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Systems continue 30+ years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does commercial solar require business rates reassessment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "HMRC currently treats solar panels on business premises as plant and machinery — so rooftop solar does not normally trigger a rates reassessment. Confirm with your accountant." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can we reclaim VAT?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " applies until at least March 2027. After that, VAT-registered businesses can reclaim through their VAT return." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if we move premises?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Panels are a fixed asset and remain with the property. They can be a selling point, transferable under some lease arrangements, or we'll design a new system for your next site." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the system monitored?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "All installations include monitoring via the inverter platform (Solax, Solis, GivEnergy) or a third-party dashboard. Real-time generation, self-consumption and export, with fault alerts." } } ] } ] --- [![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/__l5e/assets-v1/3bd22195-cc6e-43e6-b5ff-5a808ce292d3/alliantenergyltd-2.svg)](/) [Home](/)[About](/about-us) [Services](/services) [Guides](/guides)[Case Studies](/case-study)[![Levelise](/__l5e/assets-v1/59fd362e-361a-47d7-ad1f-65e9beeb5289/levelise-logo.webp)](/guides/levelise-hub-explained) [01282 501589](tel:01282501589)[Get a Quote →](/quote) Pillar guide · Commercial # Commercial Solar Panels for UK Businesses (2026) A well-designed commercial solar system delivers a 20–40% ROI with 3–7 year payback. Fully-funded options mean some businesses save from day one with zero capital outlay. By **Alliant Energy Team**· reviewed by MCS Registered Engineer Last updated 19 May 2026 [Get a Commercial Quote](/quote) [View Case Studies](/case-study) 2.9 yrs Fastest payback 38.7% Top client ROI 100% Year-1 tax relief £0 PPA capital outlay On this page - [The financial case](#case) - [Funding options](#funding) - [What it costs](#cost) - [Planning](#planning) - [By sector](#sectors) - [Battery storage](#battery) - [Installation](#install) - [FAQ](#faq) Ready to act? Free quote in one working day. [Get a Quote →](/quote) UK energy prices aren't returning to pre-2021 levels. For manufacturers, distributors, retailers and hospitality operators, electricity is now one of the largest controllable costs on the balance sheet. Commercial solar addresses that directly. ## The financial case for commercial solar Commercial tariffs run 22p–35p per kWh. A 50,000 kWh/year system replaces up to £17,500 of bought electricity annually. Here's how Alliant's recent installations have performed: Client System Annual saving Payback / ROI Shepherd Distribution 108 panels + 62kW battery £22,389/yr 2.9 yrs / 38.7% Tropical Ices 168 panels (68.88 kWp) £13,700/yr 5.0 yrs / 24.0% Pinder Brothers 19.68 kWp flat-roof £3,700/yr 5.0 yrs / 22.3% These are real figures from real installations — not modelled estimates. Beyond bill savings, commercial solar also delivers SEG export income, improved EPC ratings, ESG reporting wins, and protection from future price rises. ## Funding options for commercial solar ### Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) — zero upfront cost A third-party funder pays for the install. You buy the electricity it generates at a fixed rate below grid for 10–25 years. Immediate bill savings, no capital outlay. Best for businesses with high, consistent daytime use. ### Full Expensing (100% tax relief) Since April 2023, UK companies deduct 100% of qualifying plant and machinery — including commercial solar — from taxable profits in the year of installation. At 25% corporation tax, a £100,000 system effectively costs £75,000. ### Asset finance and commercial loans Repayments can be structured below the monthly energy saving, making the system cash-flow positive from day one. Alliant works with finance providers and can assist with applications. ### Want a tailored business case? Our surveyors aim to visit within five working days, with a detailed financial model — payback, ROI and funding routes. [Get a Commercial Quote](/quote) [View Case Studies](/case-study) ## How much does commercial solar cost? System size Roof area Installed cost Annual generation 10 kWp ~60 m² £12,000–£18,000 ~8,500 kWh 20 kWp ~120 m² £20,000–£30,000 ~17,000 kWh 50 kWp ~300 m² £40,000–£60,000 ~42,500 kWh 100 kWp ~600 m² £70,000–£100,000 ~85,000 kWh Indicative for supply and installation. Flat-roof systems with ballast mounting carry a small premium. Systems needing structural reinforcement or specialist access are quoted individually. ## Planning permission for commercial solar - Systems up to 1MW on commercial, industrial or agricultural buildings typically qualify as Permitted Development. - Listed buildings or