The UK is undergoing a transport revolution, quickly emerging as a global front-runner in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. For business owners, this transition is not just about environmental responsibility, it’s a chance to unlock new revenue streams, future-proof property assets, and align with national sustainability goals. 

Government support has played a pivotal role in driving the UK’s EV momentum. Incentives, grants, and regulatory frameworks, such as the planned ban on new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, have provided clear direction for both consumers and manufacturers. Major investments in charging infrastructure are making it easier than ever for businesses and private drivers to switch to electric, while the growth in UK-based EV manufacturing is creating new opportunities for innovation and job creation.

This blog post will examine the driving forces behind the UK’s EV leadership, exploring key milestones, government initiatives, and the economic and environmental advantages that are shaping this transition. We’ll also compare the UK’s progress with other countries to understand its position in the global electric vehicle race, and highlight the crucial roles that businesses, manufacturers, and everyday drivers play in powering the shift to a greener transport system.

Why the UK Is a Front-Runner in Electric Vehicles?

The United Kingdom has rapidly established itself as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, driven by a powerful combination of ambitious government targets, forward-thinking policies, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Central to this progress is the UK’s legally binding net-zero emissions target for 2050, which has provided clear direction for both the public and private sectors to invest in low-carbon technologies and green transport.

Landmark Government Policies Powering EV Adoption

One of the most influential drivers of EV uptake has been the government’s decision to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2035. This bold commitment has set the UK on a path toward total electrification of road transport, encouraging automotive manufacturers, infrastructure developers, and businesses to accelerate their transition plans. The early announcement of this ban has also provided market certainty, prompting significant investment across the industry.

To support this transition, the government has introduced a suite of incentives and funding mechanisms aimed at making EV adoption more accessible and cost-effective. These include:

• Plug-In Car and Van Grants: Direct discounts on the purchase price of eligible electric vehicles for businesses and individuals.
  
• Tax Relief and Incentives: Reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rates for EV company cars, capital allowances for EV charging infrastructure, and lower Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for zero-emission vehicles.
  
• Dedicated Infrastructure Funding: Major commitments, such as the £1.3 billion allocation in 2020 for expanding the UK’s EV charging network, and the £950 million Rapid Charging Fund to support the installation of high-powered chargers at motorway service stations.

Key Milestones in the UK’s EV Journey

The UK’s progress is marked by a series of significant milestones that highlight both government leadership and growing market momentum:

Investment in EV Charging Infrastructure

Robust and widespread charging infrastructure is essential for supporting the UK’s rapid growth in electric vehicles. Over the past few years, the UK has made substantial progress, with more than 61,000 public charging connectors now available nationwide. This figure continues to grow each month as government and industry investments ramp up.

Key initiatives include the Rapid Charging Fund, designed to guarantee that every motorway service area is equipped with ultra-fast charging points. This ensures that EV drivers can confidently undertake long journeys, knowing that rapid top-ups are always within reach.

Local authorities and private businesses are also stepping up, installing destination and workplace chargers across the country. Many are embracing innovative solutions such as solar-powered carports, which combine the benefits of renewable energy generation with convenient on-site charging, supporting both sustainability goals and operational savings.

For businesses, now is the ideal time to invest in EV charging infrastructure, and EvoEnergy offers expert consultancy and turnkey solutions to help you maximise these benefits.

The Rise of Solar Carports and Renewable Charging

As the UK accelerates its transition to electric vehicles, forward-thinking businesses are discovering the unique advantages of solar carports and renewable energy-powered charging solutions. Solar carports are canopies fitted with photovoltaic (PV) panels that provide covered parking while simultaneously generating clean electricity on-site.

By integrating solar carports with EV charging stations, businesses can power vehicles with renewable energy, dramatically reducing carbon emissions and operational costs. This approach not only maximises the sustainability of EV charging but also enables companies to use excess solar power to offset their own energy consumption or even export surplus to the grid.

Estimated CO₂ Savings from Solar Carports vs. Grid Charging:

• Charging an EV using solar-generated electricity can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to charging from the average UK grid mix.
  
• Businesses adopting solar carports may also benefit from lower energy bills, improved Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, and enhanced appeal to environmentally conscious customers and partners.

Solar carports turn ordinary parking areas into revenue-generating, green infrastructure, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and helping businesses future-proof their operations as the demand for clean energy grows.

UK Manufacturing and Supply Chain Leadership

The UK’s electric vehicle revolution is powered not just by adoption, but by robust investment in domestic manufacturing and the EV supply chain. The government and private sector have poured resources into developing local expertise, supporting innovation, and building the infrastructure needed to produce and support EVs at scale.

Key developments include:

• Gigafactories: Large-scale battery manufacturing plants, such as those in Sunderland and the West Midlands, are helping secure the UK’s place in the global EV supply chain and create thousands of high-value jobs.
  
• Automotive Innovation: Major UK-based car manufacturers, including Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, and MINI, are expanding their electric vehicle ranges and investing in R&D facilities focused on battery technology and sustainable transport.
  
• Supply Chain Support: Government-backed initiatives and partnerships are strengthening the domestic supply chain, supporting SMEs, and promoting skills development across the sector.

For businesses, the growth of UK-based EV manufacturing ensures better access to vehicles, faster innovation cycles, and increased resilience against global supply chain disruptions. It also opens new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and leadership in the clean mobility market.

The Business Case: Economic and Brand Benefits

Investing in EV charging stations and solar carports offers significant advantages that go well beyond basic site upgrades. For commercial property owners and large-scale operators, these technologies open up new revenue streams, reduce operating costs, and strengthen brand value, all while supporting wider sustainability goals.

Revenue Streams and Asset Monetisation: By installing EV charging stations, businesses can directly monetise their parking spaces. Charging fees, flexible payment models, and even premium rates for rapid charging mean that a previously passive asset, your car park, becomes an ongoing source of income. For sites with high footfall, such as retail parks, hotels, or business centres, this revenue can be substantial and grows as EV adoption increases.

Cost Savings through Clean Energy:
Integrating solar carports with your EV charging solution allows you to generate your renewable electricity. This not only powers EVs but can also be used for building operations, helping you cut energy bills and protect your business from rising grid prices. Smart charging systems further optimise energy use, taking advantage of off-peak rates or prioritising solar power during the day.

Sustainability and Market Positioning:
Meeting the expectations of clients, tenants, investors, and regulators is increasingly tied to robust sustainability action. Offering green charging options and showcasing solar infrastructure demonstrates a clear commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, which are often key factors in procurement and partnership decisions. This can also enhance your site’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, making your property more attractive to potential occupiers.

