Commercial Solar Panels Staffordshire | Funding Guide 2026

Written by Billy Robertson, Commercial Manager

Solar panels are helping Staffordshire businesses reduce energy costs by up to 80%. That’s a significant saving for any business looking to improve profitability and protect itself from rising energy prices. If you’re not convinced, hear from Brucom Distribution on how our Solar PV installation reduced their energy costs by 70% – equivalent to £35,000 saved annually.

For many businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, the biggest barrier to installing commercial solar panels isn’t the return on investment – it’s the upfront cost. Like any major investment, solar requires capital. While the long-term savings are clear, many businesses are understandably cautious about committing significant funds upfront, particularly when traditional finance options often come with high interest rates.

Fortunately, there are ways to install commercial solar with little to no upfront cost.

Two of the most accessible options are:

• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) – where you purchase the energy generated at a fixed rate from a provider like us.
• Business funding and loan schemes – helping Staffordshire businesses invest in renewable energy without large initial costs.

In this guide, we’ll explore the funding options currently available and how local businesses are already using them to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and strengthen their long-term financial position.

We work with manufacturers, warehouses, logistics businesses, hospitality venues, offices and industrial facilities throughout Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and across the UK, helping them reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and future-proof their operations with commercial solar PV systems. Whether you’re looking to offset rising electricity prices, improve ESG performance or generate long-term savings, solar can deliver measurable business benefits from day one.

 

Scale Up Staffordshire Business Loan for Solar Projects

Scale Up Staffordshire is a new programme from Staffordshire Business & Environment Network. It’s designed to support ambitious SMEs that have been operating for three years or more in the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent areas or are prepared to relocate there.

What the loan offers:

• 80% loan (20% must be self-funded)
• £5,000 to £100,000 loan amount
• 2-4 year payback period
• Interest free (yes – interest free!)
• No administration fee
• Projects for capital purchases only

Your upfront cost sorted.

 

Staffordshire Business Solar Funding in Practice

Proof is in the pudding, right?

We’ve now worked with two businesses that have used SBEN funding to invest in commercial solar installations. One in hospitality and one in manufacturing.

 

Firstly, The Tawny Hotel

We installed a 162.5 kWP SolarEdge system using a SolarPort ground mount solution. The system was fully off-grid to integrate with the hotel’s existing COMAP system.

The specs:

• 250 x LONGi Solar Panels
• 125 x SolarEdge Optimisers
• 2 x 50kW SolarEdge Inverters
• SolarEdge Modbus meter for import and export monitoring

The results:

• 175.57 MwH estimated generation
• 33.95 Tonnes of carbon emissions saved
• 1,559 equivalent trees planted
• 3.9 years payback period

Hear from our Managing Director, Declan Adams, on how the installation was carried out to minimise disruption and from Josh, General Manager at The Tawny Hotel, on how the installation is performing in this video.

 

Next up, Celebration Packaging Ltd

We installed a 33kW Solar PV array on the roof at Celebration Packaging, optimising the system’s positioning to maximise solar exposure and generate as much electricity as possible.

The specs:

• 96x DMEGC 500w N-Type Bifacial Module with Double Glass
• SolarEdge 33000W 3ph inverter
• 48 x SolarEdge S1000 Optimiser
• Kingspan mounting
• SolarEdge Fire Fighter Gateway

The results:

• Over £6k a year savings
• 28,000+ kWh a year savings on electricity
• 6.40 Tonnes of carbon emissions saved
• 4.1 years payback period

These savings not only strengthen the company’s sustainability credentials but also allow funds to be reinvested into other areas of the business.

 

Why Commercial Solar Panels Make Sense for Staffordshire Businesses

Aside from significantly reducing operational costs, commercial solar panels offer several strategic benefits that position businesses for long-term success:

Price Protection

Shield your business from future energy price spikes by generating your own electricity and reducing dependence on the grid.

Additional Revenue

If you install solar alongside battery storage, you can store excess energy and sell it back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), creating an additional revenue stream.

Tax Relief

Solar installations currently benefit from 0% VAT, making renewable energy investments even more attractive for businesses.

Strong ESG Credentials

Solar power immediately reduces your carbon footprint, helping improve ESG performance and support sustainability targets.

Future-Proof Infrastructure

Solar energy can support EV charging infrastructure, helping businesses prepare for the continued transition to electric fleets.

Enhanced Brand Image

Customers, partners and investors increasingly favour environmentally responsible businesses. Investing in solar demonstrates a commitment to sustainability while strengthening your reputation.

 

And did we mention it can reduce energy costs by up to 80%?

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Solar in Staffordshire

Can Staffordshire businesses get funding for solar panels?

Yes. Programmes such as Scale Up Staffordshire provide funding opportunities that can significantly reduce upfront costs and make commercial solar installations more accessible.

How much can commercial solar panels save a business?

Savings vary depending on energy usage and system size, but many businesses can reduce electricity costs by up to 80%.

Is solar a good investment for manufacturing businesses?

For businesses with high daytime electricity usage, solar can provide substantial long-term savings and protection against future energy price increases.

Can businesses install solar with no upfront cost?

Yes. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) allow businesses to benefit from solar-generated electricity without purchasing the system outright.

 

Take Control of Your Energy Costs Today

Whether you’re exploring funding options, comparing a Power Purchase Agreement, or looking at the ROI of a commercial solar installation, our team is here to help.

We work with businesses across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, the Midlands and throughout the UK to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and unlock long-term savings through Solar PV.

Give us a call today:

📍 Midlands: 01543 713026

📍 South: 02392 400547

Or click “Get a Quote” below to receive an instant estimate for your business.

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