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

pexels-akilmazumder-1072824 (1).jpg.jpg

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.
  • 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. 

  1. 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. 

  2. 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 energy, 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 advice, support or guidance – reach out to our team here at Low Carbon Energy on 01292 421 489 or visit our website on www.lowcarbonenergy.co 

Enjoyed this? Read more from Low Carbon Energy

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin