More organisations are exploring solar PV and battery storage because the case is no longer just “green” — it’s about resilience, cost certainty and making better use of existing assets. But the early stages can feel confusing: roof constraints, grid, planning, procurement routes, capex vs funded options, and wildly different quotes.

Here are ten questions we recommend answering before you commit time or budget.

1) What’s the main driver: savings, carbon, resilience, or all three?

Your priority changes the solution. A “reduce bills” project can be very different to a resilience-led project where batteries and operational continuity matter more than headline payback.

2) Do you have enough usable space?

Solar isn’t just about total roof area. The usable area depends on:
• obstructions (HVAC, rooflights, access routes)
• shading (nearby plant, parapets, trees)
• set-backs and safety zones
• orientation and tilt
A quick desktop check is useful, but you’ll want a survey before relying on any firm numbers.

3) Is the structure suitable and in good condition?

Commercial roofs vary massively. Before investing, confirm:
• structural loading capacity
• roof type and fixings approach
• remaining roof life (it’s often better to refurbish first than install twice)

4) What’s your electricity usage profile?

Your half-hourly data is gold. It helps determine:
• likely on-site consumption vs export
• system sizing
• whether a battery adds value
• how the system performs across seasons and working patterns
If you don’t have half-hourly data, your supplier can usually provide it, or you can pull it from your meter operator.

5) What’s the grid connection situation?

This is the most common “late surprise”.
Key questions:
• Do you have spare capacity at the connection point?
• Are export limits likely?
• Will you need an application to increase capacity or export?
Even if solar is straightforward, grid constraints can change the project plan and timeline.

6) What procurement route do you need to follow?

This matters early, especially for public sector or multi-stakeholder organisations.
It affects:
• how you compare suppliers
• what documentation you’ll need
• how you evaluate value (not just price)
• how quickly you can move from feasibility to delivery
If procurement is involved, it’s worth building the brief so quotes are like-for-like.

7) Do you want capex, funded, or a blended model?

There are multiple ways to deliver solar:
• capital purchase
• leasing / funded options
• power purchase arrangements (PPAs) in some contexts
Each has different implications for ownership, maintenance, savings profile and contract length.

8) What “good” looks like: performance, monitoring and maintenance

A system isn’t just panels. Ask what’s included around:
• monitoring and reporting
• fault alerts
• inverter replacement expectations
• warranties
• access and safe maintenance planning
A slightly higher upfront cost can be better value if it reduces downtime and protects performance.

9) What programme constraints do you have?

Be upfront about:
• site access restrictions
• working hours
• neighbours and noise considerations
• term-time constraints (education sites)
• stakeholder sign-off points
A realistic programme protects everyone — and reduces rushed decisions.

10) What do you need to make a decision confidently?

A good early pack usually includes:
• outline design and assumptions
• estimated generation and savings
• grid constraints summary
• programme and key risks
• clear inclusions/exclusions
• options (e.g., PV only vs PV + battery)
If you can get to that level of clarity, decision-making becomes much easier.