Commercial solar in Devon
Commercial Solar Panels
Cut operating costs with solar designed around your business
- Systems designed from your real consumption data
- Rooftop, ground-mounted and agricultural solar
- Full DNO management and MCS certification
Tax relief
through the AIA
Accredited & approved
Commercial solar in Devon
Trusted commercial solar panels in Devon
M&E Contrax Renewables installs commercial solar PV systems for businesses across Devon, from small offices and retail premises to warehouses, agricultural buildings, and large-scale industrial sites. We are MCS-accredited and NICEIC-approved, and we manage every stage of a commercial installation in-house, from initial site survey and system design through to DNO application, installation, commissioning, and handover.
Commercial solar is one of the most straightforward investments a Devon business can make right now. Energy costs are the most controllable overhead on most business profit-and-loss sheets, and a well-designed solar system starts reducing them from the day it is switched on.
Free
site survey
Insured
& certified
Local
Devon team
Commercial solar in Devon
Is commercial solar right for your business?
Commercial solar works best for businesses that:
If you are unsure whether solar is the right fit for your business, a site visit is the most useful starting point. We will assess your premises, energy bills, and grid connection and give you a realistic, numbers-based picture of what a system would deliver, before you commit to anything.
- Have consistent daytime energy use: the more electricity you consume during generation hours, the faster your payback
- Own or have a long lease on their premises: you need a reasonable time horizon to see the full return on your investment
- Have suitable roof space: flat or pitched commercial roofs both work well, and ground-mounted arrays are an option for larger agricultural or industrial sites
- Are VAT-registered: commercial installations carry 20% VAT, which VAT-registered businesses can reclaim in full
Hospitality and Tourism
Hotels, holiday parks, and visitor attractions across Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, and the South Hams typically have large roof areas and consistent electricity consumption from kitchens, hot water, laundry, lighting, and guest facilities. Daytime solar generation aligns well with peak operational demand. We have delivered commercial solar installations for leisure venues in the Torbay area including Torquay Golf Club.
Light Industrial and Commercial Estates
Newton Abbot’s Brunel Road and surrounding trading estate, together with industrial premises across Torbay and the South Hams, have the flat or low-pitch roof areas and consistent electrical loads that commercial solar suits well. A well-sized rooftop system on a light industrial unit can offset a significant proportion of the site’s electricity consumption.
Agricultural and Rural Businesses
The South Hams has a significant agricultural sector. Farm buildings with large south-facing roof areas, livestock operations, cold stores, grain dryers, and rural enterprises with high electricity consumption are strong candidates for commercial solar. Metal roofed agricultural buildings, in particular, allow clamp-mounted solar systems with no roof penetrations at all. Our guide to solar panels for Devon farms covers this in more detail.
Retail and Professional Services
Businesses with premises in Newton Abbot, Torquay, and Totnes town centres, and those in out-of-town retail parks, can benefit from solar where the roof and building fabric are suitable. We assess feasibility at survey stage and will tell you honestly if the numbers do not stack up for your specific property.
Commercial solar in Devon
The Cost of Solar Power
Each commercial solar panels project is unique, resulting in varying installation costs. There are several factors to consider, such as the system’s size, the specific location for panel placement, and the necessary installation requirements like scaffolding, access, and electrical equipment. Additionally, the quality of the products, including warranty length, and the labour involved play significant roles.
When you initially make contact with M&E Contrax regarding your commercial solar panels project, we will engage in a comprehensive discussion about these variables and offer an approximate estimate for your consideration. If you find the estimate satisfactory, we will proceed with a thorough site survey, following which we will present you with a formal proposal.
Commercial solar in Devon
The Commercial Building Solar Process
We prioritise a streamlined and efficient process for the installation of commercial solar panels. Our six-step approach ensures a smooth transition to sustainable energy solutions for businesses.
Firstly, clients initiate the process by making contact with our dedicated team, where we promptly assess their requirements and offer tailored solutions. Following this initial engagement, we conduct thorough consultations to understand specific energy needs and assess site feasibility. Subsequently, our experienced design team meticulously crafts solar panel configurations optimised for maximum efficiency and output. Upon finalising the design, we handle all necessary paperwork and liaise with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to obtain requisite approvals, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Once approvals are secured, our engineers proceed with the installation phase, employing industry-leading practices and equipment to guarantee precision and reliability.
