Solar panels for commercial buildings
Rising energy costs and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions have made commercial solar panels an attractive investment for businesses across the UK. Whether you operate from offices, warehouses, factories or retail premises, solar technology can provide a reliable, renewable energy source that delivers both financial and environmental benefits.
Our sustainability specialists can assess your building's suitability for solar panels, manage the entire installation process and help you access available grants and tax relief. To discuss your requirements, please call 0800 051 2593 or complete our get in touch form.
How do commercial solar panels work?
Commercial solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells. When sunlight hits these cells, it creates an electrical current that can power your building's operations.
Any surplus energy generated can either be stored in batteries for later use or exported to the National Grid, potentially generating additional income.
The system typically includes:
- Solar panels – Installed on your roof or land to capture sunlight
- Inverter – Converts the direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) that your building can use
- Mounting system – Secures panels safely to your roof or ground
- Monitoring equipment – Tracks energy generation and system performance
- Battery storage (optional) – Stores excess energy for use when the sun is not shining
Most commercial solar installations are grid-connected, meaning you continue to draw power from the National Grid when needed, ensuring an uninterrupted energy supply for your business.
What are the benefits of solar panels for commercial buildings?
- Reduced energy costs – Generate your own electricity and decrease reliance on grid power, protecting your business from rising energy prices
- Lower carbon emissions – Solar energy is clean and renewable, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and work towards Net Zero targets
- Enhanced property value – Buildings with solar installations are often more attractive to buyers and tenants who value sustainability
- Income generation – Sell surplus energy back to the grid through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Tax benefits – Access capital allowances and other tax reliefs on your solar investment
- Brand reputation – Demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility, which can improve stakeholder and customer perception
- Energy security – Reduce vulnerability to energy market volatility and potential supply disruptions
- Long-term savings – With minimal maintenance requirements and a lifespan of 25-30 years, solar panels provide decades of cost savings
“Commercial solar panels represent a strategic investment in both financial resilience and environmental responsibility. By generating clean energy on-site, businesses can significantly reduce operational costs whilst demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability goals.”
Can Eddisons help me put solar panels on my commercial building?
Our building consultancy and decarbonisation teams can provide comprehensive support throughout your solar installation project:
- Feasibility assessment – We evaluate your roof condition, orientation, shading and structural capacity to determine suitability for solar panels
- Grant applications – Our specialists can prepare and submit funding applications to maximise your chances of securing grants for solar panels
- Project design – We work with you to design a system that meets your energy requirements and budget
- Procurement – We help you select reputable installers and negotiate competitive pricing
- Project management – From planning permissions to final commissioning, we oversee every stage to ensure quality and compliance
- Ongoing support – We can arrange maintenance contracts and performance monitoring to protect your investment
Are there grants for solar panels on commercial buildings in the UK?
Typically, there are government grants for solar panels for businesses in the UK available to help offset installation costs. However, eligibility criteria and funding availability change regularly, so we recommend contacting us to discuss the most current solar incentives and grants applicable to your business.
Aside from grants, the following incentives are usually available at all times:
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Under the SEG, energy suppliers pay you for surplus electricity your solar panels export to the grid. Whilst not a grant, this creates an ongoing revenue stream that improves the financial return on your investment.
Enhanced Capital Allowances
Businesses can claim tax relief on qualifying energy-saving equipment, including solar panels, through the capital allowances system. This allows you to deduct a portion of the installation cost from your taxable profits.
Why should I instruct Eddisons to put solar panels on my commercial building?
Choosing Eddisons for your commercial solar panel project gives you access to:
- Over 180 years of experience in the property sector
- A dedicated sustainability team with proven expertise in renewable energy projects
- RICS-accredited professionals committed to the highest industry standards
- A proven track record of successful project delivery
- Strong client reviews reflecting our commitment to quality service
- Comprehensive support from initial assessment through to final installation and beyond
Get in touch to start your solar-powered journey
If you are ready to explore how commercial solar panels can benefit your business, our specialists are here to help. Please call 0800 051 2593 or complete the form below to arrange a free consultation.
For more information about our sustainability services and other decarbonisation solutions, visit our news and insights page.
Frequently asked questions about commercial solar panels
How much are commercial solar panels?
Commercial solar panel costs vary considerably depending on system size, panel quality, roof complexity and installation requirements. A typical commercial installation might range from £20,000 for smaller systems to over £100,000 for larger industrial installations.
However, government grants, tax relief and long-term energy savings can significantly improve the return on investment (ROI). Contact us for a tailored quote based on your specific requirements.