Solar Panels for Commercial Landlords and Asset Managers
SolarSense helps commercial landlords future-proof their property portfolios while unlocking new revenue from clean energy.
Commercial Solar Panels for Landlords and Asset Managers
Commercial solar panels allow landlords and asset managers to increase asset value, reduce tenant energy costs, unlock new revenue streams and future-proof portfolios against tightening energy regulations.
SolarSense helps commercial landlords across the UK transform underused rooftops, car parks and land into high-performing energy infrastructure, delivering inflation-linked income, improved EPC ratings and long-term resilience.
With zero-upfront-cost funding options, you can start generating clean electricity and rental-linked income from day one. Speak to one of our energy consultants for a tailored income and savings estimate for your property portfolio.
Why Commercial Landlords are Investing in Solar and Energy Storage
Energy costs, ESG expectations and government regulation are reshaping the UK commercial property market. Nearly 25 percent of landlords now risk fines under energy efficiency rules, while over 13,000 commercial buildings remain rated EPC F or G, putting asset values and rental demand under pressure.
Solar panels offer landlords a commercially proven way to respond, delivering stronger EPC ratings, lower tenant energy costs and new income streams from on-site clean energy.
To understand how commercial landlords are are already turning this into a commercial advantage, download the SolarSense guide to solar and energy storage for commercial landlords.
The Benefits of Solar Energy
Create New Revenue Streams: Landlords can sell solar energy directly to tenants or export surplus renewable energy to the grid. Solar carports and EV charging unlock additional income from parking areas.
Increase Asset Value: Solar improves the energy performance of commercial buildings, making them more attractive to investors and occupiers while strengthening long term valuations.
Enables Rapid Payback: Solar PV systems today offer a rapid payback on installation costs due to the significant decline in the price of solar panels (estimated to be a reduction of 80% since 2010). In some cases, payback can be achieved in as little as two years, delivering strong returns for decades.
Reduce Tenant Operations Costs: Solar replaces expensive grid electricity, typically around 24.5p per kWh, with clean on-site power costing just 4p to 8p per kWh to generate, making your buildings more attractive to occupiers.
Attract High-Quality Tenants: Lower energy costs, better ESG credentials and predictable energy pricing make solar powered buildings significantly more desirable to occupiers.
Compliance with MEES and EPC Regulations: Solar improves the energy performance of commercial buildings, making them more attractive to investors and occupiers while strengthening long term valuations. Installing on-site solar PV helps properties meet tightening energy efficiency standards to reduce regulatory risk and protecting against future devaluation.
Future-Proofing for Electrification: Heating, cooling, logistics fleets and tenant operations are all moving to electricity. Assets without on-site generation and capacity headroom will struggle to support heat pumps, EV fleets and electrified plant. Solar, energy storage and solar carports give landlords the electrical infrastructure to stay relevant for the next 20-30 years.
Solar for Commercial Property Portfolios
Commercial landlords typically have large areas of underused roof space, land and parking that can be converted into revenue-producing clean energy assets.
Roof-Mounted Solar
Ground-Mounted Solar
Building Integrated Solar (BIPV)
Solar Carports
EV Charging
Battery Storage
Funding Options
Every commercial property portfolio has different financial, tax and investment objectives, which is why SolarSense offers a range of funding options for commercial solar and renewable energy infrastructure.
Whether you are looking to invest capital to maximise long-term returns or prefer an off-balance-sheet solution that delivers income without upfront cost, we structure each project to fit your commercial strategy.
Our renewable energy consultants work closely with you to assess your buildings and financial goals, ensuring every system is designed to deliver maximum long-term value.
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Unlocking Solar – with Zero Upfront Costs
With SolarSense, commercial landlords can install solar PV, battery storage and solar carports without upfront capital, creating new on-site energy assets that generate savings from day one.
The clean electricity generated is supplied directly to tenants or exported to the grid, delivering immediate revenue while improving EPC ratings, tenant affordability and long-term asset value. Over time, this creates a reliable, inflation-linked income stream without the landlord taking on technology or maintenance risks.
Where We’ve Increased Environmental Sustainability
SolarSense is one of the UK’s longest-established renewable energy specialists, with more than 30 years of experience delivering large-scale solar and energy storage solutions for commercial landlords and asset managers.
Over three decades, we have designed and installed thousands of systems across retail parks, logistics estates, offices and industrial sites, helping commercial buildings reduce carbon, improve energy performance and unlock long-term value from on-site renewable energy.
As part of its ongoing drive to reduce emissions and enhance energy performance across its national property portfolio, Orchard Street Investment Management partnered with SolarSense to deliver a range of solar PV installations across key retail and industrial sites.
