Commercial solar funding is available to help businesses, farms, public sector organisations and larger property owners reduce electricity costs and invest in renewable energy systems.

Unlike household schemes, commercial solar support can come through grants, loans, tax incentives and energy investment programmes. Funding levels vary depending on business size, project type, location and sector.

Support can be available for rooftop solar systems, ground-mounted arrays, battery storage and wider energy infrastructure improvements.

What Could Funding Support?

Commercial renewable energy support may include:

Solar PV Systems

  • Roof-mounted solar panel systems
  • Ground-mounted solar installations
  • Commercial battery storage systems
  • Solar canopies and carport systems
  • Shared site renewable systems

Infrastructure & Installation

Funding may also support:

  • Electrical upgrades
  • Inverter systems
  • Battery integration
  • Cabling and installation works
  • Monitoring systems
  • Energy management technology

Which Commercial Solar Support Routes May Be Available?

Scotland – Business Energy Scotland

Businesses may be able to access:

  • Interest-free loans
  • Cashback support in some programmes
  • Solar PV systems
  • Battery storage
  • Renewable technology support

Business Energy Scotland

Telephone: 0808 808 2268

Local Authority & Regional Grant Programmes

Some councils and regional bodies provide business energy grants for:

  • Renewable technologies
  • Carbon reduction projects
  • Commercial property upgrades
  • Solar and battery systems

Availability varies by region.

Farming & Agricultural Support

Agricultural businesses may access support for:

  • Barn and agricultural roof solar systems
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Energy efficiency projects
  • Diversification and sustainability measures

Support can vary by nation and programme.

Community & Larger Renewable Projects

Community organisations and larger-scale projects may access:

  • Shared solar systems
  • Renewable infrastructure funding
  • Community energy developments
  • Local energy projects

Tax Relief & Capital Allowances

Businesses investing in solar systems may also benefit from tax relief measures.

Support can include:

  • Capital allowances on qualifying equipment
  • Relief on renewable technology investment
  • Business expenditure deductions where eligible

Businesses should seek independent financial or tax advice.

How Commercial Solar Connects To The Grid

Commercial solar systems work similarly to domestic systems but can involve larger electrical connections.

Step 1 – Solar Panels Generate Electricity

Solar panels generate Direct Current (DC) electricity.

Step 2 – Inverters Convert Power

Commercial inverters convert:

DC → AC

allowing electricity to be used throughout the site.

Step 3 – System Connects To Building Distribution Equipment

The installer connects the system into the building electrical infrastructure.

Generated power is usually used in this order:

Business electricity demand

Battery storage (if installed)

Excess electricity export

Step 4 – Distribution Network Approval

Commercial systems commonly require assessment by the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before installation.

Larger systems often require:

  • Export approval
  • Capacity checks
  • Grid impact assessments
  • Formal connection agreements

Step 5 – Export Arrangements

Where excess electricity is exported back to the network, businesses may be able to enter export payment arrangements.

Export terms vary depending on supplier and commercial agreements.

Who Could Qualify?

Support may be suitable for:

  • Businesses
  • Farms and agricultural operators
  • Manufacturers
  • Warehouses and industrial sites
  • Offices and commercial premises
  • Schools and colleges
  • Public sector organisations
  • Community organisations

Future Commercial Solar Support

Government plans continue to discuss expanded support for:

  • Solar and battery systems
  • Energy storage technologies
  • Business decarbonisation projects
  • Wider renewable investment programmes

Funding arrangements continue to evolve.

Need Information On Current Grants & Support?

Commercial funding routes vary significantly depending on location and business circumstances.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss current commercial solar grants, funding routes and support that may apply to your business or project.

Available support and eligibility requirements can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.