Renew-Able Solutions helps local businesses assess, design and install commercial solar PV across Edinburgh and East Lothian. From our base in Tranent, we support suitable offices, workshops, warehouses, farms, hospitality sites, retail premises and other commercial buildings.
Every project begins with the building and its electricity use. We review consumption patterns, roof or land availability, structural and electrical constraints, access, planning considerations and the local grid-connection route before recommending a system.
Local commercial solar assessment
Commercial properties across Edinburgh and East Lothian vary widely. Edinburgh sites may have conservation, listed-building, shared-building or access constraints. East Lothian includes exposed coastal properties, rural sites, agricultural buildings, business parks and industrial premises where wind loading, roof condition, cable distances and network capacity may shape the design.
Our initial assessment can consider:
- roof-mounted or suitable ground-mounted solar;
- business operating hours and daytime electricity demand;
- interval or half-hourly electricity data;
- existing and planned electrical loads;
- commercial battery storage;
- roof condition and structural input;
- planning and access constraints; and
- the relevant grid application.
Commercial rooftop solar PV
Large commercial roofs can provide useful generation without taking up operational land. The right design accounts for roof condition, structure, rooflights, drainage, maintenance routes, fire-safety considerations, wind exposure and the site’s ability to use or export the electricity generated.
We design rooftop systems around the property and its real electricity-use pattern rather than using a standard panel package.
Ground-mounted solar and battery storage
Where suitable land is available, a ground-mounted array may offer an alternative to rooftop solar. Planning, ground conditions, shading, security, cable routes, access, ecology and grid connection all need consideration.
A commercial battery can store surplus generation for later use, but it is not automatically the right addition for every site. Its value depends on operating hours, tariffs, load profile, export arrangements and the intended operating strategy.
Areas we serve
Subject to project scope, our local coverage includes Edinburgh, Musselburgh, Tranent, Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton, Haddington, North Berwick, Dunbar and surrounding parts of East Lothian. We also consider projects across wider Central and East Scotland.
A proposal your business can compare
A useful commercial solar proposal should make its assumptions visible. We explain the proposed array, expected annual generation, forecast on-site use and export, equipment, network and planning position, installation scope and important exclusions.
This gives owners, facilities teams and finance decision-makers a clearer basis for comparing options and testing the business case.
What happens during a commercial solar project?
- Initial review: We discuss the site, electricity use, operating hours and objectives.
- Survey and assessment: We inspect the roof or land, access, electrical infrastructure and equipment locations.
- Design and proposal: We set out the proposed capacity, expected generation, equipment, assumptions and scope.
- Permissions and grid: We address the appropriate planning and network stages within the agreed scope.
- Installation and handover: The system is installed, tested, commissioned and explained to you.
Start with your site information
For an initial review, send the site postcode, a recent electricity bill, 12 months of half-hourly data where available, normal operating hours, planned loads such as EV charging or new equipment, and any roof drawings or recent condition reports.
Request a commercial solar assessment from Renew-Able Solutions.
Frequently asked questions
Do commercial solar panels work well in Edinburgh?
Yes. Solar PV generates electricity from daylight rather than heat. A site-specific model should account for location, orientation, shading, roof geometry and system losses instead of relying on a generic national estimate.
Who is the electricity network operator for Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Much of Edinburgh and the Lothians is within the SP Energy Networks distribution area. The applicable connection route and requirements must be confirmed for the individual site.
Can you install while our business remains open?
Often work can be phased around operations, but access, safety, lifting, electrical shutdowns and customer or staff movements must be planned in advance. The agreed programme should identify any expected disruption.
Does commercial solar require planning permission?
Not always. Some non-domestic installations benefit from permitted development rights in Scotland, subject to conditions and exclusions. Listed buildings, designated areas and ground-mounted proposals require particular care.