some conservation areas need listed building consent or planning permission. - Ground-mounted systems require planning regardless of size. - Very large systems (50kWp+) may trigger DNO notification — we handle this. ## Commercial solar by sector ### Manufacturing and industrial Production processes running 8–12 hours align closely with solar profiles, maximising self-consumption. Our Pinder Brothers (pewter) and Tropical Ices (food production) installations show the range. ### Logistics and distribution Large unshaded roof areas, consistent daytime use. Our Shepherd Distribution install (108 panels + 62kW battery) delivers £22,389/yr at 2.9-year payback. ### Retail and hospitality Dual impact on costs and customer perception. Supports ESG reporting and "renewable-powered" marketing. ### Agricultural and farming Large unshaded barns in high-sunshine areas. The Improving Farm Productivity Grant covers solar PV on agricultural properties. ## Adding battery storage For businesses on time-of-use or half-hourly tariffs, batteries significantly boost returns by charging overnight off-peak and discharging at peak. The Shepherd Distribution 62kW Sunsynk battery was central to its 2.9-year payback. Alliant installs commercial batteries from GivEnergy, Puredrive and Sunsynk in 10kWh–100kWh+ configurations. ## What to expect from a commercial installation - Site survey (week 1–2): roof structure, meter arrangement, electrical infrastructure, shading, load profile. - Quotation and design (week 2–3): system layout, projected generation, payback modelling, funding options. - DNO application (weeks 3–6): we submit the grid-connection application. - Installation (1–5 days): planned around your operational schedule. - Commissioning and handover: full docs including MCS certificate for SEG. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does a commercial solar system last? Panels carry a 25-year performance guarantee and a 15-year product warranty as standard. Inverters: 5–10 year warranty; replacement after 10–15 years. Systems continue 30+ years. ### Does commercial solar require business rates reassessment? HMRC currently treats solar panels on business premises as plant and machinery — so rooftop solar does not normally trigger a rates reassessment. Confirm with your accountant. ### Can we reclaim VAT? applies until at least March 2027. After that, VAT-registered businesses can reclaim through their VAT return. ### What if we move premises? Panels are a fixed asset and remain with the property. They can be a selling point, transferable under some lease arrangements, or we'll design a new system for your next site. ### How is the system monitored? All installations include monitoring via the inverter platform (Solax, Solis, GivEnergy) or a third-party dashboard. Real-time generation, self-consumption and export, with fault alerts. Three ways to get started ## Ready to find out what solar saves you? Get a tailored quote in one working day. No obligation. No hard sell. Speak to a renewable energy engineer — not a salesperson — at a time that suits you. [Get a Quote → ](/quote) [Request a Callback →](/request-callback) [Download Brochure →](/brochure) Accreditations ## Certified, registered, and insured. Every time. MCS certification isn't a box-ticking exercise — it qualifies your system for Smart Export Guarantee payments and government grants. Our installers are also NICEIC-approved and TrustMark-registered, and every install is fully insured. ![Citation ISO Certification: ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety](/__l5e/assets-v1/180183cd-e6fd-4b0a-984c-83e6a41390d7/accreditations-iso.jpg) ![Alliant Energy — Renewable Energy Solutions](/assets/logo-IFrgP5Dc.png) Renewable energy & energy-saving specialists. MCS-registered solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging across the UK. #### Quick Links - [Home](/) - [About Us](/about-us) - [Services](/services) - [Case Studies](/case-study) - [Areas We Cover](/solar-panel-quotes-north-west) - [Contact](/contact) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms & Conditions](/terms) #### Services - [Solar for Homes](/services/solar) - [Commercial Solar](/services/commercial-solar) - [Battery Storage](/services/battery-storage) - [Air Source Heat Pumps](/services/heat-pumps) - [EV Charging](/services/ev-charging) - [Energy Saving Advice](/services/energy-saving-advice) #### Contact - [01282 501589](tel:01282501589) - [info@alliantenergy.co.uk](mailto:info@alliantenergy.co.uk) - Unit 214 Northlight Industries, Pendle Road, Brierfield, Nelson BB9 5FL [Get a Quote](/quote)[Brochure](/brochure) Alliant Energy Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 1020779) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks. © 2026 Alliant Energy Ltd. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy)[Terms & Conditions](/terms) MCS Registered · TrustMark · NICEIC [Chat with AI](/chat) [Call back](/request-callback) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Get a Brochure](/brochure) [Get a Quote](/quote) [Chat with AI](/chat)