Can a commercial solar system be financed?
Yes. Possible routes include asset finance, leasing, business borrowing and third-party funded structures. Availability depends on the organisation, site, project and provider.
Can solar be installed with no upfront payment?
Some PPAs and fully funded structures may require little or no equipment purchase cost, but they create long-term contractual obligations and remain subject to eligibility.
Will the energy savings cover the finance payment?
They may cover part or all of it, but this is not guaranteed. Generation, on-site use, prices, finance terms, maintenance and site conditions all affect the result.
What finance terms may be available?
Terms depend on the provider, product, project and customer. UEG will not present a term as available until it has been confirmed for the proposal.
What interest rate will my business pay?
Only a provider can confirm a rate after assessment. Calculator rates are editable illustrations, not offers.
Can I make a deposit?
Many finance structures may accept or require a contribution. A larger deposit usually reduces the amount financed.
Can I repay the finance early?
Possibly, but settlement terms and charges depend on the agreement and should be checked before signing.
Who owns the solar panels during the agreement?
It depends on the structure. A customer may own them under a loan, while a funder normally owns them under a lease or PPA.
Who owns the panels at the end?
Hire purchase may transfer ownership after the final payment and fee. Leases, PPAs and funded structures have contract-specific end arrangements.
What happens if I sell the building?
The finance and property documents need clear sale, assignment, buy-out or removal provisions. Obtain legal advice before committing.
What happens if my lease ends?
The solar agreement should be aligned with the property lease and address removal, transfer and landlord consent.
Can a tenant finance solar panels?
Potentially, with suitable landlord and lender consent and a term that works with the remaining lease.
Can a landlord install solar for a tenant?
Yes, subject to a clear structure for investment, electricity benefit, metering, service charges and lease obligations.
What is a solar PPA?
A third party normally owns and operates the system and the occupier buys the electricity it generates under a long-term agreement.
How is a PPA different from leasing?
A PPA generally charges for generated electricity; a lease generally charges for use of equipment. Contract terms vary.
Is fully funded solar really free?
No equipment purchase may be required, but there are contractual obligations involving the roof, electricity, access or term.
Can battery storage be included?
Potentially. It must be designed and valued alongside the site’s load, tariffs, controls and solar profile.
Can EV chargers be included?
Potentially. Eligibility depends on the product and provider, and the charging design must account for grid capacity and usage.
Can roof repairs be included?
Sometimes, but this depends on the funding structure and provider. Roof scope and ownership must be clearly separated.
Can VAT be financed?
Some arrangements may accommodate VAT, but treatment and timing vary. Confirm with the provider and your tax adviser.
Are maintenance and insurance included?
They may be under a PPA, service or rental structure. Ownership finance does not automatically include them.
Are finance payments fixed?
Some products may offer predictable payments; others may be variable or indexed. Check the actual agreement.
Is finance available to a new business?
It may be more limited and could require additional security or support. Only a provider can confirm eligibility.
Will personal guarantees be required?
They may be requested depending on the organisation, product and underwriting. UEG does not assume they will or will not be required.
Does applying affect the company’s credit record?
A provider may carry out credit searches. The type and effect should be disclosed before an application. This page performs no credit check.
Can schools and charities obtain solar finance?
Potential routes include sector-specific borrowing, PPAs, community investment and verified support programmes.
Are solar grants available?
Occasionally. Availability is location-, date- and eligibility-specific. No grant should be relied on until formally confirmed.
Can my business claim capital allowances?
Qualifying plant and machinery may be eligible, but the customer, ownership, agreement and current tax rules determine the position. Ask your adviser.
What happens if the system generates less than forecast?
Savings may be lower. Proposals should state modelling assumptions, warranties, maintenance responsibilities and any contractual performance provisions.
What information is required for a finance application?
Common requests include company details, accounts, bank information, project documents, electricity data and property consents. Requirements vary.
How long does finance approval take?
It varies with the provider, project complexity, information supplied, credit review and property consents. No fixed timescale is promised.
Is the calculator a formal quote?
No. It is an educational illustration based only on the assumptions entered.
Does UEG provide financial or tax advice?
No. UEG explains project economics and potential structures. Obtain appropriate independent advice before relying on financial, legal, accounting or tax treatment.
What happens if electricity prices fall?
The value of displaced grid electricity may fall and the forecast benefit may reduce. Use the calculator to test conservative assumptions.
Can I compare cash purchase, finance and a PPA using the same assumptions?
Cash and amortising finance can be compared here. A PPA comparison requires an approved PPA price, indexation and contract assumptions, which are not pre-filled.
