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Exploring regulatory and licensing requirements for commercial Solar PV

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
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The UK has made significant strides in its transition to cleaner energy sources, with Solar Photovoltaic (PV) playing an instrumental role. However, businesses looking to harness solar energy need to be aware of the regulatory and licensing landscape. Here’s an overview of the key requirements, as detailed by delegates and attendees at the Energy Management Summit…

Planning Permissions:

Typically, solar installations on commercial premises might need planning permission, especially if they’re ground-mounted or if the building is listed or in a conservation area. Always check with your local authority.

Roof-mounted systems are generally considered ‘permitted development’ in commercial settings, but there are exceptions, including if the system protrudes more than 200mm from the roof or if installed equipment is higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).

Building Regulations:

Any solar PV installation needs to adhere to the UK’s building regulations, ensuring that the installation does not negatively impact the building’s safety or structural integrity. Installers should notify the local building control body before installation.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS):

For businesses wishing to benefit from certain government incentives, the installation must be carried out by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installer. The MCS is a mark of quality and demonstrates compliance to industry standards. It indicates that the company can install to the highest quality every time.

Grid Connection:

If you intend to connect your solar system to the grid, you need to get approval from the District Network Operator (DNO). This ensures that the grid can handle the power you generate. Depending on the size and scope of your installation, there might be additional requirements or fees.

Feed-in Tariffs (FiT):

The UK government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme ended in April 2019. However, businesses that have already installed solar PV systems and are registered can continue to receive payments. Make sure to comply with the FiT’s ongoing obligations and periodic checks. Post-FiT, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) has been introduced, which mandates energy suppliers to pay small-scale low-carbon generators for electricity exported to the grid.

Environmental and Aesthetical Concerns:

Especially for larger installations or in areas of natural beauty, an environmental impact assessment might be necessary. The visual impact of the panels and any associated infrastructure should be considered, ensuring minimal disruption to the landscape or townscape.

Health and Safety:

Adherence to health and safety standards is non-negotiable. Risk assessments, safe working practices, and appropriate training are essential, especially considering the potential electrical and height risks associated with solar installations.

Waste Management:

Under the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, producers of solar panels are responsible for the costs of collecting and recycling them at end-of-life. Ensure compliance with this directive, even post-Brexit, as similar UK regulations may apply.

While Solar PV offers a plethora of benefits from an environmental and economic perspective, businesses must navigate the intricate regulatory landscape to ensure compliance. Engaging with a professional, informed, and certified installer can ease this process, ensuring your solar journey is both efficient and compliant.

Do you need Solar PV solutions for your business? The Energy Management Summit can help!

Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay

Green holidays: Demand for sustainable power supply in tourism is increasing

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

The holiday resort Hideaway @ Baxby Manor near York planned to expand their range of accommodations with the addition of several fully equipped holiday “Kabinas”. In the planning phase however, it became apparent that the limits of its 60A single phase grid-supply had been reached already. As the owners aim to offer eco-friendly holiday accommodations, they decided to complement the power supply with a 52kW solar array and a BYD Battery-Box energy storage system with 120kWh capacity.

This worked so well that today, most of the resort’s energy demand can be covered with renewable energy, while the grid power is used as a backup. This way the new “Glamping” accommodations do not only provide comfort and a bit of luxury but do this in a more sustainable way, as this Case Study explains…

More and more holidaymakers are looking a way to reconnect with nature and for eco-friendly accommodations. But rustic camping in tents is not for everyone – especially if the weather is too hot or the one-week holiday includes four days of rain. Since its opening ten years ago the Hidaway has been expanding the choice of accommodations. The campsite for tents and campervans was complemented by fairy-tale like wooden cabins that look like Hobbit-homes or tree houses.

They offer a range of amenities – from simple wood-burners to fully equipped kitchens. The new addition of several  wooden cabins (Kabinas) come complete with kitchens, showers, lighting, air to air heat pumps and hot tubs. At this point camping definitely becomes “Glamping” and holidaymakers can enjoy nature while not having to forego the amenities of a modern holiday home.

When grid-power is not sufficient

Campsites usually need a power supply for campervans, joint bathrooms and often for a café, restaurant, or community room. Additional power-supply is needed for holiday cabins with individual kitchens and bathrooms. When the owners of the Hideaway decided to build three fully equipped new holiday cabins in late 2022, it became apparent that the 60A single phase grid-supply would not be able to cover the additional power demand. However, the cost to increase the grid connection capacity to this rural location would have been very expensive. Another consideration was to keep their site as eco-friendly as possible – even with a higher standard of amenities. Therefore, the owners started to explore options to supplement the grid power-supply with a renewable energy solution.

Together with renewable energy specialist Vero Power the Hideaway owners found the perfect solution: a 52kW pv system in combination with a 120kWh energy storage solution implemented with eight BYD Battery-Box systems. The new solution can not only cover the additional energy demand for the new accommodations but is able to cover the bulk of the resort’s power requirements with green energy. The existing 60A grid supply (8kW max draw) is utilised as a backup battery charger during times of poor solar yield, through a dedicated battery charger.

