Solar & Battery Storage
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Commercial Solar Installation for Businesses in Teesside, County Durham & North Yorkshire
MCS certified commercial solar PV systems designed around your business’s energy use
From workshops and farms to golf clubs and industrial units, we design and install commercial solar and battery systems that cut your energy costs from day one. Every project includes a site survey, a detailed financial proposal, the Northern Powergrid G99 application, and installation by our own team, scheduled around your business.
Quick answer
What is the ROI on commercial solar for UK businesses in 2026?
Most commercial solar systems pay for themselves in around 3–6 years, depending on how much of the electricity the business uses on site and what it currently pays per unit. Businesses that use most of their power during daylight hours, such as offices, workshops, farms and leisure facilities, typically see the fastest payback. Solar also qualifies for capital allowances, which for most businesses means 100% of the cost can be deducted from taxable profits in the first year.
Front roof solar array at Saltburn Golf Club
Why Businesses Are Investing in Solar
Commercial electricity prices have increased by over 50% since 2021, and businesses across Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire are turning to solar as a practical, financially compelling way to regain control over their energy costs. Unlike residential installations where homeowners might use 30-40% of their solar generation directly, commercial properties often consume 70-90% of what their panels produce during working hours. This high self-consumption rate is what makes commercial solar such a strong investment — you are offsetting electricity you would otherwise buy at 25-35p per kWh for most small and medium businesses.
ALPS Electrical designs and installs commercial solar systems for businesses of all sizes across Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire and beyond. From small workshops and offices through to large industrial units, warehouses and leisure facilities, we provide turnkey installations from initial feasibility through to commissioning, G99 grid connection and ongoing monitoring.
50%+
Price rises since 2021
70–90%
Commercial self-consumption
25–35p
Per kWh you offset
Solar array on the main cafe/charity shop barn at S.A.R.A Animal Sanctuary
Return on Investment for Commercial Solar
The financial case for commercial solar is stronger than it has ever been. A typical commercial system delivers a return on investment within 3 to 5 years, with the panels continuing to generate free electricity for 25 years or more beyond that point.
For larger systems of 100kW or more, the economics improve further due to economies of scale in both equipment and installation costs. We have installed systems up to 200kW on single commercial sites and can design systems to match any roof space and energy demand profile.
Commercial Solar Case Studies
S.A.R.A Animal Sanctuary: 47.82kW solar installation
We were approached by S.A.R.A Animal Sanctuary, an incredible charity to help reduce their crippling energy bills so that crucial funds could go towards the caring of the animals instead of the energy companies. The animals rely on underfloor heating through the night and so battery storage was essential here, and we had to be mindful of installing the right amount of battery storage and solar panels in each of the 3 separate buildings we addressed so that the investment was spread across the whole site as practically and effectively as possible.
We won an award for this job as small scale installer of the year with the north east energy efficiency awards. We were proud to win the award, but even prouder to have helped the animals be more comfortable at night, and the ongoing amazing care of the animals could be secured for the future.
S.A.R.A Animal Rescue, Redcar – Ruth Sudron, Chairperson
After looking round for a reputable local company to install solar panels at our animal charity we decided to use Alps Electrical We are a charity and we needed to be able to trust a company that would use our money wisely which is exactly what Bella and Andy and co did they went above and beyond what was expected of them. We were guided every step of the way with explanations of everything that was needed and everything that was being done and we felt totally at ease with all concerned.
We couldn’t have found a better more informed company to carry out the work and even when everything is finished, we know we can always contact Alps about any concerns we have. Highly recommend if you want an honest, trustworthy, highly skilled service.
47.46kW System — S.A.R.A Animal Sanctuary
£47,500
System cost
34,103 kWh
Annual generation
£6,903
Estimated annual savings
6 yrs
Estimated payback
25+ yrs
Expected system life
S.A.R.A Animal Sanctuary – Andy and Isabella pictured here with Ruth Sudron and Matt Vickers (local MP)
Saltburn Golf Club: 32kW commercial solar installation
Saltburn Golf Club came to us after they were growing more concerned over the rise in energy costs. They are a high user of electricity which is mainly all during daylight hours, and they drastically needed to address it.