Roof-mounted commercial solar
Most commercial solar installations in Devon are roof-mounted. Flat commercial roofs are ideal for solar, panels can be angled optimally regardless of the roof orientation, and ballasted mounting systems avoid the need for roof penetrations. Pitched commercial roofs work well too, using integrated or on-roof mounting systems depending on the roof material.
Ground-mounted systems
For larger sites with available land, agricultural land, car parks, or undeveloped commercial plots, ground-mounted solar arrays can deliver scale that roof space alone cannot. Ground-mounted systems require planning permission in most cases. We manage the pre-application process and can advise on whether a ground-mounted array is viable for your site.
Agricultural solar
Agricultural businesses are among the strongest candidates for commercial solar. High daytime energy demand from ventilation, refrigeration, and processing, combined with large roof areas on barns and agricultural buildings, makes the economics particularly compelling. We have experience of agricultural installations across Devon and the South West.
Battery storage for commercial premises
Battery storage is an increasingly common addition to commercial solar systems, particularly for businesses with significant evening or overnight energy use. We supply and install Sigenergy, FoxESS, SolarEdge, and other commercial-grade storage systems. For commercial premises, battery storage can also enable demand-side response, reducing grid import during peak-rate periods.
Commercial solar in Devon
Established Commercial Solar Power Systems
Investing in commercial building solar systems not only enhances your business’s operational efficiency but also strengthens your corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile. By reducing your carbon footprint and promoting the use of clean energy, you position your business as a forward-thinking leader in sustainability. This not only resonates with environmentally conscious customers and stakeholders but also helps meet regulatory and industry standards for energy consumption and sustainability practices.
In addition, our solar power systems offer long-term reliability and performance, with minimal maintenance requirements, ensuring that you enjoy consistent, renewable energy for decades to come. From initial enquiry to ongoing support, our Devon solar panel installers provide end-to-end service to ensure a seamless transition to renewable energy that is both cost-effective and impactful for your business.
Commercial Building Solar Batteries & Storage
From initial solar installation to ongoing maintenance and everything in between, M&E Contrax offers a full suite of commercial solar services to ensure a seamless transition to renewable energy. Our comprehensive approach covers every stage of the solar power journey, from the detailed planning and design of your system to expert installation and long-term support. We prioritiae efficiency and minimal disruption to your business operations, allowing you to quickly start benefiting from clean, cost-effective energy.
In addition to installation, we provide solar battery and storage solutions that maximise your investment by storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours. This stored energy can be used during times of high demand or when sunlight is limited, ensuring your business has a steady, uninterrupted power supply. With our storage systems, you gain increased energy independence and reduce reliance on the grid, making your solar power system even more resilient and reliable. Whether you need tailored maintenance, system monitoring, or storage solutions, M&E Contrax ensures that your solar investment is optimised for long-term performance and savings, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
Commercial Building Solar Panel Servicing
Regular solar panel servicing is essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your solar power system. Proper maintenance not only protects your investment but also guarantees that your system continues to perform at its peak capacity, helping you maximise energy production and savings. This is especially critical for large-scale installations, such as solar farms, which often involve hundreds or even thousands of interconnected solar panels and components. With such vast and complex systems, ongoing servicing helps prevent costly downtime, identify potential issues early, and ensure that all equipment is operating smoothly. Our commercial solar panel servicing covers everything from routine inspections and cleaning to more advanced diagnostics and repairs, tailored to meet the unique needs of your installation.
By maintaining your solar system, you can extend its operational lifespan and avoid unexpected performance drops that could impact your energy output. To learn more about the lifespan and upkeep of commercial solar panel maintenance, check out our in-depth blog post, “How Long Do Commercial Solar Panels Last?” It offers valuable insights on how proactive maintenance can keep your solar panels functioning efficiently for decades.
Economical Savings
Secure and manitain sustainable energy on-site, promoting an environmentally concious strategy that also boosts finalcial outcomes. Significantly reduce operational costs with the possibility of saving up to 100% on electricity expenses.
Selling Solar Power
In an ideal scenario, the solar power generated would primarily be utilised onsite, maximising its efficiency. Nonetheless, any excess energy can be conveniently sold back to the grid, opening up an opportunity to generate supplementary income.
Financial Forecasting
As energy costs are expected to rise considerably in the coming years, incorporating commercial solar panels presents businesses with a valuable chance to secure electricity at a consistent rate in advance. This approach of “forward-buying” power not only aids in streamlining financial projections but also brings a practical aspect to the table.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Investing in commercial solar panels will demonstrate your business’ commitment to a greener future, while drastically reducing its carbon footprint. The decision not only goes above and beyond environmental responsibility – it also offers numerous economic benefits long-term.