RESULTS
- New landlord revenue stream from solar PPAs
- Lower energy costs for tenants
- Substantially reduced carbon emissions across multiple sites
- Enhanced EPC rating, ESG performance and asset value
- Automated energy billing and streamlined reporting
- No disruption to tenant energy contracts
FAQs
How do solar panels benefit commercial landlords?
Commercial solar panels allow landlords to turn unused roof or car park space into an income-generating asset. By installing solar PV, you can reduce the building’s electricity costs, increase EPC ratings, strengthen ESG credentials and create new revenue through tenant energy sales or long-term solar leases.
Can landlords install solar panels with no upfront cost?
Yes. SolarSense offers fully funded solar solutions where a third party covers the design, installation and maintenance. The landlord typically provides the roof space, while benefiting from rental income or discounted electricity for tenants with no capital outlay.
How do landlords make money from commercial solar?
Many commercial landlords now view solar PV as a long-term revenue stream rather than just an energy upgrade. Landlords can earn income in several ways:
Leasing roof or car park space to a funded solar provider
Selling low-cost solar electricity to tenants
Increasing rental value and property desirability
Improving asset value through stronger EPC and sustainability credentials
How much income can a commercial landlord earn from solar?
This depends on roof size, tenant demand and funding model. Many large commercial rooftops generate tens of thousands of pounds per year, with lifetime benefits often reaching hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds.
Will solar panels increase property value?
Yes. Solar improves EPC ratings, lowers operating costs and strengthens ESG credentials, making buildings more attractive to tenants, investors and lenders.
Can solar help landlords meet ESG and Net Zero targets?
Yes. Commercial solar PV is one of the most effective ways to reduce Scope 2 emissions and demonstrate progress towards Net Zero and ESG commitments.
Are there grants available for businesses to install solar panels?
There are often grants and incentives available for renewable energy technologies. In addition, commercial solar panels are classed as plant and machinery for tax purposes, making them eligible for capital allowances. Our renewable energy consultants can advise on what is currently available for your business.
What types of commercial properties are suitable for solar PV?
Industrial units, warehouses, retail parks, offices, business parks, schools, healthcare buildings and hotels are all well suited, particularly those with large, unshaded roofs or car parks.
Can tenants use the solar electricity?
Yes. Most commercial landlord solar systems supply electricity directly to tenants, reducing their energy costs while providing income for the landlord.
Does installing solar affect leases or tenant agreements?
SolarSense structures projects to align with existing leases, introducing Power Purchase Agreements or green lease clauses without disrupting tenant operations.
How long does a commercial solar installation take?
Once surveys and approvals are complete, most systems are installed within a few weeks, depending on size and complexity.
How do I find out if my building is suitable?
SolarSense offers free feasibility assessments covering roof space, tenant demand, grid capacity, funding options, income, savings, ROI and carbon reductions.
Do solar panels require maintenance after installation?
Commercial solar panels require very little maintenance. Systems are designed to operate reliably for decades, with remote monitoring and routine inspections ensuring optimum performance. For funded systems, all maintenance and performance management is handled by the system owner. For owned systems, SolarSense has a dedicated operations and maintenance division and provides long-term O&M services to maximise energy generation and protect your investment.
Do solar batteries require maintenance after they are installed?
Solar panels do require regular (professional) maintenance after they have been installed, and it’s recommended to arrange for this at least once a year. Checks will be carried out on any corrosion within the battery and the charge levels of the battery itself. The battery will also be cleaned if required and inspected for other signs of physical damage. Wiring is also checked to ensure that it is connected correctly and for signs of damage. The frequency can vary, and we will advise you on this after we have installed your new or replacement system.
How long will my solar panels last?
Commercial solar panels are built to last for up to 40 years. A wide range of panels come with performance warranties of 25 years or more, meaning they continue to generate clean electricity long after the system has paid for itself. Inverters and electrical components may be replaced during the system’s lifetime, but the panels themselves deliver decades of reliable, low-cost energy for your building.
How do solar panels generate electricity for my property?
Solar PV systems harness free energy from the power of the sun. Once sunlight hits the PV cell, it causes a reaction that excites the unstable electrons, generating direct current (DC) electricity. This is then passed to the inverter, which converts the DC to alternating current (AC) to power your business.Â
What is solar battery storage?
Solar battery storage implements a battery or batteries that can store solar electricity for later use. They can also be charged with grid electricity to take advantage of off-peak rates. Battery storage helps protect your business from potential rationing and brownouts, and an emergency power supply system can provide power during a power cut.
Do solar panels still work in cloudy weather?
Yes, solar panels will still generate electricity during the day, even if it’s cloudy and overcast outside. Their efficiency may be lower, but energy will still be produced.