Solar Energy for Offices: Powering UK Offices with Commercial Solar Panels

Not all solar systems are the same. The best setup for your office depends on several key factors, including your building’s size, roof structure, energy use patterns, and long-term sustainability goals. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Choosing the right solaR PV system design is crucial for maximising your return on investment and improving operational efficiency.  

Here are the most common and effective solar options for UK office buildings: 

Rooftop Solar Panel Systems 

The go-to solution for most office buildings, especially in urban and suburban locations. 

Ideal for: 

✅ Multi-storey office blocks 

✅ Flat or pitched commercial roofs 

✅ Office buildings with limited ground space 

Key Benefits: 

✅ Makes use of unused roof space 

✅ Easy to integrate with minimal visual impact 

✅ Typically, quicker to install (often no planning permission required) 

✅ Reduces peak daytime electricity costs when office demand is highest 

✅ Enhances EPC ratings and helps meet MEES requirements 

Technical Note: Depending on the roof’s structure and direction, these solar PV systems can be either fixed-tilt or ballasted to remove the need for roof penetrations.

Ground-Mounted Solar 

Perfect for office campuses, business parks, or sites with adjacent open land. 

Ideal for: 

✅ Larger office parks or business campuses 

✅ Sites with landscaped grounds or adjacent unused land 

✅ Companies targeting higher energy self-sufficiency 

Key Benefits: 

✅ Scalable: allows for larger installations with higher output 

✅ Easier maintenance access compared to rooftop systems 

✅ Can be combined with battery storage or EV infrastructure 

✅ Opportunity to integrate biodiversity enhancements (wildflower planting, insect hotels, etc.) 

Planning Note: These PV solar systems usually need planning permission and grid connection approval. However, they provide substantial long-term benefits in operational savings and energy resilience. 

Integrated Solar Solutions 

Innovative solar applications that form part of the building’s architecture or site infrastructure. 

Types include: 

✅ Solar façades or curtain wall systems 

✅ Solar carports and canopies in office parking areas 

✅ Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) 

Ideal for: 

✅ New-build office developments 

✅ High-profile buildings seeking architectural impact 

✅ Sites with limited roof or ground space 

Key Benefits: 

✅ Dual function: power generation + shading/weather protection 

✅ Creates strong visual identity and sustainable brand positioning 

✅ Supports ambitious BREEAM/LEED certification goals 

✅ Future-proof design for forward-thinking developments 

Design Tip: These systems usually need closer teamwork with architects and planning teams. However, they can turn your sustainability commitments into a noticeable and valuable brand asset.