Solar Panels on Commercial Rooftops - The Key Issues for Development

Introduction

Solar panels on commercial rooftops are back after a few years in the wilderness.

In this virtual classroom seminar, Alastair Frew discusses the key elements of a commercial solar rooftop development option and lease, from basic commercial terms to unusual features of the lease.

It will address the position with business rates and the need for a structural survey as well as the crucial power purchase agreement.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• Rooftop solar panels - a brief introduction
• Substations - freehold or leasehold?
  • Rental terms
  • Easements
• The Grid Connection
  • Form G99
  • Contestable v non-contestable works
• Solar Panels Lease
  • Lease terms
  • Contractual term
  • Rent
  • Reinstatement/Decommissioning
  • Security bond
  • Direct Agreements
  • Security of tenure - 1954 Act applies unless excluded
• Mortgagee consent
  • Option or Development Agreement
  • Advantage for landowner/developer
  • Planning Application or PD Rights?
  • Structural survey
  • Wind assessment survey
  • Visual Impact Assessment
• Business rates
  • Is the electricity being sold to the Grid or used by the landlord on site?
• Power Purchase Agreement
  • Conditional upon the rooftop lease or a stand-alone agreement?
  • Bid price for the electricity/obligation to take electricity?
  • Who owns the electricity? Who owns any surplus?
• Battery Storage
  • To balance your own scheme
  • Rent - £/watt
• Insurance issues
• Tax
  • Business Property Relief
  • Inheritance Tax
  • The Balfour Assessment for agricultural rooftops

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.