The answer
What should your business know before asking for a solar quote?
Check that the roof is sound, you have permission to use it and your electrical connection can take the system. Look at when your business uses power, then give installers the same information so their quotes are comparable.
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Will the roof last as long as the panels?
Check roof warranties, drainage and any repairs due soon. Cheap panels can become expensive if they have to be removed so the roof can be replaced.
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Does your business use power in daylight?
Half-hourly meter readings show whether weekday and weekend electricity use lines up with solar generation. A site closed during the day may export more than expected.
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Who controls the roof and gets the savings?
A tenant may pay the electricity bill while the landlord owns the roof. Agree who owns and maintains the panels, who benefits from the power and what happens when the lease ends.
Is the roof ready, and will you use the power?
A large warehouse or office roof is not automatically ready for solar. Its covering may need replacing, its structure may need checking, or safe access may be difficult. Ask about fire and insurer requirements too. If you rent the building, confirm you have the right to use the roof before design work goes far.
Compare when the panels would make electricity with when your business uses it. Power made after the site closes may be worth less to you. A promising forecast also loses its appeal if the panels must come down soon for roof repairs.
What to check next
Your next steps
Where we checked the facts
Check the original information.
These official pages back up the rules and technical details above. They can change, so check them again before spending money or starting work.
Apply this to your own property
Where could your business save energy?
A free survey checks your bills, building use and what improvements may work at your site before you decide what to price.