Solar power now covers 90 % of the energy supply

An array of ballasted tray ground mount photovoltaic systems are hidden behind a line of trees. Tucked away in the shadow of the trees is a container housing the energy management equipment, the eight 15kWh BYD Battery Box LVL battery storage systems, and four Victron 15kVA Quattro inverters with a single-phase configuration, controlled by a Victron Cerbo communication platform.

The system was installed in March 2023 despite the snowy condition in the north of the UK. In the first three months of operation, since the 29th of March 2023, the system has generated 12,408kWh of energy. Only around 10 % of the energy consumption (1,448kWh) has been drawn from the grid to top up the batteries.

“The Baxby Manor team has not only solved their short-term energy needs but also ´future-proofed´ their system. While in the past PV in combination with energy storage was often used as a backup for grid power, this example shows that the concept can also work the other way around”, explains Alvaro Garcia, Commercial Director, EFT Systems, European service partner of BYD Battery-Box. “I believe that being able to camp in a sustainable way is only going to make The Hideaway an even more attractive destination. By choosing a solution with a modular structure such as the BYD Battery-Box LVL, which is scalable at any time, electricity and storage capacity can be seamlessly expanded as demand increases, which would have been unthinkable with an expansion of the grid supply.”

“We have seen a dramatic increase in demand from customers across sector but particularly within the tourism and leisure sector such as holiday park and campsite operators look at ways to move to a more sustainable source of power for their business, whilst mitigating the extraordinarily high cost of grid energy”, said Craig Morgan, Chief Commercial Officer at Vero Power. “We are proud to be continuing our partnership with BYD in this installation. Their continued support, market leading technology and dedication to work with us hand in hand to ensure project success has been second to none. It is easy to see why they have been voted the ’Top Brand PV Storage’ again in 2023.”

Today holidaymaker arriving at the Hideaway will see children racing across the meadow, while parents are relaxing with a cool drink in front of Hobbit-like wooden cabins or families enjoying a hot tub bath after an exciting day of hiking and enjoying the great outdoors.

Solar PV Solutions for Businesses: The key considerations

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Transitioning to solar power is an excellent move for businesses, both from an environmental and economic standpoint. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. However, sourcing the right Solar PV solutions requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s what businesses should keep in mind…

  1. Assessment of Energy Needs: Before committing to a particular Solar PV system, businesses need to analyse their energy consumption. A detailed energy audit will help ascertain the size and capacity of the system required. It’s not just about meeting present demands; consider future growth and expansion plans which might increase energy needs.
  2. Budget and Costing: Solar PV systems are a significant investment, but the costs can vary depending on the quality, brand, and capacity. Ensure that the budget accounts not just for the immediate installation but also potential maintenance, upgrades, and any incentives or tax rebates available. Over time, the system will pay for itself in energy savings, but initial financial planning is crucial.
  3. Quality and Warranty: Not all solar panels are created equal. Businesses should source panels from reputable manufacturers that offer warranties. While it might be tempting to opt for cheaper panels, quality panels are more efficient, have a longer lifespan, and can result in greater long-term savings.
  4. Installation and Maintenance: The effectiveness of a solar PV system is not just about the panels but also about their installation. A poorly installed system can underperform. Ensure that the provider has experience, proper credentials, and can offer regular maintenance services. Some providers also offer training for in-house teams to handle minor issues.
  5. Location and Positioning: The geographical location of the business, the angle of the roof, potential shading, and other factors can influence the efficiency of solar panels. Businesses should consult with providers to ascertain the best positioning to maximise sunlight exposure.
  6. Regulatory and Licensing Requirements: The installation of solar PV systems in the UK is subject to various regulations. Ensure you’re compliant with all local and national laws, and acquire necessary permissions or licenses before installation. This not only avoids legal complications but might also make you eligible for grants or incentives.
  7. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Goals: Besides the direct benefits of reduced energy costs, businesses should consider the broader picture. Adopting solar energy can significantly enhance a company’s sustainability credentials, which is becoming an increasingly vital factor for stakeholders, partners, and consumers.
  8. Backup and Storage Solutions: To maximise the benefits of a Solar PV system, consider integrating energy storage solutions. Batteries can store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours, which can then be used during periods of low sunlight or during nighttime.
  9. Monitoring and Upgrades: Technology is constantly evolving. Businesses should ensure they have mechanisms to monitor the efficiency of their solar systems and be open to necessary upgrades or additions in the future.

Transitioning to Solar PV systems is a commendable step for businesses, blending both financial prudence and environmental responsibility. However, to extract the maximum benefit, it’s essential to approach the transition with research, planning, and foresight.

Are you researching Solar PV for your business? The Energy Management Summit can help!

Do you specialise in Solar PV? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in September we’ll be focussing on Solar PV.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Solar PV solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Danielle James on 01992 374085 / d.james@forumevents.co.uk. 

