Interested in the benefits of solar energy for your business, but not quite sure of the process?   

At Thompsons Solar, it’s our goal to make things as simple as possible for our clients – which is why we’ve developed a turn-key solution to provide you with a straightforward, streamlined service – no hassle.  

Here’s a guide to help you gain a better understanding of how it all works, in just seven easy steps.  

1. Initial Enquiry 

First, a member of our team will talk through your project and discuss what you are looking to achieve. Whether this be reducing your carbon emissions, gaining more independence from the grid or simply to save money, we want to fully understand your goal.  

You’ll be asked for information such as your current energy usage and cost of power, usually found on your electricity bill. We’ll also ask for more information about your roof, access and electrical connection. If you’re unsure of any of this information, assumptions will be made that can be confirmed later.   

This initial call usually takes around 10 minutes depending on the complexity of installation however we’ll be happy to chat through your project and answer any questions you might have. 

2. Design  

Once we’ve obtained all the information we need, we’ll set to work designing a system that best suits your requirements.  

During this stage, we use our expert knowledge and design software to specify appropriate equipment to fit your requirements. This includes assessing mounting systems, inverters, batteries and of course the solar panels.  

On completion of our design, we will issue an initial proposal including details of yield, cost and ROI estimates. This may include more than one option if we feel it beneficial. 

3. Site Survey 

To assess your site in detail and confirm our costings, a full site survey is required. During this survey, an assessment will be made of your property including electrical connection, site access and where possible, installation area.

This survey will also provide the opportunity to discuss your project in more detail and ask any questions you may have. Our aim is to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision on what’s best for you. 

4. Grid Connection & Planning 

The next stage is to acquire any permissions that may be required.  

Grid connection – Any installation over 3.68kW single phase or 11.04kW three phase must have a connection agreement in place prior to installation.  

Planning – Depending on the type of installation, planning permission may be required. Guidance is available via the planning portal or from your local planning authority (LPA).   

Our team offer in-house grid and planning services or can guide you through the process should you wish to obtain permissions yourself. 

5. Installation 

Now for the exciting bit…  

Safe access will be put in place and our teams will set to work installing your array. Roof works will be completed and inverters installed as per the pre-agreed design. The system will then be connected to your electrical supply and commissioned in accordance with the manufacturers requirements. Upon completion, the installation will be tested and certified by a qualified engineer.  

Once site works are complete, a full handover pack will be issued including details of the products installed, user manuals, warranties and certification.  

If you are wanting to register for smart export guarantee (SEG) payments, you’ll need to contact your energy provider or shop around for the best tariff (whilst we can advise on this, it’s the only bit we can’t actually do on your behalf).  

6. Monitoring 

To keep a check on the performance of your installation, monitoring is included which can be viewed online or via an app. This will give you live data but also enables you to pull reports of historic generation so that you can see the savings made.  

7. Maintenance 

Whilst solar is a virtually maintenance free system, it is advisable to have the system checked and cleaned periodically. Most window cleaning firms offer a solar cleaning service if panels aren’t easily accessible.  If you have any questions about your installation or regarding generation, our solar experts at Thompsons are always on hand to help.  

Get in touch with our team today to find out more about unlocking the benefits of solar energy.

Team Thompsons is celebrating after being named winners of the Built Environment category at this year’s Red Rose Awards.

Over 1,000 people attended the ceremony at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, with this year’s final marking the 15th year of the awards which recognise business excellence across Lancashire.

24 accolades were presented during the evening, including Employer of the Year, Made in Lancashire, Not-for-profit and Family Business – with the Built Environment category sponsored by Harrison Drury Solicitors.

The judges remarked that Thompsons ‘deserved special praise for its staff incentives and employee wellness initiative, which makes it a great place to work,’ and that ‘the business was judged for the breadth of projects and work with industry leading and national organisations.’

Matthew Thompson said: ‘Every single employee of Thompsons plays an important role in the running of the business and this award is testament to the hard work, dedication and passion we all put in – it really is a team effort.

“Given the changes we’ve successfully navigated over the past few years, winning the Built Environment award just goes to show the impact we’ve been having in the industry, and we’re looking forward to sharing details on several exciting projects that are currently underway.

“The Red Rose Awards shine a light on the brilliant work being done by businesses across the county and we’d like to congratulate our fellow winners and all the finalists – roll on RRA26!”

With National Careers Week recently taking place, promoting the importance of career support and guidance, we caught up with Thompsons’ Jack Hayes to find out how completing an NVQ is helping him learn and develop in his role as assistant project manager. 

Can you describe your role at Thompsons? 

I have been working at Thompsons for just over a year now. The role of assistant project manager is quite varied; I am managing projects on the Rosas workstream, ad-hoc projects for Burnley FC and I also survey potential new projects that are in the pipeline. I mainly work under Ben Bradford as he is the Operations Manager for Rosas. Given his vast experience and skillset, I am learning every day. 

You’re currently completing an NVQ Level 4 in Site Supervision – what’s involved in that and how will it benefit your role? 

It gives me good insight into the role of Site Managers, their responsibilities and the challenges they have to deal with on site. This enables me to work hand in hand with the site management teams and supports me in my job role as I know what’s happening at ground level.  

The Level 4 also allows me to upgrade my CSCS Gold card and provides me with a platform to continue my higher education. You can take up to two years to complete the course, however I am looking at obtaining my certification in the next month. This will hopefully provide the platform to continue my educational journey in construction. 