Talent Attraction and Retention:
Today’s workforce, especially younger talent, actively seeks employers who are environmentally responsible. By investing in visible, meaningful sustainability initiatives, like EV charging and solar carports, you send a strong message about your company’s values. This can help you attract, retain, and engage employees who want to work for forward-thinking organisations.

Government and Industry Support for Business Investment

The UK government recognises the vital role businesses play in expanding the electric vehicle ecosystem and is actively supporting investment in EV charging and solar infrastructure. Several targeted grants and incentives are available to help reduce upfront costs and accelerate the transition:

• Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): This scheme covers up to 75% of the purchase and installation costs for workplace EV charge points, capped at £350 per socket and up to 40 sockets per site. It’s an ideal way for businesses to provide charging for staff, fleet vehicles, and even visitors.
  
• Super-Deduction Capital Allowance: Until March 2026, businesses can claim 100% tax relief on qualifying expenditures for EV charging equipment and supporting infrastructure. This allows companies to offset investments against their taxable profits, significantly improving project payback.
  
• Local and Regional Grants: Many local authorities and regional bodies offer additional funding and support for businesses investing in EV and solar projects, including dedicated grants, advice, and simplified planning processes.
  

By combining national incentives with local support, businesses can make EV charging and solar installations more affordable and gain a competitive edge in the growing green economy.

The UK vs The World: How Do We Compare?

When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure, the UK continues to hold its position as one of the top global leaders. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the UK ranked among the top five countries worldwide for new EV sales and charging point deployment in 2023 . This puts the UK in a highly competitive group alongside Norway, China, Germany, and the United States.

Norway remains the undisputed leader in EV market share, with electric vehicles making up around 79% of all new car sales in 2023. This is largely due to aggressive national incentives and high taxes on petrol and diesel vehicles. However, Norway’s market is much smaller and more concentrated compared to larger economies.

China leads in absolute numbers, accounting for more than half of all global EV sales in 2023, with a market share of around 31%. China’s dominance is supported by extensive government support, local manufacturing, and a vast domestic market.

The UK has established itself as a progressive force in the global EV race. In 2023, EVs represented 16% of all new car sales in the UK, a figure that continues to grow each year. What makes the UK stand out is its integrated approach:

• Strong policy signals (such as the 2035 petrol/diesel ban)
  
• Substantial investment in both public and workplace charging infrastructure
  
• Close collaboration between government, manufacturers, and the renewable energy sector
  
• Innovative business models, including large-scale adoption of solar carports and flexible charging solutions
  

Germany and the US are also significant markets, but their EV shares stood at 18% and 7% respectively in 2023, reflecting differing policy approaches and consumer incentives.

Why is this important for UK businesses?

The UK’s leadership is creating a mature, stable environment for commercial investment. Public-private partnerships, reliable supply chains, and a focus on renewables make the UK market attractive for businesses looking to invest in EV charging stations and solar infrastructure. As other countries look to the UK as a benchmark for smart, sustainable growth, local businesses can be confident that their investment aligns with both national and global trends.

Why Businesses Should Act Now?

The shift to electric vehicles is happening faster than ever, propelled by supportive government policy, rising consumer demand, and rapidly advancing technology. For businesses, investing in EV charging stations, solar carports, and renewable energy is no longer just about compliance; it’s a strategic move that offers a real competitive advantage.

Early adopters can secure valuable grants and incentives, realise higher returns on investment, and position themselves as sustainability leaders in their sector. Installing EV infrastructure now can also attract new customers, tenants, and top talent who prioritise green initiatives.

How EvoEnergy Can Help:

EvoEnergy is your trusted partner for navigating this transition. We offer end-to-end services, including consultancy, system design, installation, and ongoing maintenance, tailored to large-scale businesses across the UK. Our expertise ensures your EV and renewable projects deliver maximum value, performance, and future-readiness, so you can lead the charge with confidence.

Drive Your Business Forward, Lead the Charge for a Greener Future

The UK’s decisive leadership in electric vehicles presents a unique opportunity for businesses that are ready to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving market. Investing in EV charging stations and solar carports is more than just a sustainability initiative, it’s a practical strategy for future-proofing your business, enhancing site value, and meeting the expectations of clients, tenants, and stakeholders.

By embracing EV infrastructure and renewable energy, your business can:

• Achieve ambitious sustainability and net-zero targets
  
• Attract new customers, tenants, and employees who value environmental responsibility
  
• Unlock new revenue streams and reduce long-term energy costs
  
• Demonstrate market leadership in a competitive, green-focused economy
  

Now is the time for forward-thinking organisations to act. Those who invest today will be best positioned to benefit from government incentives, rising EV adoption, and the increasing demand for clean energy solutions.

EvoEnergy is here to support you every step of the way. With our expert consultancy, tailored system design, seamless installation, and ongoing maintenance, we help large businesses across the UK turn ambitious sustainability goals into reality. Whether you’re just exploring options or ready to implement EV charging and solar solutions, our team delivers practical, future-ready results.

Ready to join the charge and lead your industry toward a sustainable future? Contact EvoEnergy today for expert advice, bespoke solutions, and a partnership that powers your business for years to come.

As the global economy accelerates toward sustainability, businesses across the UK are under increasing pressure to understand, and reduce, their environmental impact. At the heart of this journey lies a clear, often misunderstood metric: your carbon footprint. In simple terms, a carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of your business activities, from electricity use and heating to travel, logistics, and supply chain operations.

For UK businesses, knowing your carbon footprint is no longer just a ‘nice to have’; it’s rapidly becoming a strategic imperative. Growing public awareness, robust sustainability commitments, and new UK regulations such as the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework mean companies must track, report, and actively manage their CO₂ emissions. Beyond regulatory compliance, understanding your emissions profile unlocks multiple benefits: from pinpointing cost-saving opportunities and improving operational efficiency to bolstering your brand’s reputation and demonstrating leadership on climate action.

But how do you begin measuring your business’s carbon footprint? The process can seem complex, but with the right tools and frameworks. Typical sources of business emissions include energy consumption, company vehicles, employee travel, purchased goods, and waste disposal. Gathering accurate data on these activities is the first step toward effective measurement.

This guide will demystify the process of calculating your business’s carbon footprint. You’ll discover which data to collect, what measurement tools are available, and how to interpret your results. We’ll also highlight the key benefits of carbon footprinting, from cost reduction and compliance to improved stakeholder trust and progress toward net-zero targets.

What Is a Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of CO₂ Emissions and other greenhouse gases, expressed as CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e), produced directly and indirectly by your business activities. This includes everything from on-site fuel burning and company vehicles to the electricity you purchase and even emissions associated with your supply chain. CO₂ Emissions are generally categorised into three scopes:

Understanding these scopes helps businesses map out every part of their operations where CO₂ Emissions arise and prioritise reduction efforts accordingly.

