Commercial solar · Hub
Commercial Solar Panels for UK Businesses
Last updated 15 October 2026 · Figures indicative
Short answer: Commercial solar panels are photovoltaic (PV) systems, typically 30kWp to several MWp, installed on business roofs, car-park canopies or land to cut electricity costs and carbon. In 2026 UK systems cost roughly £700–£1,050 per kWp to buy, pay back in 3–7 years, or can be installed with no upfront cost through a solar PPA.
What counts as commercial solar
| System | Roof area | Generation/yr | Typical site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 kWp | ≈167 m² | 25,500–31,500 kWh | Small office, shop |
| 100 kWp | ≈556 m² | 85,000–105,000 kWh | Workshop, school |
| 250 kWp | ≈1,389 m² | 212,500–262,500 kWh | Mid-size warehouse |
| 500 kWp | ≈2,778 m² | 425,000–525,000 kWh | Factory, cold store |
| 1 MWp | ≈5,556 m² | 850,000–1,050,000 kWh | Distribution centre |
| 5 MWp | ≈27,778 m² | 4,250,000–5,250,000 kWh | Industrial / ground-mount |
Rooftop, ground-mount, carport and facade
- Rooftop: the most common and lowest-cost option, using space you already have.
- Ground-mount: for sites with spare land; more likely to need planning.
- Carport canopies: generate power and shelter vehicles; higher cost per kWp.
- Facade / building-integrated: niche, usually for new builds.
Panels, inverters and mounting
Most commercial systems use monocrystalline panels around 400–600W each, with string inverters or, on large sites, central inverters. Mounting depends on the roof:
- Metal profile roofs: clamp or rail systems fixed to the seams.
- Flat membrane roofs: ballasted frames that don't penetrate the roof.
- Fragile or asbestos roofs: over-cladding, non-penetrative systems or roof replacement first.
Installation process and timeline
From first contact to switch-on usually takes 4–9 months: design, survey, contract, DNO application, then 2–8 weeks on site. See the step-by-step guide to how a solar PPA works.
Costs and payback
Buying typically costs £850–£1,050/kWp around 100kWp and £700–£850/kWp above 1MWp, with payback of 3–7 years. Full tables in commercial solar panel costs.
Indicative installed cost ~100kWp; DESNZ publishes no official series above 50kW, so this is a market range. As of October 2026.
Ways to pay: buy, finance, lease or PPA
You can buy outright, use asset finance or a loan, lease the equipment, or install with no upfront cost through a PPA. Compare them in commercial solar financing.
Grid connection and export
Commercial systems almost always need a G99 application to the DNO. Where the local network is constrained, export limitation (G100) caps what you send to the grid. Large sites are covered in industrial solar.
Adding batteries and EV charging
Batteries store surplus solar for later and can cut peak-time charges; solar can also power fleet or staff EV charging during the day. See commercial battery storage.
Choosing an MCS-certified installer
- Check MCS certification on the public register.
- Ask for commercial references of a similar size and roof type.
- Confirm workmanship warranty and who handles O&M.
- Get the generation forecast and assumptions in writing.
For SMEs, see our plain-English guide to solar panels for business.
Planning permission and permitted development
In England, many non-domestic rooftop installations are permitted development, subject to conditions (listed buildings, conservation areas and certain size limits). Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate rules. Your installer should confirm before work starts.
Related reading: our complete guide to solar power purchase agreements, commercial solar panel costs in 2026, solar panels for smaller businesses, industrial-scale solar, pairing panels with a battery and solar by business sector.
Commercial solar panel FAQs
How many panels does a warehouse need?
It depends on roof area and demand rather than a fixed number. A typical 5,000m² warehouse roof could take around 900kWp, or roughly 2,000 panels of about 450W each, though systems are usually sized to match daytime demand rather than fill the roof. Half-hourly data sets the right size.
Do commercial solar panels work in winter?
Yes. Solar panels generate from daylight, not heat, and still produce on overcast days, though less. A well-sited UK commercial system typically generates about 850–1,100 kWh per kWp each year, with most output between April and September.
How long do commercial solar panels last?
Modern panels typically carry 25–30 year performance warranties and often keep generating beyond 30 years, losing around 0.4–0.5% of output a year. Inverters usually need replacing once, at around 10–15 years.
Do we need planning permission?
Often not. In England, many non-domestic rooftop solar installations fall under permitted development rights, subject to conditions such as listed buildings and conservation areas. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules. Ground-mounted and very large systems are more likely to need planning permission — your installer should confirm before work starts.
Can solar go on an asbestos roof?
Sometimes. Fixing directly into asbestos cement sheets is generally avoided; options include over-cladding the roof first, using a non-penetrative mounting system, or replacing the roof as part of the project. An asbestos survey and structural assessment are required before design.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors (DESNZ)
- legislation.gov.uk — The Non-Domestic Rating (Plant and Machinery) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022, SI 2022/405
- HMRC — Capital allowances: Annual Investment Allowance and first-year allowances
- Energy Networks Association — G98 and G99 connection requirements
- European Commission JRC — PVGIS photovoltaic yield tool
Price ranges for larger systems, running costs, batteries and PPA rates are indicative market ranges from UK installer, funder and market sources; no official series exists above 50kWp.
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