Ask The Experts - Business Operator
“From a carbon reduction, environmental compliance and ESG reporting perspective, installing a renewable solar energy system is one of the most accessible, affordable, immediate and impactful steps a business can take.”
We caught up with our industry expert, Chris Ruddock, to gain a valuable insight into why business operators across power intensive industries such as manufacturing, refrigeration and printing should be installing solar energy.Q1. What are the key benefits of installing solar for Business Operators?
With ongoing volatility in the energy market and rising prices impacting competitiveness, installing a solar asset enables businesses to fix electricity costs for up to 25 years at rates significantly lower than grid energy, making cost savings the primary benefit. Over the past three years, carbon reduction has also become a major driver, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as food and beverage. Many supermarkets now demand strong carbon reduction commitments from their supply chains, leading some businesses to prioritise environmental impact over financial return. From a carbon reduction, compliance, and ESG reporting standpoint, solar is one of the most accessible, affordable, immediate, and impactful steps a business can take.
Q2. How does solar energy impact business resilience?
Massively. Solar energy is reliable, renewable, and self-sufficient, reducing dependence on an overburdened national grid. By self-generating power, businesses gain resilience against unexpected disruptions, protecting critical processes and ensuring operational continuity during outages. Additionally, volatile energy costs and market instability make it difficult for operators to plan effectively, often impacting budgets and profit margins. Installing solar provides long-term price stability, enabling more strategic risk management and stronger financial control.
Q3. Can solar systems be adapted to specific buildings?
Absolutely, yes! That’s the beauty of solar power. Every system is purpose-built to fit the infrastructure and operating needs of your business. Centreco will design the right solution for your business. Always! We will recommend exactly what system size you need to get optimum efficiency and energy savings.
In a lot of ways, it helps that we manage our entire process in-house, and by that, I mean everything: engineering, design, installation. I mention this because I believe that it gives us an edge over our competitors as it helps us to manage our processes from start-to-finish with a clear vision and communication between the team, which hugely benefits our clients. Our close-knit team of experts is what makes us stand out from the crowd.
Q4. How long does an average solar installation take?
Because there is no 'one size fits all’ approach, each solar project is different in length and will have its own unique design technical features and operational factors to consider to best meet a business operator’s needs.
It is also worth noting that, timeframe wise, certain steps are beyond our control such as planning applications and DNO approval. However, we fully manage and stay on top of this approval stage and liaise with the relevant authorities to ensure a project moves along as quickly as possible.
Q5. Is solar installation disruptive to my business?
This is a question I’m often asked for obvious reasons, and I can tell you categorically, from a business disruption point of view; it’s very minimal to zero. Firstly, because around 90% of the installation process is external and often roof-mounted or sometimes ground-mounted. These will not affect your day-to-day operations.
To add to that, on the rare occasion we do have to access a building, we carry out the necessary works ‘out of hours’ or at weekends. If it’s a 24-hour operating organisation, we work very closely with the client to mitigate disruption.
Q6. What’s the best way to fund a solar system installation?
Financing a solar asset really isn’t as complicated as some business operators might think. Put simply, we offer a range of flexible funding packages and help businesses review the available payment options that best work for them.
More importantly, all of our packages are designed to ensure that your business is getting the maximum benefits from your asset by maintaining a cash positive profile throughout the system’s operation. Solar as a Service (SAAS) is a new, fully managed way for businesses to access sustainable, low-cost solar energy through zero upfront cost solar installations. This innovative financing model, delivered via MCS-accredited solar systems, has been designed for commercial and industrial businesses seeking the benefits of solar power without the risks, such as capital risk, upfront costs, or operational burden.
Q7. Is there any financial risk with a solar system?
No. Not at all. I can confidently say that our whole process eliminates any financial risk for clients by covering all pre-installation costs, including planning, design, structural surveys, and grid connection applications.
We manage this work entirely before requesting a deposit, which is only due seven days prior to installation. Unlike many competitors who charge upfront fees for surveys and applications, our approach removes that burden. Additionally, if a project cannot proceed for any reason, clients can walk away with no financial obligation.
These insights from Chris Ruddock recognise the urgent challenges facing business operators: tightening budgets, sustainability targets, and the need for dependable, future-ready infrastructure. Solar energy stands out as a practical, proven solution. As Chris rightly points out, the benefits go far beyond cost savings. From reducing carbon emissions to strengthening energy independence, solar offers real, measurable value.
At Centreco, our end-to-end approach—covering full tender support, expert installation, and ongoing maintenance—removes complexity and delivers results. From our perspective, the case for solar has never been stronger. Now is the time for Business Operators to seize the opportunity to build a cleaner, more secure, and financially sustainable energy future.