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Commercial solar installation for schools and universities
Invest in clean energy, reinvest the savings in education – with an asset that outlasts any budget cycle
Designed for large, complex rooftops – compliant, zero-disruption installation
Built around your budget pressures – savings into teaching, not utilities
National coverage, local expertise – major supplier backing, local installer agility
Why partner with OVO for commercial solar and battery storage
9 out of 10 installers in your area didn't make the cut. You meet the one who did.¹
We don’t go in for the subcontractor lottery. We build exclusive, long-term partnerships with just one team per region - selected from hundreds - who know your sector, your roof type, and your local grid.
Most installers hand you a grid connection problem. We hand you a solution.
Every commercial system above 50 kW needs G99 DNO approval, the part of the process that can cause the most delays. We manage every application in-house, from submission to sign-off, so your project stays on track.
10 year workmanship warranty - longest of any major energy provider.²
As the UK’s highest-rated installer³, our 4.9 Trustpilot score reflects a commitment to high standards and total reliability. Backed by a decade of protection, it’s more than a promise; it’s the security of knowing someone has your back for the long haul.
The accreditations held by our network include:
Our 4-step commercial solar installation process
1
Desktop survey and ROI forecast
We conduct a remote solar analysis of your roof to provide an accurate yield forecast and detailed ROI projection. No commitment required.
2
Technical design and grid approval
Our engineers handle the full structural feasibility study and manage all DNO and G99 grid connection applications on your behalf.
3
Deployment and commissioning
We install your commercial PV system under full CDM regulations. We work weekends or evenings to ensure zero operational disruption.
Handover and monitoring
Receive your MCS certification and O&M manuals. We set up your remote monitoring portal so you can track real-time generation.
Recent commercial solar projects and results
Akela Property: 430kW logistics hub
A food storage facility with high refrigeration loads. We engineered a bespoke curved-roof mounting system to maximize generation without penetrating the specialist waterproofing.
- Project Value: £398,000
- Timeline: completed in 6 weeks
- Impact: major power generation for fridges
- Tech: bespoke curved roof fixings
Alrad Instruments: 20kW SME system
A scientific supplier needing to stabilize overheads. This project proves that small commercial solar systems deliver rapid ROI, installed in just 2 days with zero downtime.
- Project Value: £20,000
- Timeline: installed in just 2 days
- Impact: minimised grid reliance
- Bonus: generating SEG income
Port Regis School: 300kW ground mount
With limited roof space, this school utilized unused land. We designed a ground-mounted solar array that powers the campus and serves as a practical educational tool for students.
- Project Value: £320,000
- Timeline: 5-week completion
- Benefit: practical educational tool
- Output: 33,000 kWh in first month
The business case for commercial solar energy
Reduce electricity costs up to 50%⁴
Offset your most expensive daytime grid rates, directly lowering your operational expenditure (OpEx) and boosting margins.
Payback typically in 4 to 8 years⁵
Strong daytime usage allows commercial solar to deliver faster returns than residential installs for strong long-term savings.
Reliable, predictable electricity costs
Generating your own power acts as a financial hedge, providing budget certainty and long-term security for businesses.
Align with ESG and net zero goals
Cut carbon emissions by 1.5 to 1.7 tonnes of CO₂ per year for every 10 kWp installed⁶, supporting measurable sustainability reporting.
Common questions about commercial solar installations
Most commercial PV installations fall under "Permitted Development," meaning planning permission isn't usually required. We will confirm this during your site survey and handle applications if needed.
We minimise downtime by scheduling work during low-activity periods. For schools and offices, we can operate during holidays or weekends.
ROI depends on your usage, but most businesses see a return on investment within 3–6 years, followed by decades of free energy.
Modern commercial PV panels are built to be robust and largely self-cleaning. We recommend a simple annual health check to ensure electrical safety and peak generation, which our local teams can manage for you.
Powering solar solutions across every sector
Warehousing and storage
Maximise large roof potential with industrial solar panels. Our high-yield systems handle heavy loads from refrigeration, machinery, and EV charging to cut operational costs.
