Lower energy costs
Generate your own electricity at 5–8p per kWh.
Commercial rooftop solar panels for UK businesses
Cut your grid electricity spend by up to 70% with a bespoke rooftop solar PV system designed around your building, your energy profile and your commercial goals.
Why rooftop solar is the right first step
For most commercial buildings, the roof is the most underused asset on site. A rooftop solar PV system turns that space into a long-term cost-reducing asset with no structural changes to your building and minimal disruption during installation.
Fast payback
Most systems pay back in 4–7 years, with 20+ years of near-free electricity.
No disruption
Installation takes just 2–5 days on site, planned around your operations.
Increase property value
Properties with solar command higher valuations.
Meet your net-zero goals
Cut your Scope 2 emissions with a measurable step towards your targets.
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How a rooftop solar installation works
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Indicative system sizes and returns
Every system is bespoke, but the table below gives a guide to typical sizes, costs and returns for commercial rooftop solar in the UK.
| System Size | Suitable For | Approx Cost Installed | Est. Annual Saving | Typical Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30–50 kWp | SME offices, small warehouses | £28,000–£50,000 | £8,000–£14,000 | 4–6 years |
| 50–100 kWp | Medium commercial premises | £45,000–£90,000 | £14,000–£28,000 | 5–7 years |
| 100–250 kWp | Large warehouses, industrial | £85,000–£200,000 | £28,000–£65,000 | 5–7 years |
| 250 kWp+ | Large estates, manufacturing | POA | POA | 5–8 years |
Figures are indicative and based on UK average grid electricity costs of 27p/kWh and a south-facing roof with no significant shading. Actual returns depend on site-specific factors. Contact us for a detailed quote.
Rooftop solar across all commercial sectors
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Why Choose Horizon?
Protect your business from volatile energy markets and unpredictable grid pricing.
Help your business meet its net-zero and sustainability targets with clean, on-site generation.
From initial survey through to aftercare, you deal with one expert team who knows your site.
Rooftop solar case studies
Rowton Hall Hotel & Spa
Cheshire
- System
- 160kW Ground Mount
- Return
- 30% Expected Annual Return
System
ReturnRural and Country designed a ground mount array for us that removed visual impact and delivered strong returns.
Read MoreBenx
Flintshire
- System
- 160kW Ground Mount
- Return
- 30% Expected Annual Return
Rural and Country designed a ground mount array for us that removed visual impact and delivered strong returns.
Read MoreAccreditations
Horizon Commercial Solar is fully accredited and MCS certified. Every installation meets the highest standards for design, safety and performance.
Frequently asked questions
What size rooftop solar system do I need for my business?
System size depends on your available roof space and your electricity consumption. As a guide, a 50kWp system requires approximately 250–300 square metres of south-facing roof space and suits a business spending £2,000–£4,000 per month on electricity. We size every system from your actual half-hourly meter data so the output matches your real-world demand.
Do I need planning permission for commercial rooftop solar?
Many commercial rooftop solar installations qualify as permitted development and do not require formal planning permission. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas and systems above certain size thresholds. We assess planning requirements during the site survey and manage any applications on your behalf.
Can solar panels be installed on a flat roof?
Yes. Flat-roof installations use angled mounting frames to achieve the optimal tilt angle (typically 15–20 degrees). This is one of the most common installation types for commercial and industrial buildings in the UK.
What happens to surplus electricity my business generates?
Surplus generation can be exported to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), stored in a battery system for use during peak hours or overnight, or directed to EV chargers on site. We design systems to maximise self-consumption first, with export as a secondary benefit.
Will solar panels affect my roof warranty?
This depends on your existing roof warranty terms. We work with your roofing contractor or warranty provider where required and can use ballasted (non-penetrating) mounting systems on many flat-roof types to avoid any warranty implications.