Commercial and Industrial Solar: A Guide to Solar EPC

As the UK continues to make significant strides towards a greener, more sustainable future, businesses are increasingly turning to solar energy as a viable solution for reducing energy costs and environmental impact. At Low Energy Services, we specialise in comprehensive, high-performance commercial solar solutions for a variety of industries, from local authorities and schools to manufacturers and office complexes.

In this blog, we unpack the world of commercial and industrial solar panels, with a particular focus on the EPC solar model, a turnkey approach that’s reshaping how businesses access solar energy solutions.

another successful solar installation in Scotland

Why Solar? The Business Case for Commercial Solar

Investing in solar panels for business is about much more than saving on electricity. It’s a smart move that aligns with environmental responsibility, regulatory requirements, and long-term financial resilience.

Key benefits of adopting commercial solar:

Significant cost savings: Installing a solar power system allows businesses to generate their own electricity, reducing or even eliminating dependence on expensive grid power. After the initial investment, energy produced from solar panel systems is essentially free, delivering substantial savings over the system’s 25–30 year lifespan.

Energy independence and price stability: By adopting solar for commercial buildings, companies shield themselves from fluctuating energy prices. Long-term energy forecasting becomes easier, supporting budget stability and financial planning.

Enhanced sustainability credentials: Embracing renewable energy solar panels, helps reduce your carbon footprint and meet corporate sustainability goals. This is increasingly important for winning tenders, securing partnerships, and attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors.

Increased property value and compliance: Properties equipped with commercial building solar panels typically enjoy higher valuation and may benefit from regulatory advantages such as improved EPC ratings, lower taxes, or eligibility for green grants.

Public image and CSR: Companies with visible solar panels UK installations are seen as forward-thinking and responsible. It enhances brand reputation and makes a positive impression on stakeholders, employees, and clients.

What Is Solar EPC?

Solar EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, a turnkey solution for deploying solar energy systems from start to finish. In this model, a single contractor like Low Energy Services takes full responsibility for your entire solar installation process.

An EPC solar company handles:

  • Engineering and design of the system
  • Procurement of solar panels, inverters, and components
  • Construction and commissioning of the system

It’s a comprehensive model used in both commercial solar installations and solar farms, especially where project scope and technical complexity are high.

Components of Solar EPC:

The EPC model comprises three main phases:

Engineering (Design & Planning)

  • Detailed site surveys to assess feasibility and performance potential.
  • Customised solar design tailored to your energy needs, building structure, and local climate conditions.
  • Electrical integration planning for grid or off-grid functionality.
  • Structural engineering to support rooftop solar panels or ground-mounted solar panels.

Procurement

  • Sourcing top-tier components, including solar PV panels, inverters, mounting frames, and safety systems.
  • Supply chain management is used to ensure the timely delivery of all parts.
  • Prioritisation of quality with trusted suppliers of the best solar panels company products in the UK market.

Construction

  • Mechanical installation of all solar panel system components by certified engineers.
  • Electrical integration, testing, and commissioning of the solar energy system.
  • System training and handover to your facilities team.
  • Optional maintenance packages and monitoring solutions.
solar installation for a farm in Brechin

Advantages of the Solar EPC Model

The EPC approach is gaining popularity due to its comprehensive coverage and risk reduction.

Here’s why many businesses prefer the EPC model:

Single point of accountability: With one party responsible for engineering, materials, and construction, there’s no confusion or blame-shifting between contractors. If anything goes wrong, you know exactly who to call.

Integrated project management: The synergy between design, sourcing, and construction enables faster decision-making, reduces errors, and ensures alignment between all stages of the solar project.

Time and cost efficiency: EPC contractors can optimise resources and timelines more effectively than multiple vendors. This often results in a quicker ROI and lower total cost of ownership for your commercial solar panel installation.

Regulatory compliance and safety: Reliable solar EPC companies near me, like Low Energy Services, ensure that all installations meet UK building codes, HSE requirements, and DNO regulations for grid connection.

Warranty and performance guarantees: EPC contractors are often able to offer better warranties on workmanship and performance due to their control over all phases of delivery.

What Are the Disadvantages of EPC?

