Commercial Solar Panels in East Sussex

Our normal design envelope is based around up to approximately 50 kW of inverter capacity (AC). That is the limit of the inverter’s AC output — not necessarily the size of the panel array on the roof.

• Solar panels are rated in DC kilowatt-peak (kWp) — the maximum DC power the array could produce in ideal conditions.
• Commercial roofs generally take larger-format, higher-wattage panels than the 450–500W modules we fit on homes, so the array reaches its kWp with fewer panels.
• The inverter converts that DC power to AC for your building and is rated in kilowatts (kW) AC.
• A well-engineered system can connect a DC array larger than the inverter’s AC rating where the design, export limits, and DNO connection allow — the inverter clips peak output rather than wasting the roof space.
• Projects needing inverter capacity well above 50 kW AC usually involve a substantially more involved grid-connection process. That is not the commercial market we primarily target.

We assess your existing supply, main distribution board, and spare capacity during survey. System layout, inverter selection, and cable routes are designed to suit three-phase installations where that is what the site requires.

We handle the relevant DNO application and notification work as part of the project. The exact route depends on system size, export arrangements, and what your local network operator requires — we explain the steps in your proposal rather than promising a single outcome for every site.

Where export is constrained, we can design with export limitation or inverter controls so the system operates safely within what the connection allows. Surplus energy is then used on site first, which is often where the best savings come from on commercial tariffs anyway.

Batteries can shift solar energy into evening hours, support peak-shaving, or work with time-of-use tariffs. We recommend storage only where your usage pattern and economics justify it. Many commercial projects are designed without batteries.

Where available, half-hourly electricity data (from a smart meter or your supplier) helps us model when you actually use power through the day and week. That leads to a system sized around real consumption rather than simply filling the roof.

• Annual kWh totals are helpful, but interval data shows peak demand and overnight baseload.
• If you do not have half-hourly data yet, we can advise how to obtain it from your supplier or meter operator.
• The goal is a design that maximises on-site use of generated electricity.

A commercial business case typically considers self-consumed solar (avoided imported electricity), any exported electricity, equipment lifetime, maintenance, and payback over the expected system life. Exact figures depend on your tariff, usage, and system specification; we set these out in your written proposal.

• Self-consumption usually delivers the strongest savings on commercial electricity rates.
• Export income may contribute where surplus is sold under a Smart Export Guarantee or supplier export tariff.
• VAT treatment for non-domestic solar can differ from residential projects. We do not quote VAT rates on this page — your formal quote will reflect the VAT position applicable to your project.