How Much Can You Really Save with Solar Panels for Business in 2025?

Energy costs remain one of the biggest overheads for UK businesses and 2025 is no exception. If you’re managing energy bills for a commercial site, you’re not alone in feeling the impact of recent price swings. Many business owners are now rethinking how they buy and use electricity. That’s why more commercial property owners are investing in solar panels for business to take back control. But how much can you realistically save, and is the investment worth it? 

How solar panels work for business 

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor technology. That electricity powers your lighting, equipment, and appliances in real time. Any excess is either stored in a battery (if installed) or exported to the grid. 

For commercial buildings, this means real savings during working hours, particularly if your energy use aligns with solar production typically between 8am and 6pm. With smart meters and inverters, businesses can track how much of their energy comes from solar versus the grid. 

Why more businesses are switching to solar in 2025 

Several factors are driving commercial solar uptake this year: 

• Unpredictable grid costs: Wholesale electricity prices remain volatile, and peak-time tariffs continue to rise. 

• Planning and compliance pressures: Solar helps meet sustainability targets and can improve your SAP score or BREEAM rating. 

• Improved ROI: Falling installation costs and available grants shorten payback periods. 

Commercial solar offers tangible value as an operational strategy. Businesses now view it as a practical step to reduce energy spend and increase control. 

What determines how much your business can save? 

The savings from installing solar panels for business vary depending on: 

• Your daily energy usage: The more you use during daylight hours, the more solar offsets your demand. 

• Roof size and orientation: More usable space = higher generation potential. 

• Tariff structure: Businesses on time-of-use tariffs benefit from solar during high-rate hours. 

• Battery storage: Storing excess energy boosts self-consumption and avoids exporting at low SEG rates. 

With the right system design, it’s possible to reduce daytime electricity bills by 40–60%, depending on your site and consumption patterns. 

Example: Typical annual savings 

A commercial building using 50,000 kWh annually could save: 

• £8,000–£12,000 per year with a well-sized solar array 

• More with battery storage if usage patterns match solar generation 

For example, a mid-sized logistics site operating six days a week during daylight hours could offset nearly half its annual electricity bill and even more if paired with overnight battery charging. 

Payback periods range from 5 to 8 years, after which the system continues to deliver free electricity for 15+ years. 

This example is based on a mid-sized commercial site consuming around 50,000 kWh annually. If the business pays £0.25 per kWh (a realistic commercial rate for 2025), that adds up to £12,500 in annual electricity costs. A solar array offsetting 60–80% of usage would generate £7,500–£10,000 in savings. With battery storage and the ability to optimise usage patterns, savings could increase to £12,000 or more per year. These figures reflect real-world patterns and conservative assumptions helping you make decisions based on achievable outcomes. 

Financial planning considerations 

If your business operates on tight margins, solar panels for business offer reliable savings while lowering exposure to unpredictable energy prices. Many financial directors now see solar as a low-risk capital investment with measurable returns especially for properties with long-term ownership or lease agreements. 

Beyond basic savings, solar can strengthen long-term financial planning: 

• Stabilise your energy budget: Forecast energy costs more reliably. 

• Improve net profit margins: Reduced utility bills = leaner operations. 

• Explore asset financing: Some providers offer financing to ease upfront costs. 

Finance teams increasingly view solar as a capital investment with dependable returns, both in operational savings and ESG alignment. 

Grants and incentives to reduce upfront costs 

In 2025, businesses can benefit from: 

• 0% VAT on solar installations (for eligible projects) 

• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for exported electricity 

• Capital allowances under the full expensing scheme 

These financial supports improve affordability and reduce the barrier to entry. 

Common myths about commercial solar 

Even with widespread uptake, some myths still make businesses hesitant to invest in solar panels for business: 

• “It’s only worth it in summer.” Solar systems generate energy throughout the year, including during overcast conditions. Winter production is lower, but not zero. 

• “You need a south-facing roof.” While optimal, east-west roofs can still provide strong generation profiles, especially with modern panel efficiencies. 

• “It’s disruptive to install.” Most commercial installs are completed in a matter of days with minimal impact on operations. 

• “Only big companies benefit.” Solar is scalable. Small businesses with high energy use can see excellent returns. 

Dispelling these misconceptions helps decision-makers move forward confidently. 

Choosing the right system for your commercial site 

Every site is different. ESS provides tailored solutions based on: 

• Your peak load and daily profile 

• Available roof or ground space 

• Long-term energy targets and compliance needs 

We don’t install oversized systems that won’t pay back. Each array is designed to maximise value, ensure regulatory compliance, and meet site-specific performance goals. 

Questions to ask before installing solar panels for business 

Before you commit to a system, it helps to answer: 

• What’s our peak daily energy usage? 

• Do we use most electricity during daylight hours? 

• Do we have enough suitable roof or ground space? 

• Would a battery system increase our savings? 

• Are we eligible for incentives or VAT relief? 

These questions help avoid over or under-sizing your system. 

Why battery storage makes solar even smarter 

Businesses installing solar panels for business increasingly choose to add battery storage to maximise onsite energy use. This combination makes it easier to reduce exposure to high-rate tariffs and protect against grid instability. 

Pairing solar with battery storage maximises savings: 

• Use more of what you generate 

• Avoid exporting at low SEG rates 

• Charge batteries overnight if you’re on dual-rate tariffs 

Battery systems adapt to business needs and help stabilise long-term energy expenses. 

Integrating EV charging for added value 

If your business operates electric vehicles now or plans to in future pairing solar panels with EV charging infrastructure is a smart move. 

• Charge vehicles during daylight hours using solar 

• Reduce operating costs for your vehicle fleet and cut grid reliance 

• Strengthen your carbon reporting and sustainability goals 

ESS can integrate EV charging into your solar design, giving you full control over when and how your fleet is powered. 

Take control with ESS 

No matter what your building type or energy goals are, ESS can help you get more value from solar panels for business. Our commercial systems reflect how businesses use power and are built to support long-term goals without complexity or compromise. 

Businesses rely on ESS to design and install solar panel systems that lower running costs and support long-term performance goals. From planning to performance monitoring, everything is handled in-house by qualified professionals. 

Want to stop watching your energy bills climb? Contact us and let ESS show you what solar panels for business could do for your site in 2025 and beyond.