Why Measuring CO₂ Emissions Is Essential for UK Businesses?

Measuring your business’s CO₂ Emissions isn’t just about environmental stewardship, it’s about staying ahead of regulations, unlocking cost savings, and meeting stakeholder expectations. The UK government has introduced strict requirements for carbon reporting, such as Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). Tracking your CO₂ Emissions ensures you remain compliant and avoid penalties, but it also drives efficiencies that save money and enhance your brand reputation. Many UK businesses also set net-zero targets to future-proof their operations and align with customer and investor demand for low-carbon solutions.

Main Sources of CO₂ Emissions in a Typical UK Business

CO₂ Emissions in a business can come from a surprising variety of sources. In the UK, typical contributors include:

• Office buildings: Heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances all generate CO₂ Emissions.
• Transport: Company vehicles, delivery fleets, and employee commuting are significant sources.
• Manufacturing & Operations: Industrial machinery and processes contribute direct CO₂ Emissions.
• IT Infrastructure: Data centres and computer networks consume large amounts of energy, leading to indirect CO₂ Emissions.
• Purchased Goods & Waste: Emissions from materials you buy and the way you dispose of waste.

How to Measure Your Business’s CO₂ Emissions?

To accurately measure your business’s CO₂ Emissions, you’ll need a structured approach and reliable data. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a Framework: The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and ISO 14064 are industry-standard frameworks for measuring CO₂ emissions.
   
2. Gather Data: Collect energy bills, fuel usage logs, business travel records, waste disposal notes, and procurement data. The quality of your CO₂ Emissions report depends on the accuracy and completeness of your data.
   
3. Use Tools and Calculators:
   • UK Government Carbon Calculator
   • Carbon Trust Footprint Calculator
     Commercial Software (e.g., Greenstone, Sphera)
4. Calculate Your Footprint: Input your data into the chosen tool or calculator and follow the steps to determine your total CO₂ Emissions.
   
5. Report and Review: Prepare a CO₂ Emissions report for internal review or mandatory submission, and identify areas for improvement.

Tools, Calculators, and Professional Support for CO₂ Emissions Measurement

Selecting the right tools for measuring CO₂ Emissions depends on your business size and complexity. Free options like the UK Government’s carbon calculators are suitable for smaller companies, while larger enterprises may benefit from commercial platforms that provide deeper analysis and reporting. For many UK businesses, engaging a professional consultancy brings independent expertise and can ensure CO₂ Emissions are measured to regulatory standards. Professionals can also help design reduction strategies and unlock access to renewables, such as solar panels and EV infrastructure.

UK Regulations, Reporting, and Net-Zero Commitments on CO₂ Emissions

Staying compliant with UK CO₂ Emissions reporting is now a business essential. Key regulatory frameworks include:

Benefits of Understanding and Managing Your CO₂ Emissions

There are compelling benefits for UK businesses who take charge of their CO₂ Emissions:

• Cost Savings: Lower utility and fuel bills, reduced waste, and improved efficiency.
• Compliance: Stay ahead of evolving regulations and avoid costly penalties.
• Reputation: Position your brand as a leader in climate responsibility, important for customers, partners, and investors.
• Access to Funding: Many green incentives and loans require evidence of CO₂ Emissions measurement and reduction.
• Progress Toward Net-Zero: Systematic reduction of CO₂ emissions is essential to meet net-zero and sustainability targets.

Why Work with EvoEnergy?

EvoEnergy offers trusted renewable energy consultancy, design, construction, monitoring, and maintenance services for large businesses in the UK. Whether you’re looking to measure your business CO₂ Emissions, develop a reduction plan, or invest in solar panels and EV charging, our experts provide clear guidance and proven solutions. We work with both private and public sectors across the mainland UK to deliver measurable carbon savings and help you meet your net-zero ambitions.

Contact EvoEnergy today to discover how we can help you measure, reduce, and manage your business’s CO₂ Emissions.

Take Charge of Your CO₂ Emissions and Lead the Way in Business Sustainability

Understanding and managing your business’s CO₂ Emissions is no longer just a “nice-to-have”, it’s a strategic advantage for forward-thinking UK organisations. By measuring your carbon footprint, you gain the insights needed to cut costs, comply with regulations, enhance your reputation, and make measurable progress toward your sustainability goals. Investing in solutions like solar panels, EV charging stations, and other renewables not only reduces your CO₂ Emissions but also positions your business as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Now is the perfect time to take action.

Start by accurately measuring your business’s CO₂ Emissions, set achievable reduction targets, and seek expert guidance to maximise your impact. Whether you need help with carbon footprint calculation, compliance, or implementing renewables, the right support will accelerate your journey.

Contact EvoEnergy today for expert advice and tailored renewable energy solutions that help your business measure, manage, and reduce its CO₂ Emissions. Let’s work together to create a more sustainable future for your organisation, and for the UK.

In a major step toward a cleaner and more energy-efficient future, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment to install solar energy systems across schools and hospitals. This initiative aims to cut energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and improve energy security in essential public buildings.

“Right now, money that should be spent on your children’s education or your family’s healthcare is instead being wasted on sky-high energy bills,” said Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline,” he added.

The funding is set to deliver long-term savings through the use of renewable technologies such as solar panel for schools and solar panel for hospitals, ensuring they are better equipped to handle rising energy demands and support the UK’s transition to net zero.

Why Now? The Context Behind the Investment

Public sector buildings like schools and hospitals are among the UK’s largest energy users. With growing concerns over energy prices, climate change, and the government’s net zero targets, this £180 million investment comes at a critical time.

Installing a solar panel for schools can significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels, allowing educational institutions to redirect savings into frontline teaching and resources. Similarly, a solar panel for hospitals helps healthcare facilities cut emissions and strengthen their commitment to sustainable care delivery.

Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, commented: “This GB Energy funding is an investment into energy security as solar panels lower the amount of gas we need to import from people like Putin.”

Who Benefits? Focus on Schools and Hospitals

The funding will primarily benefit state-run schools and NHS facilities across England. By installing solar systems on rooftops, these buildings can generate their own clean energy while lowering operational costs.

A solar panel for schools provides more than just electricity, it becomes a learning opportunity for students to understand renewable energy and sustainability. Meanwhile, a solar panel for hospitals contributes to uninterrupted power supply, an essential requirement for critical medical operations and systems.

Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), welcomed the move: “This announcement is therefore welcome and a step in the right direction. In the longer term, this should also help schools manage energy bills, which have been a source of enormous financial pressure in recent years.”

What Will the £180 Million Cover?

The funds will be used to install solar PV systems, battery storage, and energy management systems across hundreds of sites. In many cases, these upgrades will form part of wider retrofitting programmes that improve overall energy efficiency.

Each solar panel for schools will be selected and installed based on the building’s energy needs, size, and roof structure. The same care applies to each solar panel for hospitals, where additional emphasis will be placed on reliability, safety, and compliance with medical standards.

Alex Green, head of the Let’s Go Zero campaign, said: “It is tough economic times, and to see this progress is a big step. [Whilst] acknowledging that 200 schools is a small starting point, to achieve this in one year is a good pace.”

Estimated Impact: Carbon and Cost Savings

According to government estimates, the initiative will save tonnes of CO₂ emissions while generating significant financial savings over the next decade. As energy bills rise, self-generated power from solar panel for schools and solar panel for hospitals provides budget relief and long-term energy independence.

Paul Whiteman noted that schools have long been interested in solar panels due to their cost-effectiveness, but “the upfront cost could often be prohibitive.” This funding helps overcome that barrier.

UK’s Green Agenda

This funding aligns with the UK’s broader goal of decarbonising public sector buildings. Schools and hospitals make up a large portion of the nation’s property estate, and greening them sends a strong message about the country’s environmental commitment.

By integrating solar panel for schools and solar panel for hospitals, the government is not only reducing emissions but also empowering these institutions to operate more sustainably. It also supports the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Challenges and Considerations

While this investment is a positive step forward, some challenges remain. Coordinating large-scale solar rollouts can be complex, especially with older buildings that may require roof reinforcements or structural adjustments.

For a solar panel for schools, logistical planning around school holidays may be needed to avoid disruption. A solar panel for hospitals, on the other hand, requires special attention to safety and continuity of services during installation.

Ongoing maintenance, training for facilities teams, and efficient integration with existing energy systems are essential to realise the full benefits.

Spotlight on Previous EvoEnergy Projects in Schools

EvoEnergy has a strong track record in supporting educational institutions with renewable solutions tailored to their energy needs. Here are a few examples:

• Cheltenham Gloucestershire College: EvoEnergy installed a bespoke rooftop solar PV system, helping the college lower its emissions and reduce energy bills. This successful deployment highlights the practical and financial benefits of a well-designed solar panel for schools.
• University of Nottingham: One of the UK’s largest academic solar PV installations at the time was completed by EvoEnergy. This project is a standout example of how strategic solar integration can support research-intensive campuses with long-term energy savings.
• Cambridge Regional College: EvoEnergy worked closely with the college to deliver a tailored solar PV solution. The project demonstrates how even complex educational sites can benefit from the adoption of solar panel for schools technology.

These projects showcase EvoEnergy’s experience and commitment to helping institutions meet their sustainability goals through cost-effective, scalable solar solutions.

The Future Looks Bright for Public Sector Solar

The £180 million solar investment marks a significant commitment to the future of the UK’s public sector infrastructure. By supporting the installation of solar panel for schools and solar panel for hospitals, the government is taking decisive action to reduce emissions, lower costs, and create healthier, greener environments for students, teachers, patients, and healthcare workers.

This is not just a short-term win, it’s a long-term shift toward a sustainable and energy-resilient future for generations to come.

If your school, hospital, or public sector organisation is looking to benefit from this funding, EvoEnergy is here to help. With a strong track record in delivering solar solutions to schools, colleges, universities, and healthcare facilities, we can guide you through the entire process, from initial consultation and technology selection to design, installation, and maintenance. Learn more about how we support schools with solar here, explore our full range of technologies, or get in touch with us directly to discuss your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the scope and purpose of the £180 million solar investment?

The UK government, through Great British Energy, has announced a £180 million funding program to install solar PV systems, along with battery storage and energy management systems, on rooftops of around 200 state schools and 200 NHS sites across England. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and enhance energy security in critical public sector buildings.

2. How are the funds allocated between schools and hospitals?

Approximately £80 million is allocated to support solar installations at ~200 schools, and £100 million is dedicated to ~200 NHS sites (covering roughly a third of NHS trusts).

3. What kind of long-term savings are expected for schools and hospitals?

• A typical school could save up to £25,000 per year, while an NHS site might save up to £45,000 annually (especially when paired with battery storage).
• Over roughly 30 years, these installations are projected to deliver lifetime savings of up to £400 million reinvestable into frontline services.

4. What are the broader benefits beyond cost savings?

• Environmental impact: Reduced carbon emissions and alignment with the UK’s Net‑Zero goals.
• Educational opportunities: Schools gain a hands-on resource to teach students about renewables and sustainability.
• Energy resilience: Hospitals gain improved power security, which is critical for uninterrupted operations.
• Community and economic benefits: The initiative supports clean energy job creation and supports the emerging local clean energy sector.

5. When will these solar panels be installed, and where will they be prioritised?

Installations began after the announcement, with the first panels appearing by the end of summer 2025. Priority is being given to public buildings in areas of high deprivation across regions such as the North East, West Midlands, and North West, including clusters that integrate further education colleges to support green skills development.

Table of Contents

1. How Does Solar Battery Storage Work?
2. How to Use Captured Energy in Electric Vehicle Chargers?
3. What Are the Benefits of Solar Battery Storage?
4. Are There Any Grants Available for Solar Battery Storage Units?
5. Key Solar Battery Storage Terms You Need to Know
6. Where Is the Best Location for a Solar Battery Storage Unit?
7. What Is the Best Battery for Solar Energy Storage?
8. AC vs. DC coupling
9. What Solar Battery Storage System Size Do I Need?
10. Can I Integrate a Battery to an Existing Solar System?
11. How Can We Help Your UK Business?

How Does Solar Battery Storage Work?

Solar Batteries are large energy storage units that you would typically position outside a building that charge up during sunny periods when excess solar would be exported, if linked up to a solar PV system, or during the night from the grid if there are low energy prices.

The batteries’ energy management system will monitor charge and discharge the amount of energy stored in the solar battery. The solar batteries themselves are currently often made up of rechargeable lithium-ion, stored in smaller battery packs within the units although battery chemistries are changing over time, as research and development pushes technology advancements in this field.

Combining solar battery storage with solar PV can help revolutionise your organisation’s energy management and carbon savings.

Battery storage can be used to:

• Increase the amount of solar energy used on site
• Generate revenue by offering grid services
• Provide backup energy from the solar panel storage battery
• Capture excess exported energy from wind or solar
• In some cases, batteries for solar power storage can provide an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS).

