Commercial solar and batteries
Commercial solar on leased business premises
Can our business install solar if it leases the premises?
A tenant may be able to install or procure solar, but occupation alone does not establish the necessary property rights. The lease, landlord consent, roof or land ownership, repair obligations, lender interests and remaining term can all affect the project. Align those matters with the equipment contract, funding model and energy benefit before committing.
Written by Energy Guide editorial team · Specialist review: Pending · Source checked:
Map the property rights first
Review the demise, rights over the roof or land, alterations provisions, repairing obligations, access and reinstatement requirements. Confirm which landlord, superior landlord, lender or managing party must consent.
Make the project term fit the occupation term
Equipment warranties, finance, leases and power-purchase agreements can outlast a tenant's remaining lease. Establish what happens at break, expiry, assignment, redevelopment or insolvency.
- Who owns the equipment during and after the term?
- Who receives the generated electricity and export income?
- Who insures, maintains and repairs the system and roof?
- Can the project agreements transfer to a buyer or new tenant?
- Who pays for removal or reinstatement?
- How will access for maintenance be preserved?
Keep consent conditions visible
Landlord approval may include design, contractor, insurance, structural, fire, access and reinstatement conditions. Carry them into the installation scope and financial model rather than treating consent as a simple yes or no.
Sources
These sources support the explanation above. Check the linked source for current rules and eligibility.
- GOV.UK: renting business property—tenant responsibilities
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015: renewable energy