Which commercial properties suit solar?
If your business has a roof or open land and pays electricity bills during the day, solar could reduce your reliance on grid power. Farms and rural estates with large barn roofs or outbuildings are often ideal. Businesses and offices with commercial rooftops, warehouses with large flat roof areas, and public sector buildings like schools and community halls can all benefit. The site survey assesses your property honestly and tells you whether solar makes sense for your situation.
What can be installed for a business?
Our MCS-certified partners install a range of renewable technologies for commercial properties. Commercial solar PV arrays can be rooftop or ground-mounted, sized to your available space and daytime usage. Battery storage lets you use surplus generation into the evening or overnight. EV charging points for fleet vehicles, staff and visitors can be integrated with your solar system. Heat pumps — air-source or ground-source — can be added for larger buildings. These technologies can be combined into a single coordinated system tailored to your property.
What affects the cost and value for a business?
The cost of a commercial solar and battery system depends on several factors specific to your property and how you use electricity. System size (total kWp) is the biggest factor — a larger array needs more panels, mounting and labour but generates more electricity. Rooftop installations on existing buildings are typically more straightforward than ground-mount arrays, which need additional mounting structures and land. Your daytime usage matters: the more of your generation you use on-site during the day, the more value you get. Your electricity tariff and any export arrangements also affect the overall value. See our commercial solar page for more detail.
How does the commercial installation process work?
It starts with a no-obligation site survey. We assess your property, usage and goals, then provide a written quote. If you proceed, installation is carried out by our MCS-certified partners, with mounting, panels, inverter, battery and electrical connection all included. After commissioning, you receive documentation and support. Manufacturer warranties apply to equipment, and installation workmanship is covered by our partner. See our How It Works page for the full process.
What about 0% VAT and finance for businesses?
0% VAT on the supply and installation of qualifying solar panels and battery storage runs until 31 March 2027 and applies to commercial installations as well as residential. Interest-free credit up to £30,000 is available, subject to status. For larger commercial systems, finance options are discussed after the site survey alongside your written quote.
For more answers to common questions, visit Scottish Energy Efficiency questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put solar panels on a barn roof?
Yes. Barn roofs, outbuildings and agricultural sheds are often ideal for solar panels because they tend to have large, unshaded roof areas. The site survey assesses the roof structure, orientation and your daytime usage to recommend an appropriate system size.
What about ground-mount solar arrays?
Ground-mount arrays are an option if you have suitable open land. They require additional mounting structures and are assessed for planning considerations during the site survey. Ground-mount systems can be sized larger than rooftop arrays if space allows.
Can I combine solar with EV charging?
Yes. EV charging points can be integrated with your solar and battery system so that fleet vehicles or staff cars charge from your own generation. This is discussed during the site survey alongside your other requirements.
How much can a business save with solar?
Savings depend on your daytime electricity consumption, system size and tariff. The more of your solar generation you use on-site during the day, the more value you get. The site survey includes a discussion of your usage and tariff to estimate the benefit for your business.
Is interest-free credit available for commercial solar?
Interest-free credit up to £30,000 is available, subject to status. For larger commercial systems, finance options are discussed after the site survey alongside your written quote. 0% VAT on solar panels and batteries applies until 31 March 2027.
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Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed by the Scottish Energy Efficiency team