Our recent multi-technology project, HyperHubs provides a perfect example of this.  Having a battery and solar PV allows the site to be more flexible as it can pull energy from multiple sources when required. For example, the solar panel storage battery can maximize the solar used on site and also ensures that the electricity used by the EV charging is from a low carbon source. In addition, the site will be able to generate energy during the daytime via the solar PV canopies. Watch below.

How to use captured energy in electric vehicle chargers?

What are the benefits of solar battery storage?

Solar Battery Storage systems can storage the excess energy from your PV system, that would be normally exported to the grid, to be used at a later point when needed on site. This excess energy can be intelligently discharged from the solar battery storage at peak times of day when needed, allowing the organisation to avoid peak energy costs.

Backup power

Solar battery energy storage systems have the ability to provide backup power to your business.

Much like diesel standby generators, they store energy to release during periods of power outage and capture any excess energy generation, which gives you peace of mind that your site will continue to operate in the event of grid power supply disruption.

Uninterrupted Power Supply

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) is a rapid response solar battery storage system: should power fail, then the supply to your business will go on without any interruption.

These batteries for solar power storage systems are there to protect the continuity of your business activities, which is particularly important for companies that depend on power for essential technology or sensitive equipment that could malfunction during a power dropout.

Grid services

A solar panel storage battery can be dedicated to operate at high readiness to support instability in the grid. By doing this, batteries for solar power storage are able to provide support to a power grid. This facility can provide an additional income to your business. Specialist companies called aggregators can offer the interface between National Grid and your battery to access these revenues.

The aggregator, which controls and manages your battery storage system plus many others in synchronicity, on your behalf to earn revenues by providing grid services to the National Grid through competitively bid contracts the aggregator secures.

Load shifting

Your business can reduce energy costs by charging the solar battery storage when energy is cheap: either at night via the grid when tariffs are low and/or during the day with excess solar or wind generation.

The energy can then be ‘shifted’ to periods when energy is expensive (during the day and peak periods.)

Peak shaving

Operating batteries for solar power storage in peak shaving mode will enable you to avoid going over your agreed kVA power capacity.

During these periods, your business can be penalized heavily for using power, therefore, this can make a huge difference in achieving your financial objectives.

Are there any grants available for solar battery storage units?

Not currently although sometimes batteries are included as an allowable technology in low carbon schemes and EV-enabling projects.

Key solar battery storage terms you need to know

Solar battery storage terminology can be overwhelming at times. To help overcome this, we’ve put together a list of key terms to help you understand definitions when researching solar battery storage.

• Energy: Energy is the ability to do work overtime. In the context of a battery, energy refers to the amount of electricity that the battery can store. A unit of energy can be expressed as a Watt-hour (Wh), where 1,000 Wh equals one kiloWatt-hour (kWh) or 1,000 Watts of power delivered consistently over the course of an hour. If you were to imagine a bottle of lemonade, the energy capacity of the battery would be analogous to how much lemonade the bottle could hold.
• Power: Power refers to the amount of electricity that a battery can charge or discharge at any moment. The unit for power is a watt (W), or kilowatt, which represents 1,000 Watts. During research for commercial-sized batteries for solar power storage, you may also encounter megawatt (MW) as a unit, which represents 1,000 kilowatts or 1,000,000 watts. Thinking about the bottle of lemonade again, power would be the maximum rate that the bottle could be filled or drunk.
• kWh: A kWh stands for kilowatt-hour, and is the unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power used for one hour of time. It is commonly used by electrical appliances or in electricity bills from suppliers, sometimes referred to as a “unit”
• Depth of discharge: The depth of discharge for a solar panel storage battery is the extent to which a battery can be discharged safely, while ensuring enough energy is left to power the battery’s own electric requirements. Overall, depth of discharge is another metric for the amount of energy stored in a solar panel storage battery that is available to you. A standard depth of discharge is between 80 percent and 95 percent.
• Charge cycles: Cycles are a way to gauge the useful life of batteries for solar power storage. The definition of a cycle is not standardized so it is good to check what the definition used by the engineers are, to allow comparison between different batteries. The lifespan of a battery is estimated as the number of cycles that can be completed before performance drops below a designated level.
• Energy throughput: A much clearer and easy-to-measure solar battery usage. Measured by monitoring the energy output of the battery in Wh/kWh/MWh depending on the battery scale.
• C rating; Used to give an idea of the relationship between the power of the solar battery (kW) and the energy capacity of the battery (kWh). Again please be careful here, some manufacturers will give a ratio of kW/kWh and others will describe C rating as kWh/kW. For example, if the battery is 500kW/1000kWh, then the first description will give a C rating of 0.5, and the second a definition of 2 for the same battery.
• Round-trip efficiency: There are electricity losses during the process of converting electricity into stored energy and then back again into usable electricity. Losses are typically low, in the 5 percent range, and round-trip efficiency is a metric that explains the percentage of electricity that can be discharged as a percentage of electricity used to charge the solar panel storage battery.

Where is the best location for a solar battery storage unit?

To ensure your solar battery storage system operates at an optimal level and achieves its expected service life you’ll need to think about where you locate the system, possibly your building insurance company will have an opinion here too as there are some risks and hazards to be mitigated. These are some of the main factors that you need to consider:

• Ventilation and heat: solar battery storage units need to be kept away from sources of heat, such as direct sunlight, and placed a well-ventilated area.
• Accessibility: The battery needs to be placed in a location that is easily accessible for future maintenance
• Safety: The solar battery storage system needs to be enclosed and have an appropriate amount of warning signs to indicate that a large amount of energy is stored inside.
• Protection: Secure the solar panel storage battery enclosure against vermin and extreme weather conditions
• Isolation: In the event of an emergency, you need to be able to quickly isolate your solar battery electricity network or have an automated trip linked to an alarm system.
• Weight: Batteries for solar power storage are heavy objects, therefore a civil engineer will be needed to assess the chosen location and recommend footings as required.
• Inside or outside?: Inside the building is often not the best solution due to potential safety issues and insurance requirements, therefore an outside location is typically more appropriate.

What is the best battery for solar energy storage?

Batteries for solar power storage can be set in different manners to focus on either energy storage or power capacity. The can be made to have different durations of discharge, to benefit your site. For example, a more energy focussed battery would suit a solar energy storage system, to allow longer charging periods over the day and discharge at a low base rate at night. If you are looking for short-term backup power or grid services, then a more power focussed battery would be more appropriate, as a large storage capacity won’t be required.

These preferences are limited by the battery’s chemistry so a 1C Lithium Ion battery 1MW/1MWh operated at maximum power would degrade much more quickly than a 1MW/2MWh lithium Ion battery.

