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Commercial Solar Finance

You've had the survey. You've got the quote. Now let's get it funded. 


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You Already Know Solar Makes Sense

If you're reading this, chances are you've already spoken to an installer. You've seen the projections, reduced daytime electricity costs, protection against rising unit rates, and a system that starts paying for itself from day one.

Commercial solar is one of the most straightforward energy investments a business can make. The technology is proven, the returns are well understood, and most projects reach payback within 4 to 7 years depending on your consumption profile and system size.The challenge isn't whether solar works. It's getting the project funded without tying up capital you need elsewhere in the business.

Why Good Solar Projects Get StuckHow We Approach Solar FinanceWhat If You're Thinking Beyond Solar?Get Your Solar Project Moving

Why Good Solar Projects Get Stuck

Most solar proposals are technically sound. The installer has done their job, site survey, system design, projected generation figures, payback calculations. But then the project lands on someone's desk and competes against every other capital request in the business.

The result? A perfectly viable project sits in a drawer because the business can't justify the upfront outlay right now. Or it gets pushed to next year's budget. 

Or the year after.

This is where we come in.

How We Approach Solar Finance

We don't need to be convinced that solar works, we already understand the commercial logic. When you come to us with a proposal, we're not starting from scratch. We understand generation profiles, self-consumption ratios, export tariffs, and how these translate into operational savings.

This means we can structure a funding conversation around what the project actually delivers, not just what it costs. We work with specialist lenders who understand energy projects and can assess your proposal on its commercial merits. 

Your installer stays in place. 

Your quote stays as it is. 

We simply find the right funding structure to get the project signed off and installed.

What If You're Thinking Beyond Solar?

Some businesses come to us with a solar quote and mention they're also looking at LED upgrades, or power factor correction, or voltage optimisation down the line. If that's you, it's worth knowing that these don't necessarily need to be separate projects with separate finance applications.

We can look at the bigger picture now, one conversation, one application, rather than you going through this process multiple times. But if solar is the only project on the table, that's absolutely fine too.

Get Your Solar Project Moving

If you've got a proposal from an installer and you'd like to explore funding options, we're happy to have a conversation. No commitment, no jargon, and no pressure to add anything you don't need.

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Frequently Asked Questions


In most cases, rooftop solar installations on commercial buildings fall under permitted development rights and don't require a formal planning application. There are exceptions, listed buildings, conservation areas, and installations that protrude significantly above the roofline may need approval. Your installer should have confirmed this as part of their proposal.

Most commercial solar installations achieve payback within 4 to 7 years, depending on system size, your electricity consumption profile, and how much generated power you use on site versus exporting. Systems where the business consumes most of the generated electricity during working hours tend to pay back fastest.

Yes, in many cases. The key factors are the length of your lease (lenders typically want the lease to extend beyond the finance term), whether your landlord consents to the installation, and the overall business profile. We've seen solar projects funded on leased buildings where the commercial case is strong.

Solar panels qualify for capital allowances under the government's Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme for energy-saving technologies. Full expensing (100% first-year allowance) is currently available for qualifying plant and machinery. 

Your accountant can confirm the specific tax position for your business.

This is a question for your installer, but generally a competent installation using appropriate mounting systems should not void a roof warranty. Most installers will provide their own warranty covering the mounting system and any roof penetrations. It's worth confirming this with both your installer and your roofing contractor.

Solar installations are typically considered fixtures and would remain with the building. This is worth considering when structuring the finance - the asset stays with the property, but the energy savings benefit whoever occupies the building. 

If you're a tenant, this should be addressed in your landlord consent agreement.

Yes. Battery storage is increasingly common alongside commercial solar, particularly for businesses that want to maximise self-consumption or access time-of-use tariff benefits. If your installer has quoted for solar plus storage, this can typically be structured within one finance facility.

There are several structures available including hire purchase, finance lease, and operating lease. The right structure depends on your business circumstances, tax position, and whether you want to own the equipment outright at the end of the term. 

We'll explain the options in plain English when we talk.

Not necessarily before starting the finance conversation, but lenders will want to know that grid connection has been addressed. If your system is under 50kW (single phase) or under 3.68kW per phase, the process is simpler. 

Your installer should be managing the DNO application as part of their scope.

If you're also considering LED lighting, power factor correction, or other improvements alongside solar, these can potentially be structured within one finance facility. This isn't something we push, but if it's relevant to your situation, it's worth mentioning when we talk. One application is simpler than three.

Your installer's proposal is the starting point. Ideally it includes system size, projected annual generation, estimated savings, and installation cost. Beyond that, we'll need basic company information and recent accounts. We'll tell you exactly what's needed after an initial conversation.

Not at all. We work alongside your chosen installer, they deliver the project, we help get it funded. Many installers refer clients to us directly because getting finance sorted means their project gets signed off and they can get on site.

Discuss a Commercial Solar Project

If your project has technical approval but is struggling to secure financial approval, Locataire Capital can help you explore possible funding structures for energy efficiency and transition projects.

Discuss Your Project