A new checklist has been released by the Solar Trade Association (STA) to give businesses the confidence to install solar technology on their roofs.

UK commercial roofs account for only 5% of all solar deployment to date.

However, as part of the DECC's 2014 Solar PV Strategy (2), the emphasis is now changing significantly towards boosting rooftop installations.

The STA and its members are working closely with Government to help 'unlock the huge potential' across the UK.

The small commercial roofs sub-market (50kW-250kW) is growing steadily but slowly, with 170MW installed in total across 1200 installations.

The STA states one of the limiting factors to this market is commercial awareness and 'confidence from rooftop owners who need reliable guidance.'

The first quarter of 2015 saw deployment double compared to the first quarter of 2014.

However, the latest DECC data shows there are only 70 larger-scale (250kW+) solar roofs installed across the UK.

Paul Barwell, CEO of the STA, said: "From Apple and Amazon to Marks & Spencer and Walmart, many well-known companies are going solar to reduce their carbon footprint and because they want the reliable and clean power supply solar provides during work hours.


"Many companies want to follow suit, and if we can help them to identify competent contractors then we will have more UK success stories.

"We hope our Confidence Checklist will empower more commercial sector managers to install solar on the roofs of their company premises."

Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom welcomed the initiative.

She said: "Solar is an integral part of the UK’s energy mix. It’s great to see industry initiatives like this boosting confidence and take-up, so hardworking families and businesses can benefit from low-carbon energy and lower bills."

The STA's Technical Specialist Chris Roberts, who developed the checklist in partnership with STA members said: "Speaking to our members and interested commercial companies, it is clear that many commercial managers will benefit from guidance to help them navigate the installation of a solar scheme, which can be complex.

"Much of the currently guidance is simply too technical. Managers want to know how to identify a quality contractor to work with. Our checklist helps them to do this, and to monitor the project effectively as it proceeds."

The Government is currently acting to remove barriers incorporating solar power on commercial premises.

This includes permitting development rights for solar up to 1MW (no planning permission needed) and the ability to shift rooftop schemes if companies move premises.

Mr Barwell added: "We need more ambitious rooftop targets and changes to the policy framework by Government to ensure commercial rooftop solar can fulfil its potential in future, but there is no reason why companies cannot take the initiative to go solar today."

You can view the Commercial Rooftop Solar Confidence Checklist here.

(LM/CD)