Sectors · Offices
Solar Panels and PPAs for Offices
Last updated 15 October 2026 · Figures indicative
Short answer: Offices suit solar because heating, cooling, lighting and IT run through the working day. Roofs are often smaller than industrial sites, so systems of 30–150kWp are common; many office occupiers also need lower Scope 2 emissions for reporting and EPC targets.
Why offices suits solar
- Weekday daytime demand matches the solar curve.
- Air conditioning peaks on sunny afternoons.
- Solar supports Scope 2 reporting and net-zero commitments.
- It can help an EPC rating, relevant to MEES rules for let property.
Typical system size and savings
A 4,000m² office building with a 80kWp system, using 350,000 kWh a year. Generation at 950 kWh/kWp, 75% used on site, grid at 26p/kWh and a PPA at 12p/kWh.
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Annual generation | 76,000 kWh |
| Solar used on site | 57,000 kWh (16% of demand) |
| Year-1 PPA saving vs grid | £7,980 |
| Carbon avoided | ≈15 tCO₂e/yr |
Grid rate within 24–28p/kWh (August 2026); PPA rate within 10–14p/kWh; carbon factor 0.2 kgCO₂e/kWh. Exported power is normally the provider's.
Roof and site considerations
- Roofs often carry plant, so usable area is limited.
- Flat roofs need ballasted frames and a check of loading capacity.
- Weekends lower self-consumption unless the site is in use.
- Smaller systems may connect under G98 notification.
Funding options for offices
Below about 100kWp, some PPA funders won't take a project, so smaller offices often buy outright or lease. Larger headquarters and multi-let office parks can usually access PPAs. Compare routes in our commercial solar finance guide and the PPA vs buying comparison, or read our complete guide to solar PPAs.
Sector-specific risks
- Size: very small systems may be below PPA funders' minimums.
- Tenure: offices are often leased with short terms.
- Weekend export: low weekend demand reduces savings unless a battery is added.
Related sectors
- Solar for retail & shopping centres
- Solar for schools & education
- Solar for landlords & commercial property
Solar for offices: FAQs
Can a small office get a solar PPA?
Sometimes. Many funders look for systems of about 100kWp or more, so small offices often buy, lease or join a portfolio PPA. Our eligibility check will tell you which route fits.
Does solar improve an office's EPC?
It can, because on-site renewable generation reduces the building's assessed carbon emissions. The size of the improvement depends on the system and building; ask your EPC assessor to model it.
Do offices use solar at weekends?
Usually less, so more is exported. Sites with weekend use, or with a battery, keep more of the value.
Who benefits if a landlord installs solar on an office?
That depends on the agreement. The landlord can sell the power to tenants, include it in the service charge, or lease the roof to a PPA provider. A green lease clause sets out how savings and costs are shared.
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.
See if your site qualifies
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