1. What is solar PV?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity using energy from the sun. Electricity will still be generated on cloudy and rainy days, albeit it at a reduced level. The electricity is taken from the panels to an inverter, which either pushes into your supply (if you need it), or sends it out to the grid if you don’t have demand for energy at that specific time (you are paid for this export). Solar PV reduces the amount of electricity you buy from your energy supplier, but in most cases does not remove the need for you to be connected to the grid.
There are no moving parts, with a well installed system requiring minimal maintenance, (depending on the environment, this may include solar panel cleaning every 1-2 years). The Trina solar panels that Mypower install are performance warrantied to deliver over 87% of the energy they generate in year 1 in year 30, and are expected to continue operating well beyond this point – adding real ongoing value to any building.
2. Why should I invest in a solar panel installation in 2026?
Industrial and commercial solar panels make use of large areas of uncomplicated and unused roof space, turning them into productive energy assets.
Solar panels for commercial buildings can significantly reduce electricity costs, typically supplying 30–40% of a site’s annual demand at around 5p/kWh, compared to grid electricity often costing 20p/kWh or more. This delivers immediate savings while protecting your business from future energy price volatility.
With a typical return on investment (ROI) of 20%+ and payback in 3–5 years, solar remains a strong commercial proposition in 2026.
As most businesses operate during daylight hours — when solar energy is generated — the majority of the power is used directly onsite. Any surplus electricity can be exported to the grid, generating an additional income stream.
3. How will solar PV lower your carbon footprint?
Solar PV reduces your carbon footprint by generating clean, renewable electricity onsite, reducing reliance on UK grid power derived in part from fossil fuels.
By producing a significant proportion of your electricity demand directly from your roof, your business can materially lower Scope 2 emissions and demonstrate measurable progress towards net zero targets.
Real-time monitoring also allows you to track and report energy generation and associated CO₂ savings, supporting ESG reporting, customer tenders and wider sustainability objectives.
4. How is solar PV 1/4 of the price of grid supplied electricity?
The equivalent unit rate for solar PV generated electricity is c.5p/kWh, calculated when you compare the capital cost and expected maintenance costs to the energy generated over the warrantied lifetime of the panels. Using this comparison, solar PV generates at a unit rate c.80% lower than the current grid supplied rate of 20p/kWh.
5. How quickly will a PV system pay for itself?
Most commercial rooftop solar PV systems pay for themselves within 3–5 years, based on typical grid electricity costs of around 20p/kWh.
Businesses that operate 7 days a week, such as cold stores or data centres, often see payback in under 4 years due to higher on-site energy usage.
Tax incentives such as the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) can further improve returns.
6. Which important product features should I look for when selecting a solar provider?
The most important areas to look at when selecting a provider are quality, service and experience. Quality of the solar panels varies with providers and the quality will determine the power output and amount of electricity generated. When looking at the numbers, make sure you compare kWh production between solar panels. Mypower only use high quality, high yielding panels manufactured by well-known brands such as QCells and Trina.
You should ask the supplier questions about what service they include. There is a fair amount of paperwork to complete following each installation. Mypower provide a full turnkey package and project management, from initial DNO consultation/application and financial feasibility study, to completion of formal handover pack and PPA negotiations, maintenance and monitoring.
7. How do I choose the best provider?
Check out how long the installer has been in the industry and how many installations they have completed for the type of installation you need, such as solar panels for industrial use. Ask for customer references and find out which vendors they are working with. Be careful to check out the company's Health and Safety record and their experience with roofs, groundwork and electrical work. Mypower are MCS, REAL & NAPIT accredited ensuring quality processes. Our in-house fitting and installation team includes a member of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, qualified electrical engineers, experienced installers and administrators.
8. How can I finance the installation?
Many of our customers fund their system through bank loans, asset finance or commercial mortgages. With typical first-year returns of 20–25%, systems are often cashflow positive within 12 months when structured correctly.
In many cases, when financed properly, doing nothing costs more — as the monthly finance cost can be lower than the savings generated from producing your own electricity.
We can introduce you to trusted finance partners to explore the most suitable structure for your business.
9. What is the Feed-in Tariff?
The Feed-in Tariff subsidy or FiT scheme closed to new entrants on the 31st of March 2019. FiT was a government incentive to encourage the uptake of renewable energy.
10. Is solar still profitable without government subsidies?
Yes. As the cost of solar panels has reduced and grid electricity prices have increased, onsite solar PV is now one of the most cost-effective ways for businesses to source electricity — even without government subsidies.
Typical returns on investment are in excess of 20%, often higher than when subsidies were in place, making solar a commercially driven decision rather than an incentive-led one.
11. How much do I get paid for my generated energy?
Firstly, the biggest saving is made when you use the electricity generated by the solar panels onsite, so you don’t need to buy it from your electricity supplier. The income you generate from your panels will be determined by the size of the system. Surplus energy not used on site can be sold to the grid with the appropriate meter in place to measure this. Export rates are typically in the region of 6-7p/kWh.
12. How do I connect my solar panels to the national grid?
13. Do I need planning permission?
For most commercial rooftop systems under 50kWp, planning permission is not usually required, provided the building is not listed and is outside a conservation area.
For larger rooftop systems above 50kWp, a Prior Approval (Prior Notification) application is typically required. Additional permissions may also apply for listed buildings or sites within conservation areas.
We provide clear, professional guidance on planning requirements and can manage the application process on your behalf where needed.
14. How long do PV panels last?
High-quality solar panels, such as the modules we install from Trina Solar, come with a 30-year power warranty, guaranteeing they will still produce around 87%+ of their original output after 30 years.
While the warranty covers 30 years, many modern panels are expected to continue operating beyond this period, meaning systems can continue generating clean, low-cost electricity for many years to come.
15. How much does a solar PV install cost?
Project costs will depend on size and panel quality. Please contact us for a site survey and we’ll be able to give you a price and all the return figures you can expect.
16. Can solar panels produce electricity on a cloudy day?
Yes, solar panels still produce energy even on a cloudy day, although not as much as on a sunny day.
About Mypower
Mypower can install solar PV on most buildings no matter their age, size or structure.
We've even installed PV on the 1,000 year old Gloucester Cathedral.
We are a well qualified, award winning team who pride ourselves on giving open, honest and professional advice.