AC vs. DC coupling

There are two types of battery installation systems, known as DC and AC coupling. AC or DC coupling refers to the way solar panels link to a solar battery storage system. They are known as a DC (Direct Current) or AC (Alternating Current) system due to the electrical connection between the solar PV array and battery.

As solar panels generate DC electricity, it can must transform into AC electricity in order to power your home’s appliances. However, solar batteries store electricity in DC form.

AC Coupled System’

In an AC-coupled system, DC electricity flows from your solar panels to a solar inverter. The inverter, transforms the electricity into AC electricity ready to power your home.

However, if this energy isn’t needed, it then goes into another inverter that transforms it back into DC in order to store it into your solar panel storage battery.

When this energy is in demand, it is then inverted again through an AC-to-DC power unit. This is so it is safe to use with the organisation. Ultimately, an AC-coupled system, any electricity stored in a solar battery storage system will need to be inverted a total of three times before use.

DC Coupled System

A DC system connects directly to your Solar Panels before your generation meter. In a DC-coupled system, Direct Current flows from your solar panels to a charge controller that regulates the DC energy to feed into your solar panel storage battery system.

This means that any electricity generated by your solar panels, will be only inverted once from DC to AC, this can be an advantage. However it does limit the relative sizes and powers of PV system to battery available and also the discharge times of the solar battery storage system, e.g. if the solar is generating at the maximum capacity of the inverter, then the battery will not be able to additionally discharge.

Either at the point where the current flows from your battery to your home, or from your battery to the National Grid.

What solar battery storage system size do I need?

The exact solar panel storage battery size you need depends on how you wish to use the battery. In the context of a solar battery storage, this battery size will depend on how much electricity you typically consume during a twenty-four-hour period, when you use electricity, the size of the solar PV system and differences in energy prices at different times of day.

If you already have a PV system, you will hopefully have learned to optimize your usage to focusing on using electricity during daylight hours and minimizing night time use, this would then allow a smaller battery to be installed. If you don’t have a solar PV system and you use a substantial amount of energy per year, you may be metered on a half hourly basis, this data is invaluable to modelling the optimal size of solar battery storage system for your building and is beneficial to have at hand before contacting any energy company.

The exact solar panel storage battery size needed will come down to how much electricity you typically consume during daylight hours and what you wish to achieve with a solar battery. If you are seeking to employ the battery for backup power, then having a typical idea of how much energy you use and how long you wish to have the backup support, e.g. 100KW for 3 hours would require a 300kWh battery. For grid services, solar capacity has little influence and size of connection capacity and the grid’s availability to support the connection are much more important.

At EvoEnergy, we can provide expert calculations to size solar battery storage solutions bespoke to you. Talk to our solar battery storage experts today.

Can I integrate a battery to an existing solar system?

The level of difficulty associated with integrating a battery depends on whether your solar panel system was designed with the intention of adding energy storage later on.

If you have a so-called “storage ready” system, you already have an inverter that can easily integrate a battery into your solar panel setup. In this situation, a battery is relatively simple to install, and the installation process won’t require much additional equipment.

If your solar panel system was not originally designed with the ability to add storage later, the installation could simple be an AC connected battery with its own inverter and connection to the site, or an existing solar inverter could be replaced to a model that accepts solar battery storage.

How can we help your UK business?

As the UK’s market leader in renewable energy solutions, we are in the best position to help your business to offset your carbon emissions. We also offer supplementary technologies, which would work in harmony with an electric vehicle charging facility, such as, site electrical upgrades, battery storage and solar PV, perhaps all combined into a private Smart Grid.

These technologies would allow your business to harness the power of renewable energy and provide enough power needed to fast charge a wide range of electric cars.

Ultimately, it is down to us to make the change towards sustainability in order to create a greener future and create significant energy cost savings. Now is a good time to assess your net zero aspirations and talk to us about how we can help achieve them.

Our team of renewable energy experts are available to provide Net Zero consultancy and renewable (Solar, EV, battery) quotations alongside installation operations and maintenance support to asset owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does solar battery storage actually work for a business?

It charges during sunny hours (or cheap grid periods), then uses that stored energy during peak demand, outages, or to earn grid services revenue.

What benefits can businesses expect from solar battery storage?

Savings via self-consumption, backup power and UPS, income from grid services, and reduced peak charges.

Can a solar battery provide backup during outages?

Yes. Systems can act like UPS, ensuring seamless operation when grid power fails.

Are there any grants available for installing business solar batteries?

Not specifically, though batteries may qualify within broader low-carbon or EV-support schemes.

How is the right size of solar battery determined?

It depends on factors like energy usage patterns, PV system size, desired backup duration, and whether it’s used for grid services or peak shaving.

How efficient is AC vs. DC coupling in real-world setups?

Understanding the trade-offs would help choose the right configuration.

What factors determine whether my business is better off integrating vs. doing a standalone battery add-on?

Clarity on costs, technical limitations, and future flexibility would guide decisions.

We are proud to have been awarded the contract to construct two new HyperHub sites, next to Monks Cross and Poppleton Bar Park and rides. The two sites are a City of York Council £2.2m investment to develop the sites into high quality, high speed electric vehicle charging hubs.

Each HyperHub site will consist of solar PV canopies, battery energy storage, 4 Rapid and 4 Ultra Rapid electric vehicle chargers. The chargers will help the region to support the next generation of electric vehicles which have significantly larger battery capacities and support higher charging speeds. Construction on both sites started in February 2021, and is being led by us. The new sites at Monks Cross and Poppleton are scheduled for completion in June 2021.

City of York Council is a pioneer in the use of innovative green technology. Over recent years, the council has lead the way in providing a range of public charging facilities for electric vehicles to help reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality thanks to EV’s eliminating NOx emissions at the point of use.

In addition to generating low carbon electricity on site through PV arrays, all of the electricity supplied from the national grid will be generated by renewable sources providing users with low carbon electricity and ensuring that no NOx emissions are emitted from electricity generation.

The council has successfully secured £1m of European Regional Development Funding and £800,000 from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, along with £400,000 of the Council’s own capital funding to install the first two HyperHubs. This comes just at a time when the nation prepares to transition across to using electric vehicles with the announcement of a complete ban on sales of new petrol or diesel cars by 2030, with plug-in hybrid sales to end in 2035.

Why Is the City Of York Council Investing In HyperHubs?

