Making the most of solar in your ESOS Phase 3 action plans

If your business, like thousands of others out there, has turned to solar energy as a key component of your Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 3 action plan, then it’s crucial to make sure it fits into your overall energy strategy and helps achieve your long-term goals. This ensures that when you complete your annual reviews in 2025 and 2026, you’ll have made real, meaningful progress. 

Here’s a structured approach to help you manage this: 

1. Incorporate solar into your ESOS audit

To fully capture the potential of solar, include it in your energy audit. This ensures that its benefits are considered as part of your overall energy-saving measures.  

Key metrics to highlight include:  

Annual energy generation – Estimate how much electricity your solar installation will produce (kWh). 

Grid electricity reduction – Quantify the percentage decrease in reliance on grid energy. 

Cost savings – Calculate any projected reductions in electricity bills. 

ROI and payback period – Provide clear financial projections for the future. 

2. Assess technical and financial feasibility

Secondly, conduct thorough technical and financial assessments. This will ensure that solar energy investments are both practical and sustainable for your business in the long term. 

Technical viability  

During a technical viability assessment, you’ll want to analyse site suitability, system size, and the compatibility of solar PV systems with your existing infrastructure. 

Financial analysis

Meanwhile, during the financial analysis, your business should account for upfront costs, operational expenses, and any incentives, such as Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO). 

3. Align with ESOS Recommendations 

Next, show how solar complements other energy-saving measures identified in your ESOS audit. This could include: 

• Further reduction in carbon emissions. 
• Contribution toward net-zero goals (if applicable). 
• Compliance with regulatory standards and corporate sustainability initiatives.

4. Engage stakeholders

It’s also worth noting that engaging decision-makers and stakeholders early is critical to gaining support for your solar initiative. Ideally, you should present the case for solar with a focus on both compliance and broader benefits such as: 

• Long-term cost savings. 

• Environmental impact. 

• Enhanced corporate reputation. 

If necessary, you could consult with third-party experts to strengthen your proposal with independent validation. These experts may provide you with unbiased insights, data analysis and recommendations that reinforce the business case for solar, helping to secure buy-in from stakeholders.

5. Plan for Implementation

Next, if solar is selected as an energy-saving measure, it’s wise to develop a detailed project plan. This should: 

• Secure the necessary permits and planning permissions. 

• Procure high-quality equipment and select reliable contractors. 

• Establish clear timelines for installation and reporting mechanisms.

6. Ensure compliance and documentation

Once the plan has been implemented, your solar initiatives should be well-documented to meet ESOS requirements. Work with your ESOS lead assessor to ensure the following: 

• Transparency in calculations and assumptions. 

• Clear evidence of how solar contributes to compliance and savings goals.

7. Monitor and evaluate post-implementation

Finally, remember that solar performance doesn’t stop at installation. Regular monitoring of the solar system ensures it is delivering the projected energy and cost savings you had planned for. You can use these insights in future ESOS reviews and reports to demonstrate your continuous improvement and commitment to making real, tangible progress. 

Bonus tips for success: 

To further enhance your solar implementation, here are some additional bonus tips for ensuring success: 

• Stay informed – ESOS regulations and deadlines can change – make sure you keep up with the latest updates.

• Explore funding options – Research grants and incentives to lower upfront costs. 

• Combine solar with other initiatives – Maximise impact by integrating solar with other energy-saving measures from your ESOS audit. 

By following this structured approach, your business can effectively integrate solar energy into your ESOS Phase 3 action plan, ensuring it aligns with your broader energy management strategy and sustainability goals.  

For detailed and advice, support or guidance – reach out to our team here at Low Carbon Energy on 01292 421 489 or message us here.