Our features list in full:

Sept – Solar PV
Oct – Lighting
Nov – Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Onsite Renewables
Jan 24 – Energy Management Systems
Feb 24 – Renewable Energy
Mar 24 – Carbon Management
Apr 24 – Metering & Monitoring
May 24 – Water Management/Strategy
Jun 24 – Energy Storage
Jul 24 – Data Collection & Management
Aug 24 – Waste Management

Do you specialise in Solar PV? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in September we’ll be focussing on Solar PV.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Solar PV solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Our features list in full:

Sept – Solar PV
Oct – Lighting
Nov – Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Onsite Renewables

ScottishPower makes major UK solar play with acquisitions

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Iberdrola-owned ScottishPower has signed two deals to acquire 17 solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the UK, with a combined capacity of more than 800 MW. The contracts have been concluded separately with Elgin Energy, which owns 12 projects, and Lightsource BP, which controls the rest.

Both companies are experienced developers with a long track record in renewable energy.

The projects, across England, Scotland and Wales, are in advanced stages of development and will be operational by 2025 with a total investment of approximately £500 million (around €600 million). This portfolio of solar sites will add enough clean energy to power over 220,000 homes.

ScottishPower claims it is now at the forefront of the UK’s solar industry, with its market share rising from 2% to 9%, confirming the company’s commitment to growing the renewables market across the UK, where it is the only 100% green integrated utility. The deals will also contribute towards reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland in 2045 and in the United Kingdom by 2050.

Lindsay McQuade, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “Moving into 2022, we are continuing to push forward our plans at ScottishPower to support the transition to Net Zero.  This boost to our solar generation pipeline complements our existing growth plans for wind and storage.

“With plans to invest close to £4 billion by 2025, doubling the volume of renewable electricity we produce, we are taking action every day to deliver on our commitment to deploy more renewables – at scale and at speed – to electrify how we live, work and travel. This addition to our portfolio will help accelerate that journey and play an important role in tackling the climate emergency.”

As of September 2021, Iberdrola has almost 3GW of installed PV worldwide, an increase of 89% compared to 2019. Of this capacity, 2,028MW are in Spain, 642MW in Mexico, 191MW in the US, 4MW in the UK and 31 MW in other countries. It also has 31 GW of solar projects under development in Spain, US, Mexico, UK, Portugal and Italy. The company’s investment plan for 2020-2025 sets to double its current PV capacity to 6GW by the end of 2022, and to have 14 GW installed by 2025.

Do you specialise in Commercial Lighting? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in October we’ll be focussing on Lighting.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Lighting solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Our features list in full:

Oct – Lighting
Nov – Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Onsite Renewables

Do you specialise in Solar PV? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in September we’ll be focussing on Solar PV.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Solar PV solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Our features list in full:

Sep – Solar PV
Oct – Lighting
Nov – Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Onsite Renewables

Italian renewable industry expands future renewable development

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

The Italian Government is expanding the integration of renewables in its generation mix to create an infrastructure for supporting sustainable green generation, thereby tackling the issues of land constraints and making continuous strides in meeting the net carbon neutrality ambition by 2050.

The constant decline in the development costs for offshore wind and floating solar PV has garnered special recognition in the country’s renewable energy plan. The Italian renewable capacity, excluding hydropower, is estimated to reach 60GW by 2030 from the current 36GW, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%, according to GlobalData. 

Somik Das, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, said: “The floating offshore wind project is a technological advancement and investments in the segment provides Italy the prospect of staying ahead in the growth curve. Along with the floating offshore wind projects, developers are also looking at building hybrid offering with integration of solar PV to improve the generation yield.” 

This year is attracting growing interest from various players that are active in the supply chain and who are investing in the Italian renewable energy landscape. In June 2020, Italian developers began work on the €750m (US$840m) 7Seas Med floating wind project with 25 floating wind turbines with 10 megawatts (MW) capacity. Terna has pledged an additional investment of €7.3bn (US$8.3bn) by 2024 to meet the growing demand for electricity from green energy.

Recently, Saipem signed a pact with renewable energy (RE) developers Agnes and Qint’X, to co-develop a project combining 450MW of offshore wind capacity with floating solar PV technology in the Italian Adriatic Sea. In a similar instance, Eni New Energy SpA has laid its plans to invest €14.7m (US$17.3m) and construct a 14 MW floating solar PV plant in Brindisi.

GlobalData says Italy is one of the primary markets for several global investors, as the country provides a perfect amalgamation of ideal climatic conditions, optimum solar irradiance, and wind speed to implement cutting-edge solar and wind technology. Floating offshore wind turbines provide more access to deeper water than conventional fixed-bottom wind turbines. This expands the practical range for wind energy development, and can potentially get access to locales with steadier and higher wind flow.

Das added: “Being limited in geographic landmass, the country is making use of its coastlines and its waters to meet its RE installation targets by the conclusion of the decade. Italy has the 2nd largest solar PV installed capacity in Europe and is looking to make headways in the offshore wind segment. The RE space is seeing global players like European Energy A/S, Sonnedix, Octopus Investments Ltd, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners KS investing in the country, making giant steps towards sustainability and zero-carbon generation.”

Do you specialise in Solar PV? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in September we’ll be focussing on Solar PV Solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Solar PV Solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Our features list in full:

Sep – Solar PV
Oct – Lighting
Nov Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Utility Management

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