Commercial Solar: Frequently Asked Questions

Most UK commercial systems cost around £550 to £1,300 per kWp (kilowatt peak, a measure of system size) installed, with larger systems costing less per kWp. A 100 kWp system typically costs £65,000 to £100,000. See our commercial solar cost guide for more detail.

Many well-designed systems pay back in 3 to 7 years, depending on how much of the electricity you use on site and what you pay for grid power.

Yes. With a solar PPA (power purchase agreement), a funder pays for, owns and maintains the system and you buy the electricity at a lower rate than the grid. Finance and leasing are also available. Read PPA vs buying outright.

HMRC generally treats solar panels as plant and machinery (business equipment), so businesses can usually claim capital allowances (tax relief), including the Annual Investment Allowance. See our tax relief guide and check with your accountant.

Yes, commercial installations are charged at 20% VAT, which VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim.

Many rooftop systems on commercial buildings don’t need planning permission (they count as permitted development), as long as certain conditions are met. Listed buildings, conservation areas and most ground-mounted systems are more likely to need permission. We’ll check this for your site.

Usually, yes, with your landlord’s consent. A solar PPA can be a good option for tenants, as there’s no capital cost.

Yes. Tell your insurer before installation. We design in line with RC62 (the insurance industry’s fire safety guidance for solar) and provide the documents insurers usually ask for.

In England, eligible on-site renewable generation and storage equipment is currently exempt from business rates until 2035. Rules differ in Scotland and Wales.

G99 is the process for getting approval from your DNO (the company that runs your local electricity network) to connect generation, such as solar and batteries. Most commercial systems need G99 approval before connection. See G99 explained.

From a few weeks for smaller systems to several months for larger ones, or where the DNO needs to study the network in detail. We start the process as early as possible.

Export limitation caps how much power you send back to the grid, so you can still connect a larger system. Battery storage can also help you use more of what you generate.

Yes. Surplus electricity can be sold through an export tariff or agreement with an energy supplier. Rates and eligibility depend on the supplier and system size.

Very little. Most work takes place on the roof, and we plan access, lifting and the final connection around your operations, out of hours if needed.

Smaller systems can take one to three weeks on site, and larger systems several weeks. Design and grid approval happen before this.

Most modern commercial roofs are suitable. We check the condition, structure, orientation and shading during our survey. See is your roof suitable?

Health and safety is at the heart of Moralis. We manage CDM 2015 (construction safety law) in-house, plan works with the teams doing them, and check that agreed safety arrangements are followed on site.

Yes. Solar panels work from daylight, not heat. A commercial system in the North West typically generates around 850 to 950 kWh per kWp each year.

Quality panels are designed to last 25 years or more, losing only a small amount of output each year. Inverters typically need replacing once during that time.

Very little, but regular inspections, electrical testing and monitoring keep a system safe and performing well. See our operation and maintenance service.

Yes. Every system includes online monitoring, so you can see generation and savings in real time.

Yes. Visit our domestic solar page for typical costs and a home payback calculator.

Domestic solar panels, and batteries installed with them, currently have 0% VAT in Great Britain until 31 March 2027.

We’re based in Manchester and work across the North West and Wales.

Yes. Our survey and initial proposal are free and come with no obligation.

Yes, through our sister division Moralis Associates, which provides health, safety and CDM support to construction clients and contractors.