Solar panels for your business

For most UK businesses, yes. Commercial solar typically delivers a payback period of 4 to 7 years, after which the system generates effectively free electricity for 20+ years. With grid electricity now costing 25–29p per kWh and solar generating at 5–8p per kWh, the financial case has never been stronger. Finance options including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) mean many businesses can start saving from day one with zero capital outlay.

The cost depends on system size, roof type and any additional components such as battery storage or EV chargers. A typical 50kWp rooftop system for a commercial building costs in the region of £40,000–£70,000 installed. 100kWp systems typically range from £70,000–£120,000. Finance options are available that remove the upfront cost entirely. We provide detailed, no-obligation quotes based on your site and energy usage.

Solar panels convert daylight into DC electricity, which an inverter converts to AC power for use in your building. Any surplus generation can be exported to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), stored in a battery system for later use, or directed to EV chargers on site. Your business draws from the grid only when solar generation falls below demand — typically overnight or on very overcast days.

Most commercial solar panels carry a 25–30 year performance warranty and will continue generating beyond that. Inverters typically have a 10–12 year lifespan and will need replacing once during the system's life. Panels themselves have no moving parts and require very little maintenance — an annual inspection and occasional clean is usually sufficient.

There are no direct government grants for commercial solar installations at present, but significant tax incentives exist. Businesses can claim 100% Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) on solar panel systems, effectively deducting the full cost from taxable profits in the year of purchase. Finance options such as PPAs and solar leases also make installation accessible without upfront capital. We can advise on the best funding route for your situation.

A typical commercial rooftop installation takes 2 to 5 days on site, depending on system size. The full project timeline from initial survey to grid connection is usually 8 to 14 weeks, which includes system design, DNO application and any required planning permissions. We manage the entire process from survey to switch-on.