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                        "text": "The right size depends on the dealership’s daytime electricity use, roof space, roof condition, grid connection, export limit and future EV charging plans. Smaller independent dealerships may use systems around 20 kWp to 80 kWp, while larger franchised sites with workshops may need 100 kWp to 300 kWp or more. A proper design should use at least 12 months of half-hourly electricity data where available."
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                        "text": "Indicative UK commercial rooftop solar costs are often around £700 to £1,200 per kWp, although site conditions can move the final price. As a broad guide, a 50 kWp system may cost around £45,000 to £70,000 before VAT, while a 100 kWp system may cost around £70,000 to £120,000 before VAT. Solar carports usually cost more because they include the canopy structure, foundations, drainage, lighting and parking-area works."
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                        "text": "Commercial solar payback for UK dealerships is often around 4 to 8 years where the site uses a high proportion of the generated electricity. Payback can be longer if much of the electricity is exported at a lower tariff or if the project needs roof works, grid upgrades, carports or battery storage. Any payback estimate should clearly state the assumed import tariff, export tariff, generation, self-consumption, maintenance and finance costs."
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                        "text": "Export income can help, but it is usually less valuable than using solar electricity on site to avoid buying electricity from the grid. This is why dealership solar systems should be designed around daytime demand, not just annual generation. Export may also be limited by the Distribution Network Operator, metering setup and export tariff."
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                        "text": "Most dealership-scale solar systems are likely to need approval from the local Distribution Network Operator before connection. Very small systems may fall under G98 rules, but many commercial systems require a G99 application. The DNO may allow full export, set an export limit, require export limitation equipment, request network works or ask for design changes."
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                        "text": "Yes, solar panels can support EV charging where vehicles charge during daylight hours, such as demonstrators, courtesy cars, workshop vehicles, staff vehicles or customer charging. Solar will not make EV charging free at all times because charger demand may exceed solar generation, especially in winter or during busy periods. Load management may be needed to coordinate building demand, EV chargers, battery storage and grid capacity."
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                        "text": "Not always. A battery may be useful where the dealership has high evening demand, restricted export capacity, peak-demand charges or EV charging peaks that do not match solar generation. If the site can use most solar generation during opening hours, rooftop solar without a battery may provide a stronger return. Battery storage should be assessed using real consumption data rather than treated as a default requirement."
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                        "text": "Yes, solar carports can work well for dealerships because they use parking or display areas to generate electricity and can support a visible sustainability message. They are usually more expensive than rooftop solar because they require steelwork, foundations, drainage, lighting, cable routes, collision protection and careful parking design. They may also need planning review, landlord consent or brand approval."
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                        "text": "The roof should be checked for structural capacity, remaining service life, wind loading, roof covering condition, fixings, waterproofing and safe access. Asbestos records, skylights, plant, vents, roof warranties, insurer requirements and fire access should also be reviewed. If the roof has limited remaining life, it may be better to repair or replace it before installing solar panels."
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                        "text": "There can be disruption, but a good installation plan should minimise the impact on sales, servicing, customer access and vehicle movement. Scaffolding, cranes, MEWPs, safety zones, cable routes and electrical shutdowns need to be planned around trading requirements. Dealerships should discuss preferred installation windows, parking restrictions, delivery routes and workshop access before signing a contract."
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                        "text": "There is no universal UK government grant for private commercial rooftop solar. Some local authority, devolved administration or regional business schemes may occasionally support low-carbon investment, but availability changes and depends on location. A sound business case should not rely on a grant unless eligibility and funding are confirmed."
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                        "text": "Companies may be able to claim capital allowances on qualifying solar expenditure, including Annual Investment Allowance or full expensing where the business and expenditure qualify. Tax treatment depends on the company, ownership structure and current rules, so dealerships should confirm the position with their accountant. Commercial solar installations are normally subject to standard-rate VAT."
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                        "text": "Choose an installer with experience in commercial rooftop solar, live trading sites, electrical design, grid applications, monitoring, maintenance and insurer requirements. A strong proposal should show the system size, panel and inverter specification, roof layout, generation estimate, self-consumption estimate, export assumptions, DNO route, structural requirements, installation plan and financial assumptions. Avoid quotes that only maximise panel numbers without explaining demand, export limits or operational disruption."
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