Commercial Solar Panels in the UK: Guide (January 2025)

Commercial solar panels can be beneficial regardless of whether your company is large or small. Most businesses are active during the day, which means they are the perfect candidates for utilising solar panels and enjoying the cost savings that come with them. Let’s see if commercial solar panels are right for you.

Interested in commercial solar panels? We can help you get the best deal! Don’t waste hours contacting installers on your own. Simply fill out our 30-second form, and we’ll do the rest. We’ll connect you with up to 4 trusted solar panel installers near you for free, no-obligation quotes. Click below to get started.

Commercial solar panel installation can bring many benefits:

On average, commercial solar panels cost between £16,000 - £60,000 for small to medium-sized businesses. Several factors influence the cost of solar panels, such as roof size, the amount of energy produced and the number used.

Most small to medium-sized businesses use 30,000 - 50,000kWh of electricity each year. Depending on where your business is located in the UK, your system size, and the cost per kilowatt (kW), this can vary.

Begin by evaluating the cost to determine if solar panels are a feasible option for your business. Take a closer look at your utility bill and see how much energy you use each month, along with how much the utility company charges you per kW.

A general breakdown of the cost of commercial solar panels can be seen below, excluding VAT.

For context, a 15kW solar panel system is typically sufficient to meet the energy needs of a small business in the UK, which generally consumes between 39kWh and 60kWh per day. According to energy providers, the average daily energy consumption for small businesses in the UK ranges from 41kWh to 68kWh. 

Based on these figures, the average small business would spend approximately £15,000 to £16,000 on a 15kW solar panel system.

If you operate a small business, you could get a price estimate by comparing the installation cost of solar panels and solar battery prices in the UK.

In addition, you may be eligible for tax relief if you have commercial solar panels installed. However, this is not possible for businesses that rely on solar energy for revenue generation, such as solar farms.

When installing a solar panel system for your business, the main expenses are the panels and inverters. Installation costs may increase for larger systems, especially if additional time or workers are required. A rough estimate for commercial installation is 0.2p per Watt fitted, meaning a 10kW system could cost approximately £2,000 (excl. VAT). Larger systems requiring more workers will thus incur higher installation costs.

Annual solar panel maintenance costs typically range between £100 and £200, or you can do it yourself for free. Major component replacements, such as string inverters (£1,000–£2,000 every 10 years) or optional battery storage (£5,000–£15,000), are more significant expenses.

Insurance may add £10–£20 per month to your home policy or a one-time specialised solar panel insurance fee of £400–£1,600, depending on the system size and coverage. Integrated monitoring systems can reduce maintenance frequency by enabling easy issue detection.

While it’s commonplace for homes, can businesses also benefit from solar panel grants and get free solar panels? Currently, the UK does not offer government grants for solar panels on commercial buildings. On the other hand, the UK government has also applied 0% VAT on goods like solar panels and sustainable technologies, which can save on purchase costs.

Available grants are constantly updated, so staying informed is best. For this reason, we can find up to 4 free quotes from solar experts in your area who can assist you along the way. Avoid the hassle of spending days on research and comparisons on your own. Fill in our 30-second form, and we’ll do the rest.

Commercial solar panels for small to medium-sized businesses in the UK typically cost between £16,000 and £60,000 for 20kW to 50kW systems. 

While the upfront cost may seem high, businesses can break even in 4 to 5 years due to these systems' high solar absorption capacities and opportunities to sell excess electricity back to the grid through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). 

Below is a breakdown of the potential solar panel savings by system size, which can help you understand the lifetime savings you can expect by opting for commercial solar panels for your business.

Based on average electricity consumption (kWh) according to Ofgem and estimated electricity generated per year (kWh). These costs are estimates. Get a local installer QUOTE now!

There are many advantages of solar energy, such as cost, efficiency, and income potential. Below, we break down the 3 key advantages of using solar panels for your business.

Our service can quickly and easily help you obtain up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from reliable companies in your area. They can assess your situation and advise you on the best prices. Click the button below to get started.

As with most things, commercial solar installation has its disadvantages that are worth keeping in mind.

In some situations, you may need to obtain planning permission for solar panels before installing commercial solar panels. In many cases, the contracting company completing the installation may be willing to sort out these permissions on your behalf.

Always ask before signing any contracts so you know what to expect. Some regions require planning permission to install solar panels on flat roofs. You will need permission if your building or property site is designated as historical or part of a world heritage site.

If you reside in a conservation area and require additional assistance regarding solar panels, we have prepared a comprehensive guide specifically tailored for solar panels in conservation areas.

If you are in doubt, we highly recommend consulting a professional solar panel installer. There are many qualified installation companies across the UK, but finding the right one can take days of research, calling, or emailing. However, by filling in our 30-second form, you can be connected with up to 4 different vetted installers in no time.

Each installer will be able to help you with several things:

In a nutshell, we can easily confirm that commercial solar panels are worth it for business owners in the UK. This can seem surprising since their upfront costs may appear substantial, ranging from £16,000 to £60,000. However, with annual savings of up to £8,150 and low maintenance costs, they quickly become cost-effective. 

Solar panels also provide energy independence and insulation from fluctuating electricity prices, and when paired with a battery, they can serve as a backup during power outages.

In addition, financial incentives like the SEG scheme and the 0% VAT policy enhance their appeal, allowing businesses to earn extra income by selling excess energy. Industrial users can further benefit from Power Purchase Agreements or participation in the Capacity Market.

While the variety of manufacturers and systems may seem overwhelming, the long-term financial and environmental benefits make solar panels a valuable investment.

There are two ways to compare solar experts in your area. You can spend hours of your spare time searching for them alone, or you can simply fill out our 30-second form and let us do the hard work. We’ll connect you with up to 4 trusted installers in your area. Click below to get started!