At The Commercial Solar Company, we’ve seen a huge rise in demand for commercial solar systems across the UK—and for good reason. As businesses look to cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and future-proof their operations, solar energy is proving to be one of the smartest investments they can make.
But what exactly sets commercial solar apart from residential systems? While both harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity, the scale, design, and purpose of commercial solar systems are quite different. Here’s a closer look at how the two compare—and why more UK businesses are turning to us for their solar solutions.
1. Scale and System Size
One of the most obvious differences is size. Residential solar systems are typically installed on rooftops of houses and range between 3kW to 6kW in capacity. In contrast, commercial solar systems can range from 10kW installations for small business units to multi-megawatt systems for warehouses, factories, and large office buildings.
At The Commercial Solar Company, we specialise in these large-scale installations. We design bespoke systems tailored to each business, whether it’s a local farm or a national logistics centre. Our projects often involve hundreds—or even thousands—of solar panels, depending on the size of the premises and the energy goals of the client.
2. Energy Usage and ROI
Residential solar systems are designed to meet household energy needs, with excess power typically exported back to the grid. While this can reduce bills and sometimes even generate a small return, the savings are usually modest.
With commercial solar, the savings can be much more significant. Businesses consume far more electricity than the average home—especially during daylight hours when solar energy production is at its peak. That makes solar a perfect match for commercial operations. We’ve helped businesses reduce their daytime electricity costs by up to 70%, with some seeing a full return on investment in just 3–5 years.
3. System Design and Installation
While residential installations are usually straightforward, commercial projects require far more planning. We consider everything from roof structure and load-bearing capacity to electrical infrastructure, local grid requirements, and even potential shading from nearby buildings.
At The Commercial Solar Company, our team handles every aspect of this process—from the initial feasibility study right through to system design, installation, and maintenance. We work closely with each client to ensure the system integrates seamlessly with their existing operations and delivers long-term value.
4. Regulations and Incentives
The UK government supports both residential and commercial solar through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), but commercial systems often benefit from additional advantages. For example, businesses may be able to claim capital allowances on solar installations through the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), which can provide significant tax relief.
We always make sure our clients understand what’s available to them and how to maximise their return—not just through energy savings, but through tax benefits and potential income from exported power.
5. Growing Demand Across the UK
We’ve seen a sharp rise in interest over the past few years—particularly with rising energy prices and growing pressure to meet sustainability goals. More and more UK businesses are realising that going solar isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business.
From agriculture and manufacturing to retail and hospitality, we’ve worked with companies across all sectors to deliver reliable, high-performing solar systems that cut costs and boost green credentials. And as we move towards a low-carbon economy, we expect demand to keep growing.
Final Thoughts
Commercial solar systems aren’t just scaled-up versions of residential ones—they’re complex, strategic investments that require specialist knowledge and experience. At The Commercial Solar Company, we’re proud to be leading the way in helping UK businesses unlock the full potential of solar energy.
Whether you’re looking to save on energy bills, reduce your environmental impact, or build resilience for the future, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and discover how commercial solar could transform your business.
