Solar with no upfront cost – Your questions answered
Rising bills. Pressure to cut carbon. A building that could easily take panels but no budget to pay for them.
If you’ve looked into solar and stepped back because the numbers didn’t add up, you’re not alone. We speak to businesses all the time who want to do something, but feel stuck between cost, commitment and complexity.
That’s why Solar for All exists.
It’s a fully funded solar solution that removes the upfront costs and hands over the maintenance. You don’t pay for the installation, you only pay for the energy the system generates, often at a lower rate than your current supply. Contracts are flexible, and there’s even the option to buy the system outright later if you want to.
Below, we’ve answered the questions we hear most often from businesses who are exploring whether this could be the right fit for them.
Do I need permission from the building owner?
Yes, we’ll need the building owner’s permission to install the system on the roof.
Who owns the system?
The solar system is installed and funded by HDM Energies, a trusted partner with years of experience delivering renewable solutions for commercial buildings. They also handle the maintenance, monitoring and performance. Your business gets to use the energy it generates at a fixed rate. If you’d prefer to take ownership down the line, that’s an option too. You can buy the system outright at any time.
How long are the contracts?
That’s up to you. Contract lengths range from 5 to 25 years, depending on what works best for your business. The longer the contract, the lower the rate we’re able to offer. Most businesses choose a 10–15 year term as a balance between flexibility and value. The rate is fixed for the full term, so it won’t increase during your agreement.
What happens at the end of the contract?
When the contract ends, you can choose what happens next. You can:
- Ask us to remove the system
- Continue using the solar and pay the same rate
- Or buy the system at a reduced cost, based on its age
Whatever you decide, you won’t be locked into a follow-on contract without your say.
What if I move or sell the building?
If you move or sell the building, the contract can either transfer to the new owner or occupant at the same rate, or you can choose to buy the system at a proportional cost. In our experience, having a clean energy supply already installed is a strong selling point.
Will you maintain the system?
Yes. HDM Energies monitors, maintains and cleans the system to keep it working as efficiently as possible. That includes checking performance remotely, identifying any faults, and resolving any issues quickly to maximise uptime.
But what if it breaks down, will I lose power?
No. The solar system works alongside your existing electricity supply. If it ever goes offline for maintenance or repair, you’ll continue to receive power from the grid as normal. There’s no disruption to your business.
What about a power cut, can solar work as a backup?
Solar alone doesn’t provide backup during a grid failure, but battery storage can. We offer optional battery solutions which can be integrated into your system and used to maintain supply during outages. This comes with an added cost, but for businesses that can’t afford downtime, it’s worth exploring.
Can we include battery storage or EV charging?
Yes. If you’re looking to futureproof your energy setup, battery storage and EV charging infrastructure can be included as part of your system design. We’ll talk through what your site needs and explore what makes sense based on how you operate and use energy.
Will my energy supplier charge me for using less?
Some business energy contracts include a “take or pay” clause, where you’re required to use a minimum amount of energy. At Troo, we’ll review your supply agreement and flag any risks upfront. If needed, we’ll work with your supplier to renegotiate terms or find a more suitable contract that reflects your new usage levels. Battery storage can also help smooth your grid usage and reduce these risks.
Can we leave early?
You can. If you choose to leave early, you’ll be asked to purchase the system for a fair value based on how long it’s been installed. As a general guide: for a 10-year contract, the buyout cost reduces by around 10% each year.
Can I just buy the system instead?
Yes, if you’d rather buy the system outright from the start, that’s also an option. The Solar for All model is designed for businesses who want to reduce capital outlay and still benefit from solar, but we can provide a competitive quote if you’d prefer to own the asset and take full benefit from day one.
How will I be billed?
We install a dedicated meter to measure the energy generated and used from the system. Each month, you’ll receive a clear, itemised bill based on how much solar energy you’ve consumed.
- No standing charges
- No hidden fees
- Just one low fixed rate per unit of energy you use from the system
Your existing supplier will still bill you separately for any grid electricity used.
Can you give me an idea of how this might work in practice?
Here’s a simple example:
Before installing the system, you used 10,000 kWh at 30p per unit = £3,000.
After installation, the solar system provides 7,500 kWh at 15p per unit = £1,125.
The remaining 2,500 kWh comes from your grid supplier at 30p = £750.
Total = £1,875. A reduction of £1,125 for the same energy use.
These figures are illustrative. We’ll work with you to model what’s realistic for your building and energy usage.
Still have questions?
You’re not expected to know all the answers, that’s what we’re here for. If you’d like to talk it through, we’ll walk you through how it works, what to consider, and whether it’s right for you.
Find out how Solar for All could work for your site
