Commercial · Solar PV
Commercial solar that pays back, not just installs.
30kW to 1MW+ rooftop, ground-mount and car-park canopy systems — designed around how your site actually uses electricity, not how a salesperson wishes it did. Typical payback: 4–7 years. We’ll model the numbers honestly.
Why now
Six reasons commercial solar still works in 2026.
The hype has cooled, electricity prices haven’t. The financial case is actually clearer than it’s ever been — for the right roof.
40–70% bill reduction
Depending on your daytime demand profile. Most warehouses and offices we model land around 55%. We’ll tell you yours before you sign anything.
Price-rise insulation
25+ year hedge against volatile wholesale markets. Whatever your supplier does in 2030, the panels keep generating at the same cost: zero.
CO2 reduction that holds up
A 100kWp system displaces ~25 tonnes/year. Real Scope 2 reduction your sustainability report can defend.
100% first-year capital allowance
Qualifying solar equipment gets full first-year tax relief. Talk to your accountant; we’ll provide the spec they need.
EPC rating uplift
Often a full band. Helpful for MEES compliance on let property and for resale.
Smart Export Guarantee
Excess generation gets paid for. Currently 3–15p/kWh depending on supplier. We’ll register you for the best available rate.
Ideal Applications for Commercial Solar
Commercial solar works for almost any business, but these applications typically deliver the best returns.
Flat Roof Installations
Warehouses, industrial units, and distribution centres with large flat roofs are ideal for solar. Ballasted mounting systems require no roof penetrations, and panels can be optimally angled for maximum generation.
Car Park Solar Canopies
Transform your car park into a power station while providing covered parking for employees and customers. Canopies can also integrate EV charging points for a complete solution.
Ground-Mounted Arrays
If you have available land, ground-mounted systems offer flexibility in system size and orientation. Ideal for farms, industrial sites with unused land, or businesses needing larger capacity than roof space allows.
Office Building Systems
Office buildings benefit from excellent solar-demand matching, with peak generation coinciding with working hours. Improve your EPC rating while reducing operating costs for you or your tenants.
Our Commercial Solar Installation Process
From initial enquiry to ongoing support, we manage every aspect of your commercial solar project.
Site survey & Energy Audit
We visit your premises to assess roof condition, orientation, shading, and structural capacity. We also analyse your energy consumption patterns to design an optimally-sized system.
Custom System Design & ROI Analysis
Our engineers design a bespoke system with detailed energy yield predictions, financial projections, and ROI calculations. We present multiple options and financing scenarios.
Planning & Grid Connection
We handle planning permission applications (if required) and grid connection applications (G99) on your behalf. We manage all DNO communications and approvals.
Professional Installation
Our MCS-certified installation teams complete the work with minimal disruption to your operations. Most commercial installations are completed within 1-3 weeks depending on system size.
Commissioning & Monitoring Setup
We commission the system, configure monitoring, register for Smart Export Guarantee payments, and submit all MCS documentation. You receive comprehensive system training.
Ongoing Maintenance & Support
Benefit from our maintenance packages including remote monitoring, annual servicing, cleaning, and priority response. We ensure your system performs optimally throughout its 25+ year lifespan.
Commercial Solar System Sizes
We design and install systems from 10kWp to 500kWp+ to match your energy requirements and available space.
Small Commercial
Ideal for small offices, retail units, and light industrial premises. Typically 40-200 panels covering 60-400m² of roof space.
- Annual generation: 8,500-42,500 kWh
- Typical savings: £2,000-£10,000/year
- Investment: £15,000-£50,000
Medium Commercial
Suitable for warehouses, schools, medium-sized industrial units, and larger office buildings. Typically 200-1000 panels.
- Annual generation: 42,500-212,500 kWh
- Typical savings: £10,000-£50,000/year
- Investment: £50,000-£200,000
Large Commercial
For distribution centres, large industrial facilities, and multi-building campuses. 1000+ panels across significant roof or ground areas.
- Annual generation: 212,500+ kWh
- Typical savings: £50,000+/year
- Investment: £200,000+
Commercial Solar Finance Options
Multiple financing options to suit your cash flow and accounting preferences.
