How to Buy
There are various stages that a qualified enquiry will go through that require expert advice and consultancy from each of our service departments to help your business make the correct investment decisions.
Please note that whilst the below is structured for a solar PV enquiry, the general order will also apply to other technology enquiries, installed on their own or as part of a multi-technology solution.
Click the following link to view more information on our services.
For Solar PV
Qualify
When you make an enquiry with us, a member of our team will qualify your site and information provided to assess the viability of your project. If enquiring online, the following information will help us make a more accurate qualifying assessment;
- Budgets or expected investment returns
- Current electricity usage and patterns
- Details of the site
- Reasons for investing
If the project or site shows potential, a regional sales advisor will make contact to discuss your site and requirements in more detail. Half hourly electricity data may also be requested at this stage to further assess your suitability.
Site Survey
The next stage will involve a detailed site survey, arranged at a time that works for both parties. A typical visit may take around 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the site. The survey will help us;
- Determine the suitability of your roof for installing solar PV; condition, build type, sky lights, shading issues, etc
- Identify inverter locations and cable runs
- Site specific risk assessment
- Health and safety considerations (for installation and operation)
Design
With your requirements, budgets and targets in mind, together with the site survey report, our design & engineering team will then create a solution (or solutions) that include;
- Advice on maximum system size
- Proposed module layout
- Electrical design
- Product specification
- Expected generation and carbon offset
- Pricing and 25 year financial return plan (if purchasing outright)
- PPA proposal (if system if to be funded)
- Project delivery schedule
During this stage, we will also ask you for a signed Letter of Authority to allow us to contact the regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO) on your behalf to obtain permission to connect a new PV system to the grid. If there are any issues, we can then use our experience of working with the DNO to find solutions where possible.
Development
Once designs are financials are approved, we can then continue to obtain all the permissions required if these haven’t already been received. This includes planning permission, grid connection and any additional licences that may be required in certain circumstances. Structural surveys may also be required.
Installation
Prior to installation, your project will be assigned to one of our project managers who will be your main point of contact during the process. The first step of the installation will be to erect any scaffolding/access and make the working environment safe for all those concerned.
Specifics of the installation process, including delivering equipment to site, etc are bespoke to each project and will be pre-agreed with you in the project delivery plan.
The time-scale to install a PV system will also vary depending on the complexity of the project. A typical 250 kWp system will usually take around 4-6 weeks from start to commissioning.
Commissioning & Handover
During this stage, comprehensive documentation on how to operate the system will be handed over to you which will also include commissioning certificates and warranties. If taking out an operation and maintenance service, a maintenance schedule and manual will also be presented.
Greensphere will also help you complete any remaining tasks including registering the PV system so it’s eligible to receive FIT payments.