While beneficial, the EPC model may not be the best fit for every business.

Potential downsides include:

Higher upfront costs: Since EPC contracts are turnkey, the initial pricing can appear higher than sourcing components separately, though long-term ROI usually offsets this.

Less flexibility in design preferences: Some EPC firms may prefer certain products or suppliers. Without clear communication, you may not have much say over brands or system configurations.

Dependence on contractor expertise: The outcome heavily depends on the quality of your EPC partner. Working with inexperienced or disreputable EPC solar contractors can result in underperformance, delays, or legal issues.

This is why selecting a proven solar panel contractor with verified local experience, like Low Energy Services, is critical.

What Is the Difference Between EPC and PPA?

Businesses can choose between EPC and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) depending on their financial and strategic goals.

EPC vs PPA:

Ownership:

  • EPC: You own the system and benefit from all energy savings and incentives.
  • PPA: A third party owns the system; you pay for the electricity it generates.

Initial cost:

  • EPC: Higher upfront investment required.
  • PPA: No capital outlay; ideal for preserving cash flow.

Savings:

  • EPC: Higher long-term returns since you consume your power.
  • PPA: Savings are more limited as you’re purchasing power, not owning the system.

Control & flexibility:

  • EPC: You choose the system design, size, and maintenance.
  • PPA: The provider typically controls system specs and maintenance schedules.

Comparison to Other Models

Besides EPC and PPA, businesses can also consider:

  • Leasing models: Pay a monthly fee for system usage without ownership. Ideal for SMEs with limited capital, but longer-term costs may be higher.
  • Community/shared solar: Businesses in shared premises or industrial estates can collectively invest in solar power energy and share the benefits.
  • Hybrid financing: Blend different models (e.g., partial PPA with future buyout). Great for scaling over time.
What are solar panels?

How Many Points Do Solar Panels Add to an EPC?

Adding solar panels to your commercial property can improve your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating by 10–20 SAP points, depending on:

  • System size and orientation
  • Existing insulation and HVAC efficiency
  • Battery integration or energy storage solutions

This increase can move a property from band D to C or even B, which improves rental potential, secures compliance, and enhances your building’s market value.

Choosing the Right Solar EPC Company

Here’s what to look for in a top-tier solar EPC company:

  • Proven track record with commercial and industrial projects
  • Certified installers and in-house engineers
  • Warranty support and post-installation services
  • Custom design capabilities for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar panel installations
  • Local expertise, especially if you’re seeking a commercial solar panel installer in Scotland

Low Energy Services proudly ticks every box as one of the leading solar EPC companies and commercial solar installers in the UK.

Final Thoughts: Powering the Future with EPC Solar

Commercial and industrial buildings across the UK are embracing solar renewable energy not just as a cost-cutting tool, but as a long-term sustainability asset. The EPC solar model simplifies the transition by delivering complete, efficient, and expertly managed systems.

At Low Energy Services, we specialise in solar EPC services tailored to businesses, large and small. Whether you’re looking to install solar panels, improve your EPC rating, or build an entire solar farm, we’re here to help, from concept to commissioning.

Ready to take the next step toward energy independence? Contact Low Energy Services today for a site consultation and let’s start building your solar-powered future.

Low Energy Services EPC Solar Install for Corney Barrow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the difference between solar EPC and solar installation?
    Solar installation can refer to a basic panel setup, whereas solar EPC covers engineering, procurement, and full construction, a complete solution with better coordination and reliability.
  2. How long does a commercial EPC solar project take?
    Depending on scale, projects can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. Larger installations, such as solar farms or commercial PV installations, may take longer due to planning permissions and DNO approvals.
  3. Can I install solar if I lease my commercial property?
    Yes, but you’ll need agreement from the landlord. Many commercial solar companies can work with both parties to design a mutually beneficial arrangement.
  4. What’s the typical ROI on a solar EPC system?
    Most commercial installations see ROI within 4–7 years. Combined with solar panel grants or incentives, payback can be even faster.
  5. How do I maintain the system after installation?
    Most solar EPC services offer O&M (Operations & Maintenance) packages including remote monitoring, regular inspections, cleaning, and warranty management.