Outright Purchase
Maximise your return on investment with full ownership from day one. Benefit from Enhanced Capital Allowances, all SEG income, and the lowest lifetime cost of energy.
- Highest long-term returns
- 100% ECA tax relief in year one
- All income and savings retained
- Full asset ownership
Asset Finance / Leasing
Spread the cost over 3-7 years while still benefiting from reduced energy bills. Monthly payments are often less than the energy savings, making this cash-flow positive from month one.
- Preserve capital for other investments
- Fixed monthly payments
- Often cash-flow positive immediately
- Various lease structures available
Operating Lease
Keep the solar system off your balance sheet with an operating lease. Useful for businesses that prefer to expense rather than capitalise equipment costs.
- Off-balance sheet financing
- Fully deductible payments
- No residual value risk
- Upgrade flexibility at end of term
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Zero upfront cost option where a third party owns and maintains the system on your roof. You simply pay for the electricity generated at a fixed, discounted rate.
- Zero capital expenditure
- Fixed electricity price (typically 10-20% below grid)
- No maintenance responsibility
- Long-term contracts (15-25 years)
ROI typically ranges from 4-7 years for outright purchase, with system lifespans of 25+ years.
Discuss Finance OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about commercial solar panel installations.
As a general rule, you need approximately 6-8 square metres per kWp of solar capacity. A 100kWp system typically requires 600-800 square metres of suitable roof space. However, this varies based on panel efficiency and mounting system. Our site survey will assess your specific roof and provide accurate calculations for your premises.
Commercial solar systems typically achieve payback in 4-7 years, depending on your electricity consumption patterns, tariff rates, system size, and financing method. With commercial electricity rates remaining at historic highs, many businesses are currently seeing payback periods at the shorter end of this range. After payback, you benefit from essentially free electricity for the remaining 18-20+ years of system life.
Most commercial rooftop solar installations fall under permitted development rights and don't require planning permission. However, planning permission may be needed if your building is listed, in a conservation area, or if you're installing ground-mounted systems. Systems over certain sizes may also require planning. We assess this during the site survey and handle all planning applications on your behalf if required.
Yes, through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can earn money for electricity exported to the grid. Current SEG rates typically range from 3-15p per kWh depending on your energy supplier. While self-consumption delivers better value than export, SEG payments provide additional income for any excess generation. We help you register for the best available tariff for your situation.
Commercial solar panels require minimal maintenance. We recommend annual inspections to check all electrical connections and mounting systems, plus cleaning every 1-2 years depending on your location and roof environment. Our maintenance packages include remote monitoring to detect any performance issues, annual servicing, and priority response if problems arise. Inverters may need replacement after 10-15 years.
Yes, flat roofs are excellent for commercial solar. Panels are mounted on ballasted frames that don't require roof penetrations, angled at 10-15 degrees for optimal generation while minimising wind loading. Flat roofs often allow more flexible system layouts, easier maintenance access, and the ability to orient panels in the optimal direction regardless of the building's orientation.
Modern commercial solar panels have a product warranty of 25-30 years and performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80-85% of original output after 25 years. In practice, panels continue generating electricity well beyond this, with many systems still operating effectively after 30-40 years. Inverters typically need replacement after 10-15 years, which is factored into our ROI calculations.
Solar installations typically add value to commercial properties and can be a selling point for potential buyers. The system can transfer with the property, or in some cases (particularly with leased systems), arrangements may need to be made with the finance provider. We can advise on the best approach for your specific situation.
Commercial Solar Success Story
200kWp Warehouse Installation
A distribution centre near Bedford installed a 200kWp solar system on their flat roof, achieving 60% reduction in grid electricity consumption and £35,000 annual savings with a 5-year payback period.
Complete Your Energy Solution
Maximise your solar investment with complementary technologies.
Battery Storage
Store excess solar generation for evening use, reduce peak demand charges, and ensure backup power.
EV Charging
Use your solar electricity to power workplace EV charging, reducing costs and carbon footprint.
Commercial Solar Guide
Download our comprehensive guide to commercial solar, covering everything from planning to financing.
Our Accreditations
Your turn
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