Read moreSports and leisure facilities
Save on energy costs for energy-intensive gyms and pools. We install high-efficiency commercial PV to directly offset the power used for lighting, ventilation, and heating.
Read moreHotels and hospitality
Manage 24/7 loads for kitchens, laundry, and HVAC. Our unobtrusive solar installations lower overheads and boost green tourism credentials without disrupting guests.
Read moreCare homes and community buildings
Secure power for critical care environments. Our reliable solar panels for business offset the consistent energy use of heating and medical equipment, freeing up budget for care.
Read moreFarms
Generate your own power, protect your margins, and diversify income from surplus generation. Tailored for agricultural rooftops – barns and outbuildings putting idle space to work.
Read moreBusiness parks
Shared infrastructure, shared savings – and a location tenants choose for its green credentials.
Read moreCar showrooms
Showcase clean energy where it matters most – solar canopies, EV charging, and a forecourt that sells the transition
Read moreImportant information
- Based on the 16 accepted Franchisees, as of May 2026, selected out of the 200 installers assesses and interviewed between 2025-2026.
- ‘Major energy company' refers to the 'Big Six' energy companies in the UK. E.on: 2 year. Octopus: 5 year. Heatable: 5 year. Glow green: 5 year. Make my house green: 5 year. Sunsave: 2 year. Scottish Power: 2 year. EDF energy: 2 year.
- Highest rated based on Trustpilot score comparison of UK installers (Octopus, Sunsave, Glow Green, E.ON next, Heatable, Project Solar, British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF energy) in May 2026.
- Annual savings are dependent on your property type and location, roof type, slope and size. If your roof is shaded or isn't south facing, figures are likely to be lower. Figures may be lower for businesses with limited daytime electricity use or constrained roof space.
We based the figure on the following:
a) A commercial rooftop solar PV system sized appropriately for the building (typically 20 to 125 kWp depending on business type)
b) Annual solar generation of approximately 850 kWh per kWp installed, in line with typical UK commercial rooftop performance
c) A self-consumption rate of 60 to 85%, reflecting common daytime operational use in sectors such as warehousing, leisure, hospitality, and care
d) An average commercial electricity unit rate of £0.20 to £0.25 per kWh, representing typical UK SME tariffs
Savings, payback periods, and performance figures are indicative only. Actual results depend on site conditions, system design, electricity tariffs, and consumption patterns. You’ll get a more accurate savings estimation once we’ve surveyed your property. - Annual savings are dependent on your property type and location, roof type, slope and size. If your roof is shaded or isn't south facing, figures are likely to be lower. Figures may be lower for businesses with limited daytime electricity use or constrained roof space.
We based the figure on the following:
a) Installed system costs of approximately £800 to £1,100 per kWp for commercial rooftop solar, depending on scale and complexity
b) Annual solar generation of approximately 850 kWh per kWp installed, in line with typical UK commercial rooftop performance
c) Avoided electricity costs of £0.20 to £0.25 per kWh, representing typical UK SME tariffs
d) High on-site consumption of generated electricity, with limited reliance on export payments
Based on these assumptions, annual savings typically recover the upfront installation cost within 4 to 8 years, after which electricity generated is effectively low-cost for the remaining system lifetime (typically 25+ years).
Savings, payback periods, and performance figures are indicative only. Actual results depend on site conditions, system design, electricity tariffs, and consumption patterns. You’ll get a more accurate savings estimation once we’ve surveyed your property. - Carbon savings vary depending on grid carbon intensity and system performance. This claim is based on:
a) Annual solar generation of approximately 850 kWh per kWp installed, in line with typical UK commercial rooftop performance
b) Average UK grid electricity carbon intensity of approximately 180 to 200 gCO₂e per kWh
Replacing grid electricity with on-site solar generation therefore avoids approximately 1.5 to 1.7 tonnes of CO₂e per year per 10 kWp installed. Carbon reporting methodologies may differ depending on organisational reporting standards.
Savings, payback periods, and performance figures are indicative only. Actual results depend on site conditions, system design, electricity tariffs, and consumption patterns. A detailed survey is required to provide an accurate projection.