Solar panel funding is available for businesses, but there is no single nationwide grant that every SME can claim.
Support isn't automatic. Funding varies by location, business size, sector and project, so knowing where to look is just as important as knowing what you're eligible for.
The challenge is finding the time to navigate funding options and develop the expertise needed while keeping your business running. We can help.
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There are several ways businesses can reduce the cost of installing solar panels or spread the costs, including government grants, tax incentives and finance.
Solar energy grants: These may come in the form of national government schemes designed to encourage renewable technology installations or local authority funding.
Tax incentives: Businesses may be able to reduce the cost of installing solar panels through tax incentives, including capital allowances.
Green loans: Government-backed or commercial green finance allows businesses to spread the upfront cost over time while using savings on energy bills to help offset repayments.
Asset finance: Businesses can use asset finance options such as leasing or hire purchase to spread the cost of solar equipment and installation, reducing the upfront capital required.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): A PPA can allow a business to access solar-generated electricity without paying the full upfront cost of installing the system. A third party typically funds, owns and operates the solar installation, while the business agrees to buy the electricity generated at an agreed price for a set period.
Not every SME automatically qualifies for solar panel funding. Eligibility for specific schemes and incentives usually depends on several of the following factors:
Installing solar isn’t as simple as strapping a panel to your roof and plugging it in. There are several costs associated with projects that you should consider.
Depending on the scheme, funding may contribute towards:
There is no single website listing every solar funding opportunity available to UK businesses. Grants, tax incentives and finance options are administered by different organisations and can change over time.
Depending on your business and location, it may be worth checking:
Funding windows can open and close quickly, eligibility criteria change, and some schemes require applications to be submitted before work begins. Checking the rules carefully before committing to a project is essential.
Alternatively, Troo can help you explore renewable energy solutions and appropriate funding sources.
The exact process to unlocking funding depends on the scheme, but most follow a similar journey:
Every business is different. Even without grants or incentives, solar panels may still represent a strong commercial investment for many businesses, although the upfront costs may be higher.
This could delay the return on investment from renewable projects, but it does not necessarily mean the investment won't deliver a worthwhile return.
The financial viability of solar panels depends on factors such as:
External funding could be part of your business case, but simply having access to funding shouldn’t be the sole reason to invest.
It’s tricky to know where to start with renewable energy for business. The boom feels new and overwhelming. There’s a lot of noise. You can’t separate the truth from myths and rumours.
We get it. We can support you.
Troo exists to help businesses like yours make sense of their energy needs, simplify complex information and make smart decisions that lead to real change and reduced costs.
We are not here to sell you a quick fix. We're here to understand what matters to you, offer clear advice, and take ownership of the hard parts, so energy becomes one less thing to worry about.
Book a free energy health check today to explore renewable energy options for your business.