Commercial Solar
Commercial solar is one of the most reliable capital investments a business can make in 2026. The combination of significant energy cost savings, potential SEG income, and a system lifespan of 25+ years means most commercial installations pay back in 4–8 years. What follows is a practical guide for business owners and facilities managers considering their first commercial installation.
| System Size | Annual Generation | Best For | Installed Cost (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–20kW | 9,000–18,000 kWh | Small commercial, farm buildings | £15,000–£30,000 |
| 20–50kW | 18,000–45,000 kWh | Mid-size commercial, warehouses | £30,000–£60,000 |
| 50–100kW | 45,000–90,000 kWh | Large warehouses, industrial units | £60,000–£110,000 |
| 100kW+ | 90,000+ kWh | Large commercial, multi-site | POA |
Commercial solar carries 20% VAT (unlike domestic, where 0% applies). However, most businesses can reclaim input VAT through their VAT return.
For a business paying 28p/kWh for electricity and generating 30,000 kWh/year from a commercial system, the direct saving is approximately £8,400/year. Add SEG income of £1,500–£3,000/year (depending on tariff and export volume), and payback on a £40,000 system is around 4–5 years. After that, 20+ years of near-free electricity.
Rooftop commercial solar on existing buildings is generally permitted development (no planning required) up to certain thresholds. Ground-mounted commercial solar almost always requires full planning permission. Listed buildings and conservation areas require prior approval. We advise on planning requirements during the initial survey.
AFTA Electrical covers Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire. NAPIT & TrustMark registered.
A 20kW commercial system costs approximately £30,000–£40,000 installed. Larger 50–100kW systems run £60,000–£110,000. Commercial solar carries 20% VAT, which most VAT-registered businesses can reclaim.
Most well-specified commercial systems pay back in 4–8 years, with a system lifespan of 25+ years. The exact figure depends on your current electricity tariff, roof orientation, and self-consumption percentage.
Rooftop installations on existing buildings are usually permitted development. Ground-mounted systems and listed buildings almost always need planning permission. We advise on this during survey.
G99 is the application process for connecting generating systems above 16A/phase to the grid. Most commercial solar systems above 11kW require a G99 application to the DNO (Distribution Network Operator). This can take 8–20 weeks, so factor it into your project timeline.
Related: View Service Page · View Pricing · Get a Free Quote