.

  5. 5

    Installation

    Installation, usually with minimal disruption to your business.

  6. 6

    Switch-on

    Switch-on, monitoring and ongoing care.

About ongoing care and maintenance

FAQ

Common questions

See what solar could do for your site

Book a free energy review and we'll look at your usage, your site and your options.

Book a free energy review

Funding available: see finance options