For businesses
Why choose M&E Contrax Renewables for commercial solar in Devon?
- MCS-accredited: required for Smart Export Guarantee registration and consumer protection under the MCS scheme
- NICEIC-approved: electrical safety certification you can rely on for the lifetime of the installation
- In-house project management: we do not subcontract the key stages; your project is managed by our team from survey to handover
- DNO application expertise: we handle the DNO process for all commercial systems, including G99 applications for larger installations
- Devon-based: our team is local, which means faster survey availability, no inflated travel costs, and aftercare from people you can actually reach
- Commercial and domestic experience: we understand both sectors, which matters when solar decisions involve mixed-use premises or when commercial and domestic systems need to be coordinated
For businesses
Excelling in Commercial Solar Panel Services
M&E Contrax is a leader in delivering exceptional results for complex projects involving solar panels in commercial buildings. Our extensive knowledge and meticulous planning guarantee the seeamless achievement of your solar panel undertaking. It is highly advisable to involve us in the initial stages of your peokect, as we fully understand the unique requirements and complexitites associated with such ambitious endeavours.
Moreover, we offer the flexibility to collaborate with architects, lead contractors, and building consultants if necessary. Whether your vision encompasses a large-scale industrial installation or a small-scale project spanning over 300 square metres, or even a comprehensive implementation of smaller systems across multiple locations, we are excited to engage in consultations to facilitate discussions and ignite inspiration for your commercial, agricultural, or office-based solar initiative.
How it works
Simple from first call to completion
One local team, clear communication and no surprises.
Get in touch
Tell us what you need. Where it helps, we’ll visit to look at:
- Your site and existing systems
- Access, timings and any disruption
- Compliance requirements
Clear, fixed-price quote
You get a written quote before any work starts, with no hidden extras.
Work and handover
Our engineers complete the work safely and tidily, then:
- Test and commission everything
- Provide certificates and records
- Agree any ongoing maintenance
Free home survey
Book your free commercial solar survey
Leave your details and our local team will call you back to arrange a free, no-obligation survey of your home.
No obligation and no hard sell
MCS and NICEIC accredited
Our own team, based in Devon
Prefer to talk?
01364 654271FAQs
Commercial solar FAQs
For commercial systems above 3.68kW single phase, which covers most business installations, a DNO (Distribution Network Operator) application is required. For larger systems (typically above 50kW), a G99 application is needed, which involves a more detailed technical assessment. We manage the DNO application process for all commercial installations, including G99 submissions. DNO approval timescales vary but typically run from a few weeks for standard applications to several months for larger schemes.
Yes, if your system is MCS-certified and below 5MW. As an MCS-accredited installer, M&E Contrax Renewables registers your commercial system for SEG at handover. SEG rates for commercial customers vary by energy supplier, your account manager can help you identify the best available tariff at the time of your installation.
In many cases, no. Roof-mounted commercial solar on industrial and agricultural buildings often falls within permitted development rights, meaning no planning application is required. However, the rules depend on the type of building, its location, and the size of the system. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and ground-mounted systems are more likely to need planning consent. We advise on planning as part of the free site survey.
Most commercial solar systems we install achieve payback in four to seven years, depending on system size, how much of the generation is self-consumed, and the business energy tariff. After payback, the electricity the system generates is effectively free. We build a site-specific payback model for every commercial proposal using your actual energy usage data.
Commercial solar costs depend on system size, roof type, mounting requirements, and whether battery storage is included. We do not publish fixed prices because every commercial installation is different. What we can say is that VAT-registered businesses can reclaim the 20% VAT on commercial installations, which materially reduces the effective upfront cost. The free site survey is the most accurate way to get a figure for your specific premises.
Most commercial rooftop installations fall under permitted development for non-domestic buildings. Exceptions apply to listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and installations that exceed certain size thresholds in specific locations. Conservation areas in Torquay, Totnes, and Dartmouth may affect certain commercial premises. We check the planning position for every project at the survey stage.
Related services
More of our services
Commercial installation
Design and installation of commercial systems.
Find out moreCommercial maintenance
Servicing and maintenance for commercial arrays.
Find out moreSolar farms
Ground-mounted arrays for landowners and farms.
Find out moreBattery storage
Store your solar and use it when you need it.
Find out morePlanning a project? Talk to our team.
Call us on 01364 654271 or send us a few details and we will get back to you.