When the council first developed their EV charging network in 2013, there were far fewer plug-in vehicles on the road. However, over the past few years, electric vehicle technology has progressed massively and these vehicles have now become a viable option for many everyday road users.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “We’re delighted to be working with EvoEnergy to build the region’s largest charging hubs in York. The two HyperHubs will support the next generation of plug-in vehicles – delivering high quality, high-speed electric vehicle charging hubs for residents and commuters.

“The project works alongside our Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, which will provide a high quality charging network that meets the needs of residents, fleets, through traffic and commuters.

“To guarantee the best result for residents, we plan to continue to own our charging network. This allows us to plan how the network will grow, set tariffs, makes us directly accountable and enables us to deliver next generation chargers as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for Climate Change at City of York Council, said: “We were one of the first cities to introduce a public electric network several years ago which has become really popular. In 2014, there were 1,510 charging sessions, by 2018 that had increased to 13,695.

“We are delighted to be introducing the region’s largest EV charging hub. This is exactly what our EV strategy has set out to achieve. Providing a future proofed network with high quality facilities to support this increased demand. With associated air quality and climate change benefits, this will meet the needs of the next generation of plug-in vehicles.”

What is Included?

City of York has been able to secure funding from the Office  for Low Emission Vehicles and European Regional Development Fund. This largely covers the cost of building the two HyperHub sites, along with a solar canopy system (100kWp) which will generate green electricity and keep users dry and a battery storage solution (348kW / 507kWh), meaning that the Council will be able to maintain a lower tariff than commercial operators can offer.

Both of the HyperHub sites will contain 4x Ultra-Rapid (150kW) and 4x Rapid (50kW) vehicle chargers, helping to support the uptake of modern EV’s that have larger battery capacities and are capable of Ultra Rapid charging. “We are proud to have been awarded these challenging multifaceted projects. They combine the full range of EvoEnergy’s technology offering, and it is a pleasure working with a future looking organization such as City of York Council.”  Senior Design Engineer – Jonathan Roper

The development of this system will encourage private car owners, taxi drivers and business users to make use of the new facilities, therefore, improving the city’s overall carbon emissions.

Both of the HyperHub sites started construction in February 2021 and are scheduled for completion in June 2021. This investment is just the beginning of the journey for City of York Council as they revitalise their electric vehicle charging network in 2021 ready to support the transition to EV.

The project has received £1million of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding 

This past year has been the most impactful period of time in recent memory as uncertainty surrounding the Brexit and Covid-19 has forced many firms to adapt in unconventional ways. However, one thing has remained constant – the need for a more sustainable future.

Public perceptions toward the climate change emergency have shifted into a new gear in the past few years. This has been fuelled by recent extreme climate events such as the huge wild fires in Australia and flash floods in China and India. Simultaneously, world-leading scientists continue to make startling predictions for what the future holds for our planet if we do not take major action immediately.

The next 10 years will be the most decisive period for determining whether our planet survives for future generations. As once we hit the ‘tipping point’ in earth’s environmental stability, the damage caused by CO₂ in the atmosphere will be irreversible.

However, governments realise the urgency of this and are striving to take action to prevent us from reaching that point. With schemes such as the government’s newly unveiled 10 Point Plant for a Green Industrial Revolution we might stand a chance, but what does it mean for your business?

What does it mean for your business?

The government has announced a £12bn stimulus plan which the PM predicts will mobilise three times as much private sector investment in support of the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

The plan will benefit a wide range of sectors from the renewable industry, including hydrogen, nuclear, carbon capture, electric vehicles and many more. This is being done in the hope of starting a ‘Green Revolution’ for the UK economy and aims to create around 250,000 jobs in the sector.

A notable part of this plan is the £1.3bn investment in electric vehicle charging points, along with £582m in grants to help buyers make the transition from combustion engine vehicles. This news comes with the extra announcement that the government will be banning the sale of new petrol cars, diesel cars and vans by 2030 (previously 2035), in an attempt to clean up the British motoring industry.

The news solidifies the fact that electric vehicles are the future of transport in the UK and confirms that this will come into effect sooner than we all think. Therefore, this means that your staff members and visitors will eventually come to expect a place to charge their car whilst they are in the office or on site. By investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, you’ll be able to provide a huge benefit to your staff and potential clients, whilst also demonstrating your commitment to tackling climate change.

How can we help your business?

As the UK’s market leader in renewable energy solutions, we are in the best position to help your business realise the potential for electric vehicle charging infrastructure on your site. We also offer supplementary technologies, which would work in harmony with an electric vehicle charging facility, such as, site electrical upgrades, battery storage and solar PV, perhaps all combined into a private Smart Grid. These technologies would allow your business to harness the power of renewable energy and provide enough power needed to fast charge a wide range of electric cars.

Ultimately, it is down to us to make the change towards sustainability in order to create a greener future. Now is a good time to assess your net zero aspirations and talk to us about how we can help achieve them. Our team of renewable energy experts are available to provide Net Zero consultancy and renewable (Solar, EV, battery) quotations alongside installation operations and maintenance support to asset owners.

Over the past 8 months, Coronavirus has caused havoc for the global economy. It’s forced many businesses to temporally close down, which has lead to record unemployment numbers. In order to combat this, the government has introduced a furlough scheme and given financial support businesses to keep them afloat. However, this has come at a large cost to the government’s budget and therefore, Rishi Sunak has a plan to recoup some of these costs – A Carbon Emissions Tax.

Not only would this help raise billions of pounds in revenue for the government in the form of tax collection, but this would simultaneously also encourage the drive towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

Reports indicate that a carbon tax of £75 per tonne of CO₂ emitted by 2030 charged on greenhouse gas producers could raise £27 billion. This would help to fund the post-covid economic recovery and incentivise the use of clean energy across the nation.

What does this mean for businesses?

A tax on carbon emissions could replace the existing EU carbon reduction schemes when the transition period finishes at the end of 2020. Currently, the UK is part of the EU’s emissions trading scheme (ETS) in which companies can buy or sell emission allowances. However, the government is leaning towards a tax emission allowance that could fall over time, leaving companies to be charged for every tonne of carbon produced over the threshold.

However, by investing in a renewable energy system, your business could avoid the carbon emissions tax. We can work with you to design your business a bespoke system that suits your specific needs. Given the public’s perception and government incentives, having a carbon reduction strategy in place has become a major priority for businesses around the world.  Whether that comes in the form of solar panels on your roof, the creation of an energy battery storage system or the installation electric vehicle points on your premises – we are here for you.

Ultimately, it is down to us to make the change towards sustainability in order to create a greener future. Now is a good time to assess your net zero aspirations and talk to us about how we can help achieve them. Our team of renewable energy experts are available to provide Net Zero consultancy and renewable (Solar, EV, battery) quotations alongside installation operations and maintenance support to asset owners.

