C&I solar: An installer opportunity?

As solar uptake grows rapidly in the UK’s commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, many residential installers are considering the opportunity to expand into this space. But what does it really involve, and where do the challenges and opportunities lie?

In a recent feature for Renewable Energy Installer magazine, our Managing Director, Declan Adams, shared Kembla’s journey from our domestic roots to becoming a trusted commercial installer. Here, we revisit that interview and reflect on how our experience can help others navigate the C&I landscape.

How it started

Our story began in New South Wales, Australia, where Declan started his renewables career over a decade ago. While living and working in Wollongong, near Port Kembla, he entered
the commercial PV sector for the first time. That early experience in commercial solar and the location itself, inspired our company name.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Declan and his family returned to the UK and established Kembla Limited. Five years on, we’ve grown into a family-run team of 14, delivering renewable energy solutions for domestic, C&I, and social housing projects.

Why we entered the C&I market

We quickly recognised the potential in commercial solar. At the time, just 1% of UK commercial rooftops had PV installed. Our first commercial job, a 30kWp system for a local football club was a valuable learning experience. But it was a school installation that really confirmed our readiness to take the next step and formally add C&I to our business plan.

Each commercial project has its own technical and operational requirements. Unlike domestic installs, C&I projects demand broader expertise, site-specific design, and clear coordination with stakeholders. That’s a challenge we’ve embraced.

How our team delivers

As a relatively small, close-knit team, we benefit from agility and strong communication. Each member is clear on their area of expertise, and we meet frequently to align on progress, from early planning through to installation, aftercare, and maintenance.

We now support more than 30 commercial PV sites across the UK and offer bespoke O&M packages designed around our clients’ usage needs, insurance policies, and energy goals.

What’s driving growth in C&I

The commercial sector is accelerating thanks to a mix of rising energy costs, increased sustainability expectations, and expanding access to finance and grant schemes. PPA models are becoming more common, and environmental credentials are playing a bigger role in the tendering process.

These market conditions are encouraging more businesses to invest in renewables and explore solar as a long-term cost-saving solution.

Barriers we’ve had to navigate

Despite the momentum, challenges remain. Many organisations aren’t fully aware of the benefits of solar PV, and processes like DNO applications and planning permissions can create delays. Sourcing the right labour is another hurdle, especially for larger or more complex installs.

We believe improvements in grid connection timelines and clearer planning guidance for rooftop PV would help the industry move faster. We’d also welcome more formal training and upskilling in commercial PV and battery storage, particularly for subcontractors entering the space.

Payback periods vary, but we’re seeing standalone PV systems deliver returns in as little as three years. Most of our commercial clients see ROI within four to six years, depending on usage patterns and system design.

Looking ahead

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the past five years, but our focus is on the future. Declan put it best:

“With 5 successful years in the solar PV market, we aspire to continue business growth and to further build our commercial pipeline. With each commercial install the team and I gain new experience and skill; through this ever-increasing expertise, our ambition is to become the ‘go to’ for commercial installs in our locations.”

Interested in C&I solar?

You can read the full feature on Renewable Energy Installer’s website here.

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