Industrial Solar Panel Installation in Norfolk
Turn your largest unused asset—your roof—into a high-yield power station. We engineer large-scale solar PV systems that secure your energy supply and protect your profit margins.
For industrial businesses in manufacturing, logistics, and cold storage, electricity is likely one of your top three operating costs. With grid prices remaining volatile, relying solely on imported power is a financial risk. However, industrial units possess a distinct advantage: vast, unshaded roof space.
At Yare Electrical, we help Norfolk’s industrial sector transition from energy consumers to energy generators. We specialise in megawatt-scale and large kW arrays. Unlike residential installers who “dabble” in commercial work, we are Industrial Electrical Engineers. We understand the complexities of 400V three-phase infrastructure, high-voltage transformers, and complex G99 grid constraints.
The Financial Case: 100% Tax Relief
Under “Full Expensing,” limited companies can claim 100% of the solar installation cost against corporation tax in year one.
Why Solar is Essential for Industry
The ROI (Return on Investment) for industrial solar has shifted dramatically. A typical 100kW+ system now pays for itself in just 3 to 5 years. After this payback period, the electricity generated is effectively free, providing a massive competitive advantage over rivals who are still paying grid rates.
1. Energy Security & Price Hedging
By generating 40-60% of your own power on-site, you insulate your business from future energy market shocks. You can forecast your operating costs with far greater accuracy.
2. Matching the Load Profile
Industrial businesses are the perfect use case for solar. Factories and warehouses typically operate during daylight hours (shifts running 6am to 6pm) and have high “baseloads” from machinery, lighting, and HVAC. This means you self-consume nearly 100% of the power you generate, maximising savings.
3. Carbon Reduction (Scope 2 Emissions)
Supply chains are under pressure to decarbonise. Large clients are increasingly demanding “Green Credentials” from their suppliers. A visible solar array drastically reduces your Scope 2 carbon emissions, helping you win tenders and meet ESG targets.
Grid Connection: The G99 Challenge
This is the biggest hurdle for large solar projects. You cannot simply plug a 200kW system into the grid.
Under ENA regulations, any system over 16A per phase requires a G99 Application to the DNO (UK Power Networks). This process involves complex engineering assessments to prove your system won’t destabilise the local grid voltage.
We manage this entire process.
- Export Limitation: If the local grid is constrained (full), the DNO might reject the application. We solve this by installing “Export Limitation” devices (G100). These smart controllers throttle your solar output only if you try to export excess power, allowing you to install a large system for self-consumption even in a constrained area.
- Witness Testing: For very large systems, the DNO may require a site visit to witness the relay protection testing. Our engineers handle this technical interface.
Industrial Roof Solutions
We install mounting systems compatible with all major industrial roof types:
Trapezoidal Sheet Metal
The most common industrial roof. Installation is fast and cost-effective using rivets or self-tapping screws into the crowns of the sheet. The lightweight nature of the panels means structural reinforcement is rarely needed.
Standing Seam (Kalzip)
We use non-penetrative clamps that grip the seam of the roof. This preserves the manufacturer’s warranty and ensures the roof remains watertight.
Flat Roofs
We use aerodynamic, ballasted mounting frames. These sit on the roof using weight (blocks) rather than drilling holes, preventing leaks in the membrane. We conduct wind-loading calculations to ensure safety during Norfolk’s winter storms.
Battery Storage & Peak Shaving
For factories with high startup currents or uneven usage, Industrial Battery Storage is the next frontier. We install containerised or modular battery solutions.
Beyond storing solar power, batteries enable “Peak Shaving.” If your factory is penalized for exceeding an Agreed Supply Capacity (ASC) during machine startup, the batteries can discharge instantly to “top up” the supply, keeping you within your limits and avoiding expensive DNO penalty charges.
Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
A 200kW solar array is a significant asset that needs looking after. Dirt, lichen, and bird droppings can reduce yield by 15-20%.
Bird Proofing
Seagulls and pigeons plague Norfolk industrial estates. They nest under panels, causing fire risks and hot spots. We can net the entire array or install perimeter mesh during installation to prevent this.
Remote Monitoring
We install commercial-grade inverters (SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius) with cellular connections. This allows our office to monitor your system remotely. If a string fails or an inverter trips, we know about it before you do, minimising downtime.
Why Choose Yare Electrical?
- We Are High Voltage Experts: Unlike “solar-only” companies, we understand your main LV panel. We can upgrade your busbars, install voltage optimisation, and ensure your electrical infrastructure can handle the new generation capacity.
- Health & Safety: Industrial roofs are dangerous places. Our teams are fully trained (IPAF, PASMA, Working at Height) and we provide comprehensive RAMS for every project.
- Turnkey Solution: We handle the structural survey, the G99 application, the installation, and the commissioning.
Power Your Production
Stop renting your energy. Start owning it. Contact Yare Electrical on 01603 626400 for a free desktop feasibility study and yield forecast.