The solar panel installation market in the UK is gaining momentum, but are commercial solar panels worth the investment? Let’s take a look at why solar energy makes sense for commercial buildings.

Commercial property owners are under increasing pressure to reduce overheads, improve their green credentials and future-proof their operations to remain competitive. Solar energy offers a practical solution to all three, and with advances in technology, financing and tax incentives, it’s more accessible than ever.

DMB specialises in solar panels, battery storage and EV charging solutions for businesses.

We assess, design, install and critically, maintain and repair renewable energy systems for clients across the UK.

We are here to simplify the solar installation journey, so let’s address the question: Are commercial solar panels worth the investment? and why they make commercial sense for business owners like you.

What are the benefits of commercial solar?

First up, the big one!

#1 Save on operational costs

One of the biggest advantages of installing solar panels on a commercial building is the immediate and long-term reduction in energy costs. With solar, you can:

  • Reduce your energy bills
  • Reduce your reliance on the grid and better forecast energy bills
  • Produce electricity during peak demand periods
  • Protect your business from rising electricity prices
  • Turn unused space into energy and revenue-generating space
  • Get a tangible return on investment (more on that later)
  • Save money – depending on the size of your system, some businesses save tens of thousands of pounds over the lifetime of the installation. Keep reading to see what one of our clients saved

#2 Improve sustainability credentials and reduce your carbon footprint

Sustainability is no longer a box-ticking exercise – it’s a core part of business operations.

Installing solar helps to:

  • Reduce Scope 2 emissions, which relate to purchased electricity
  • Improve your business’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings
  • Appeal to environmentally conscious customers, investors, and supply chain partners
  • Meet net zero targets ahead of incoming regulatory deadlines
  • Reduce your reliance on carbon – solar panels typically reduce carbon emissions by 1 tonne per kW installed each year. Over 15+ years, that adds up to a significant contribution to global climate goals

#3 Take advantage of tax incentives and grants

Investing in solar isn’t just about saving money – you can also claim back a large chunk of your initial outlay with various schemes. Speak to our team, and we can help guide you on any of the below.

Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)

The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) allows for 100% tax relief on machinery and plant to install solar on new buildings. Please check with a tax specialist to see if your project is eligible.

Regional Growth Hub Funding

Regional Business Boards/Growth Hubs, previously known as Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), frequently offer match funding or grants to support solar and energy efficiency measures. This varies significantly from region to region, so please check via your regional Growth Hub website and speak with our team, who can advise you on the application process.

Agricultural Grants

Some farming and agricultural businesses can apply for grants to fund energy efficiency installations. There is a Farm Productivity Grant (subject to funding rounds) that provides up to 100% of the cost for solar systems.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

Many businesses opt for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or green asset finance, which allows them to install solar with zero upfront cost. The PPA asset funder will retain ownership, but your installer will include a warranty for 2-5 years.

Power is purchased at an agreed-upon rate, which is below the normal charge for energy. These types of schemes typically last for 20-25 years.

Asset Finance

Asset finance is simpler – once paid, the ownership of the system reverts to the building owner. Typically, these run over five years and are funded from savings.

Get in touch to discuss your options with a member of our team.

#4 See a tangible return on investment

Savings vary by project, but the figures below provide a representation of a typical system.

  • Payback period: 6 to 8 years
  • Lifespan of solar panels: 15+ years
  • Inverter replacement: Once every 10-15 years

One of our recent clients installed a system with a payback period of just five years, reducing their CO2 emissions by 66 tonnes and making combined energy and export savings of around £24,000 per year. View the case study here.

Tips to maximise ROI

  • Use more of your solar power on-site (vs exporting it)
  • Install battery storage to shift usage into the evenings
  • Maintain your system to avoid efficiency loss

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We’re often asked questions about planning and building regulations as well as costs, timings and the installation process – so here are our top FAQs to help you navigate commercial solar.

#1 Do you need planning permission for commercial solar?

In most cases, planning permission is not required. Commercial rooftop solar installations typically fall under Permitted Development Rights (PDR). However, you will need permission if:

  • Your building is listed or in a conservation area
  • You’re installing large ground-mounted systems
  • The installation alters the building height significantly

#2 Do you need building regulations approval?

Yes – solar installations must comply with building regulations, especially regarding:

  • Roof loading capacity and structural safety
  • Fire safety and inverter location standards

Reputable, certified installers will handle this on your behalf as part of the design and installation process.

#3 Is commercial solar profitable?

Yes – commercial solar will see your business benefit from:

  • Lower operational costs
  • Long system lifespan (15+ years)
  • Rising energy prices making on-site generation increasingly valuable
  • Extra income from schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

#4 How often should commercial solar panels be cleaned?

  • Ideally, once or twice per year
  • More frequently, if your site is in a dusty, industrial or coastal location

#5 What maintenance is required for commercial solar?

  • An annual service on wiring, panels and inverter
  • Remote performance monitoring to detect faults early (via an app)
  • Periodic cleaning to maintain peak output

#6 How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

  • Most panels last 15+ years with minimal degradation
  • Performance typically drops just 0.5% per year
  • Inverters last around 10 to 15 years – you’ll likely need one replacement over the system’s lifetime

#7 What are solar carports?

For businesses without roof space or with large car parks, solar carports are an excellent solution. They provide durable vehicle shelter while generating clean solar power and can be installed independently or in conjunction with a roof-mounted solar PV system on your primary premises. They are an excellent solution for businesses that have limited or no roof space.

Carport benefits:

  • Optimise unused space with solar PV panels
  • Charge electric vehicles on-site
  • Implement a cost-effective charging system for staff and visitors to charge their electric vehicles, creating a potential new revenue source
  • Provide shade for vehicles

#8 What is battery storage?

Battery storage enables businesses to store excess solar energy, reduce their dependence on the grid, and ensure reliable backup power when needed. Integrating battery units with your solar panel system optimises energy utilisation, and our stand-alone battery options also help businesses to store energy when it’s cheaper and discharge it during peak times.

Battery storage benefits:

  • Store and utilise all your solar-generated energy
  • Access emergency power when you need it
  • Manage energy consumption efficiently by storing electricity in your battery when it’s cheapest and using it later when electricity is more expensive.

Good to know….

Our energy storage solutions are scalable, allowing us to adapt our solution to suit any site size, from small businesses to large-scale solar parks.

#9 What is the process for installation?

  1. Contact us or request a callback
  2. We’ll have an initial chat to discuss your objectives and conduct a site analysis (either via Google or at your location)
  3. We’ll then develop a proposal and a budget estimate
  4. We’ll also support you with funding and national grid applications
  5. Our team will install your system to a market-leading, certified standard
  6. We will service and maintain your system, post-installation

So back to the original question: Are commercial solar panels worth the investment?

In short, yes. Solar energy makes perfect commercial sense. It slashes energy bills, enhances your green credentials and delivers a stable return over decades – all while reducing your exposure to rising grid prices.

With planning and building regulations now streamlined, and grants and tax incentives widely available, there’s never been a better time to take control of your energy future.

Ready to explore solar for your business?

Get in touch with our team at DMB Solar.