Is your business ready for the largest international conference that the UK has ever seen?  Will you be able to justify your actions towards the climate in the face of massive press, customer and staff demands, or will you be joining in and showcasing your contribution?

Next year the UK will have left European Union properly and will be casting around for its place in the world.  The first big opportunity comes with the largest international conference that the UK will have even hosted (Covid-19 permitting).  This is COP 26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference that takes place in Glasgow from the 1^st November 2021.  We can all anticipate the publicity, the enthusiasm and the sheer noise that such a conference will generate, particularly from politicians looking to demonstrate the UK’s place in the new world order.

What business owners also need to appreciate is the emphasis that will be placed on all of us, as individuals and as employees to demonstrate our own commitments to sharing this planet and reducing our carbon footprints.  Are you ready to answer the questions “What have you done to help save your planet?  What has been your contribution?”

With only thirteen months left to go it is not too late to procure, design and install your company’s own roof top solar panel system, to set up a ten year carbon reduction strategy, to get close to net zero by 2030 or to install solar car ports or large scale battery technology.  But it is only thirteen months and the industry is expecting to be busy in the run up to the conference.

If you are worried about your energy bills, if you think that negative publicity around your commitment to your local environment or if you think that your customers may want to work with a supply chain that is in line with public opinion on carbon then we suggest that you give us a call to see what can be done to support you and your business.  Please do this soon as time is running out.

When talking ‘energy solutions’ to our clients, we cover a broad range of energy terms that may not be common knowledge. The energy terms glossary below is designed to give some insight into the various definitions and abbreviations that exist within our industry.

Reflecting our commercial renewable energy installation services, this glossary of energy terms focuses on general electrical terms, as well as solar energy- and battery storage-related terminology. If you need any further assistance with the topics covered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The following terms are found within the electrical and energy sectors:

General Electrical Terms

Joule (J) – A unit of energy to measure the force needed to transfer mass from one space to another.

Watt (W) – A unit of electrical power used to quantify the rate of energy transfer.

Kilowatt (kW) – A unit of electrical power equivalent to 1000W.

Kilowatt Hour (kWh) – A measure of electrical energy consumption equivalent to using 1000W (1kW) for a period of one hour (a really important energy term to understand in our sector).

Current – A flow of electricity in an ordered direction.

AC Power – Alternating current that periodically reverses direction, used commonly in power supplies.

DC Power – Electricity that flows in one direction only.

Voltage (V) – A measure of electrical potential; i.e. the strength of an electrical current that’s sent down a cable.

Amps (A) – A unit of electrical current.

Inverter – A piece of equipment that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) or vice versa.

Transformer – A piece of equipment that modulates the voltage of current so that it can be transferred from one circuit to another that use different voltages (learn more about how transformers are used in HV/LV infrastructure).

Junction Box – A piece of equipment that contains a junction for combining electrical cables.

Breaker – A switch that protects an electrical circuit from damage by automatically stopping the flow of electricity if an overload or short circuit problem is detected.

Earth – Required for a safe installation, the common return path for electrical current in a circuit.

Frequency (Hz) – Measured in hertz (1Hz equals one cycle per second). For example, in the UK AC electricity is at 50Hz.

Triad – The three half-hourly periods of highest electrical demand on the National Grid between November and February every year. Businesses are sampled and billed on this usage every year.

DUoS – Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges are applied to your energy bill to recover the cost of distributing electricity and maintaining local distribution networks around the UK.

Charge Bands – DUoS is billed across three charge bands known as ‘red’, ‘green’ and ‘amber’. Costs are highest when consuming energy in the ‘red’ periods and lowest in the ‘green’ periods.

DNO – Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) own and operate the cables and towers that bring electricity from the transmission network to businesses around the UK (e.g. Western Power Distribution).

Terms Used in the Solar PV Sector

Solar Panel – A device that uses a number of photovoltaic (PV) cells to capture and absorb the sun’s rays to turn into DC electricity – we install solar panels for businesses as one of our core services.

Mounting Rail – A rail used to mount solar panels on to.

Clamp – Device used to fix solar panels to the rail.

Performance Ratio (PR) – The primary measure of a solar PV system’s efficiency. Performance Ratio (PR) is used to express how effectively the system converts sunlight collected by the solar panels into AC electrical energy.

D-marc Edge Protection – A health and safety measure that makes the working area (roof) of the building safe from falling incidents (D-marc Edge Protection should be utilised on roofs with a pitch of over 15 degrees). 

Safety Rail – A health and safety measure that makes the working area (roof) of the building safe from falling incidents. Safety rails should be utilised if the roof has a pitch exceeding 15 degrees.

Access Ladder – A ladder used for access, generally to the rooftop of a site where solar is to be installed.

O&M – Operation and maintenance which refers to our solar panel maintenance service.

Warranty – The assurance given by a manufacturer that a piece of equipment will work to a given standard within a given period – EvoEnergy solar customers are protected by the Independent Warranty Association (IWA).

Weather Station – A collection of devices used to measure weather and ultimately help to understand what the output of a PV system should be at any given time.

This glossary of energy terms has outlined a range of definitions and abbreviations that relate to our core services. If you need any help with the issues raised here or you’d like to talk to us about how our renewable energy services could help your business, then get in touch.

There is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the world in previously unimaginable ways. It’s had a devastating effect on the global economy and might have changed the way we live our lives well into the future.

Despite this, we have a deeper problem that we can’t just brush aside – climate change.

Today is earth day, which aims to raise awareness on the negative impact our actions collectively have on our planet as a whole. In celebration of this, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has reminded us that ‘the world mustn’t forget about the deeper emergency’.

He goes onto explain that this virus is our wake-up call ‘to do things right for the future’, following reports which have shown that emissions are falling due to the halting of business processes. However, this won’t last for long once the economy starts rolling again.

It’s clear that ‘climate disruption is approaching the point of no return.’ – said Mr Guterres. He highlighted the need for infrastructural change and investment in future technologies, as it’s the only way to set us on a path to net zero emissions globally by 2050.

The pandemic has provided us with an opportunity to change the way we operate as businesses. The reports provide concrete evidence that our actions have a direct and immediate impact on the environment, therefore, if we can generate our energy from renewable sources then we can prevent us causing irreversible damage to our world.

At this moment, it’s down to us to make the change towards sustainability in order create a greener future. Now is a good time to assess your net zero aspirations and talk to us about how we can help achieve them. Our team of renewable energy experts are available to provide consultancy and quotations alongside installation operations and maintenance support to asset owners.

Get in contact today to see how we can help make your business’s operations more environmentally sustainable.