Solar Energy for Businesses

In the past, solar energy was seen as an ambitious side project, something for the innovators, the early adopters, or the idealists. But now? It’s become a cornerstone of corporate strategy, particularly for facilities and operations leaders tasked with keeping the lights on, controlling costs, and meeting the sustainability targets. 2026 is shaping up to be a critical year for commercial solar in the UK. From major policy shifts and market corrections in China to emerging solar technologies and tightening ESG regulations, the landscape is evolving fast. For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

At True, we believe clarity drives confidence. So here’s what you need to know if you’re considering solar energy for your business.

The Commercial Case for Solar Energy Has Never Been Stronger

There are few technologies that tick as many strategic boxes as solar. It reduces costs, emissions, and risk, all while supporting long-term energy resilience.

UK businesses are recognising this. A recent survey from the UK Business Climate Hub found that 65% of companies now have a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050, and solar is a crucial part of that journey.

The economic case has grown increasingly compelling. Solar helps reduce exposure to unpredictable energy markets, with systems typically paying back within five to eight years. That payback period is decreasing as technology costs fall and incentives improve.

Beyond financials, solar supports compliance with key ESG frameworks such as SECR, CDP, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and the incoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). These reporting standards require tangible, measurable action, and solar delivers precisely that.

“By combining accurate, real-time energy procurement costs with emission reduction data, we can compare the performance of multiple suppliers... and confidently forecast the financial and carbon impact of the initiative.”

- Natalie Cable at MillerKnoll

What’s Changing in 2026?

Breakthroughs in Solar Technology

Innovation in solar is accelerating, with some of the most exciting developments set to mature around 2026.

OxfordPV’s tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells, developed in the UK, are expected to raise the bar for efficiency. Currently achieving over 30% conversion rates in lab settings compared to around 20% for standard panels. These could radically improve the ROI of solar investments once commercially scaled.

Back-contact solar panels, such as those installed by LONGi in the UK’s first 59 MW project, represent another shift. By moving all wiring to the rear of the panel, they maximise sunlight capture and improve aesthetics, particularly useful in environments where architectural design matters.

Other trends include the rise of transparent panels, building-integrated photovoltaics , and floating solar farms. These technologies won’t be mainstream overnight, but they signal where the industry is heading: more flexible, integrated, and efficient solar systems.

Shifting Global Supply Chains

China’s dominance in solar manufacturing is well known, but in February 2025, the Chinese government announced major reforms. Fixed pricing for solar projects is being phased out, quality standards are tightening, and uneconomical manufacturing practices are being curtailed.

This reset may improve the overall quality of solar products, but it also introduces new risks. Oversupply has historically driven down costs, but going forward, businesses could face price fluctuations and delivery delays.

At True, we help our clients manage this risk. We only work with certified, Tier 1 manufacturers, and we ensure UK-based support and ethical sourcing. With forced labour concerns increasingly under scrutiny, our partners provide clean supply declarations to meet growing ESG requirements.

Financials: Understanding Commercial Solar Costs

The cost of installing solar has decreased significantly. In 2024/25, a standard 3.5kW rooftop system costs approximately £6,500, a substantial drop from the £9,000 average a decade ago (adjusted for inflation).

For commercial systems, costs vary by scale and complexity, but large businesses benefit from economies of scale and favourable payback periods. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows businesses to earn revenue from excess electricity sold back to the grid, although the “cannibalisation effect” can depress earnings when many solar generators flood the market with supply.

Degradation remains a factor. Most panels lose 1–3% of output in their first 1,000 hours, then degrade more slowly. Manufacturers typically guarantee at least 80% performance after 25 years.

True’s platform models all of this. We combine real-time energy data, supplier degradation, and emissions savings to provide a clear forecast of financial return and carbon impact.

Planning & Grid Constraints: The Hurdles to Watch

While solar is technically straightforward, the regulatory landscape is less so. Between 2018 and 2023, over 60% of renewable energy projects failed at the planning stage due to local authority delays, grid constraints, or unclear permitting.

Businesses must apply for grid connection through the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), typically under G99 or G100 approvals, even for non-export systems. In densely populated areas, grid congestion may result in delays or capacity limits.

Add in structural surveys, installer availability and equipment lead times, and a full solar rollout can take between four to eight months.

True helps customers de-risk this process. Our team has extensive experience navigating planning requirements, securing DNO approvals, and managing project timelines with trusted solar developers.

What Does a Typical Solar Project Timeline Look Like?

Once you’ve decided to proceed with solar, knowing what to expect, and when, is crucial for planning, especially if you're aligning installation with seasonal energy use, budget cycles, or broader decarbonisation goals.

While every site is different, most commercial solar installations in the UK take between 4 to 7 months from first conversation to activation, assuming no major delays.

Here’s a typical breakdown of the process:

This timeline assumes a smooth approval process, installer availability and timely grid connection. If you start a project in August 2025, you could be fully operational by February 2026, just in time to capture peak generation in spring and summer.

At True, we support every step of this process, helping you identify grid risks early, liaise with installers, and keep your project on track.

Financing Your Solar Project: More Than One Route

Solar needn’t be a capital expense if that’s a barrier. Businesses can explore a variety of funding options:

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) allow companies to buy solar energy at a fixed rate over a long-term contract, typically without upfront investment. However, limited credit ratings and reluctance to commit to long-term pricing are holding back wider adoption, an issue the UK Government has acknowledged in its June 2025 Solar Roadmap.

For businesses looking to maintain more control, leasing or shared savings agreements may be more suitable.

True also offers access to our Open Performance Fund—a flexible funding model originally designed to support smaller energy portfolios. It now supports solar projects too, enabling businesses to lock in prices and smooth procurement risk even if they aren’t traditional large energy users.

Why Work With True?

We’re not a solar installer, we’re your strategic partner. True helps businesses make smarter energy decisions by combining deep market insight, real-time data, and practical support.

From feasibility to funding, from planning to procurement, we bring transparency and control to a historically complex process. We’ve already supported businesses across sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, retail, and data centres, in turning their rooftops into revenue-generating, emissions-cutting assets.

“True proved to be a game-changer... Making informed decisions on our sustainability journey is crucial, and True's powerful features played a key role.”

- Chris Woodrow, Managing Director at Moulton Bulb

The Time Is Now

With favourable costs, new technology, and a growing policy push behind decarbonisation, the next 18 months could be a golden window for solar investment.

But successful projects don’t happen overnight. Delays in planning, grid access, and equipment delivery are common, so early engagement is essential.

At True, we help you move with speed and certainty. And most importantly, we help you turn good intentions into measurable, bankable results.