What are your career aspirations? 

To continue educating myself further and improving in all areas of my job. As long as I continue improving on a day-to-day basis, I hope my career will progress naturally. 

Is there anyone in particular at Thompsons who is providing guidance/support in terms of your studies and CPD? 

I have received a lot of guidance and support from several people. As I’m still early in my career at Thompsons I’m always looking to learn from more experienced people and utilise their skillsets. I’ve received a lot of support from several people; Ben Bradford has offered a lot of guidance, while Shane Blackburn and Carl Johnston have assisted me with commercial queries and challenges. 

Would you recommend an NVQ to others looking to progress their careers?  

Definitely. This qualification is mainly evidence based so it works in line with my job role. The work isn’t admin heavy either which allows me to complete the work outside of my working hours without feeling overwhelmed. 

According to the Office for National Statistics, just 15% of professionals working in the UK construction industry are women. To mark Women in Construction Week 2025, we’re shining the spotlight on some of the women who make up team Thompsons, and asking them to share their experience of working in the industry.

Lucy Bolton, Solar Manager

“I’ve been part of the team for 11 months. I’m responsible for managing all aspects of solar projects from initial design through to installation and monitoring.

I’ve been in this industry for 13 years and I love it because I’m constantly learning new things. Thompsons is a great place to work, because it has a small business feel with a relaxed working environment and lots of interesting projects.

I would highly recommend a career in construction as it’s a varied industry with lots of opportunities to develop professionally. No two projects are the same, and there’s always something new to learn and chances for progression.

When I first started work in construction, I was nervous as it was known to be a male dominant industry, however I’ve seen over the years that isn’t always the case. I wouldn’t want women and girls to be put off by certain barriers or the idea that ‘construction isn’t for girls’ but that’s something we can hopefully continue to overcome and show that this industry should be and can be for anyone.”

Jane Lock, Accounts Department

“I’ve worked at Thompsons for ten years.

The processing of materials and hires invoices, the processing of monthly payment runs and dealing with invoice queries.

I have worked at Thompsons for many years, it’s a friendly, family-run company which looks after its employees. As a working mum to a seven-year-old daughter they have agreed my hours are flexible and I can work from home part of the week – which works well around school.

I am on the office side, so don’t go on site (maybe one day?!). However, it’s great to see what the invoices I process turn into, and fortunately we accessed this recently on a time-lapse video showing the works at Old Trafford, which was really impressive.

The industry definitely needs more women and things are changing, so go for it and make a difference. It’s a job that can be flexible and work around the busy mum life!”

Jenn McLean, Health and Safety Manager

“In April I’ll have been at Thompsons for seven years.

As Health and Safety Manager, I’m responsible for enhancing Thompson’s health and safety standards and ensuring that the company is HSE compliant. This includes conducting inspections of project sites, ensuring proper control measures are in place, and conducting thorough investigations of incidents/accidents, while implementing a lesson learned approach. I also oversee the coordination of training requirements, ensuring that site personnel have the correct qualifications and arrange the company’s CITB training funding and applications.

My role as Health and Safety within construction has its challenges, however it’s a good feeling knowing my work helps to keep people safe. Working at Thompsons, there’s a good working environment, the projects are fast paced and the job roles definitely keeps me on my toes. There are also opportunities to progress within the company.

Having over 20 years of experience in various sectors within the construction industry, the sector has improved and there are more roles suitable for women than ever before. I would say that if it’s an industry you are interested in, then go for it!”

Nat Taylor, Senior Quantity Surveyor

“I’ve been at Thompsons for three years.

As Senior Quantity Surveyor, I oversee the commercial aspects of allocated projects. This includes cost reporting and risk management, subcontractor negotiation, preparing payment notices and  valuations/final accounts.

I’ve always been interested in construction as I was put through my joinery apprenticeship whilst working for my dad’s building company when I was younger. I enjoy working with Thompsons because you are appreciated for your hard work and we have supportive managers if you do have any issues.

My advice would be to someone starting out as a QS is to understand the practical side of construction. Attend sites regularly if you can so you can see how things are built, rather than studying from drawings/books.”

When looking at solar power generation versus usage, the graphs can look a little like a roller coaster! While generation tends to be mainly steady, peaking around midday, usage can fluctuate and so often doesn’t match. This can leave surplus power during the day and a shortage when the sun goes down.  

Introducing…solar battery storage!

What are the benefits of solar battery storage?

By installing battery storage, surplus power that would have otherwise been sent back to the national grid is captured for utilisation on site later in the day. In utilising more of the power generated on site, you reduce the amount of power drawn from the grid thus further reducing your energy bills and reliance on the grid.  

Yes, battery storage requires a greater initial investment however this often outweighs the additional cost that would have been spent on grid-sourced power. The alternative to storing this power may be to enter into a smart export agreement. At the time of publication, this rate is currently between 10-16p on average. Yes, this generates a revenue however if you then have to purchase power later in the day at double the price, can you really afford not to install a battery?  

How do I know what solar battery storage system is right for me?

Battery technology has improved significantly over recent years and as such there are many options available. Depending on your requirements, our team can advise on a system to best suit your needs and budget – and help you get the most out of your investment.  

For more information about battery storage or solar installation, contact our team of experts to see how much energy and money you could save.