With an ideal roof space just crying out for solar panels they decided to contact a few companies to help, and we were the lucky ones that they chose. After 9 months of planning meetings, designing, perfecting, structural surveys we installed 56 × 550 W JA Solar panels, creating a total system capacity of 31.6 kW, paired with a 30 kW Solis inverter.
They may consider battery storage in the future but for now their savings are right on track with the 3-4 years that was estimated. They also have plenty of roof space left for future arrays should they wish to, which they alluded to when this system has been fully paid back.
Saltburn Golf Club – William Downing
Earlier this year (2024), the executive committee of Saltburn Golf Club decided to have solar panels installed on the roof the golf club. The aims of this undertaking were to reduce our current electricity costs and costs in the future, as well as reducing our carbon footprint.
We sent out enquiries to 4 companies; one was national the other 3 local within 20 miles. The tender we received from Alps was the most comprehensive and also
competitive. Andy and his team made several visits to site making sure the installation was carefully and meticulously planned. Consequently, this meant the installation went really smoothly with very little interruption to the playing of golf.
We were not disappointed in our decision, as once we had placed our order within 4 weeks the installation commenced and was finished ahead of schedule to a very high standard. In addition, we had zero safety incidents despite a working at heights situation.
The system is now fully operational and delivering the promised savings. ALPS local team lead by Andy and strongly supported in the office by Isabella are a first-class professional operation who we would not hesitate to recommend.
32kW System — Saltburn Golf Club
£23,824
System cost
26,180 kWh
Annual generation
£5–7,000
Estimated annual savings
4–5 yrs
Estimated payback
25+ yrs
Expected system life
The Installation Process for Businesses
Commercial solar installation follows a structured process designed to minimise disruption to your business operations.
1
Free, no obligation
Site Survey
We begin with a free site survey where we assess your roof space, orientation, structural suitability and electrical infrastructure. We review 12 months of electricity bills to understand your consumption profile and design a system that maximises self-consumption.
2
Before you commit
Detailed Proposal
You receive a detailed proposal including system design, projected generation, savings forecast, payback calculation and Capital Allowance benefits.
Savings forecastPayback calculationCapital Allowances
3
1–2 weeks on site
Approval & Installation
Once you approve the proposal, we handle the G99 grid connection application to Northern Powergrid (required for most commercial systems), any necessary structural assessments, and the installation schedule. Most commercial installations take 1-2 weeks depending on system size, and we can schedule work around your business hours to avoid operational disruption.
Capital Allowances and Tax Benefits
Commercial solar panels, inverters and batteries qualify as plant and machinery, so businesses can claim capital allowances against their taxable profits. Understanding which allowance applies can make a big difference to the real cost of your system.
Annual Investment Allowance
Available to limited companies, sole traders and partnerships. Deduct 100% of the cost of your solar system from taxable profits in the year of purchase, up to £1 million a year. This covers most commercial installations in full.
100% first-year relief
50% First-Year Allowance
For limited companies spending above the AIA limit. Solar is classed as a special rate asset, so it qualifies for a 50% first-year allowance, with the balance written down at 6% a year.
For larger investments
What It’s Worth
The tax saving depends on your tax rate. For example, a company paying 25% corporation tax could save around £10,000 in tax on a £40,000 system claimed under the AIA, bringing the effective cost down to around £30,000. A company paying 19% would save around £7,600.
Example only
Tax rules depend on your business’s circumstances. Always confirm the relief available with your accountant before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install solar on an industrial or asbestos roof?
Many industrial roofs are suitable for solar. At the survey we check the roof’s condition, structure and material. If a roof contains asbestos or needs structural work, we will tell you upfront and explain the options before any work is planned.
What VAT applies to commercial solar?
Solar installations for businesses are charged at the standard VAT rate, which VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim. Buildings used solely for relevant charitable purposes may qualify for 0% VAT.
Do I need my landlord’s permission?
If you lease your premises, you will usually need your landlord’s consent before installing solar. We can provide the technical information your landlord needs.
Will solar affect my business rates?
In April 2022 the UK government announced that rooftop solar installations on commercial properties would be exempt from business rates from April 2023, for a period of 12 years.
Exempt through to 2035. Businesses installing solar in 2026/27 are still fully covered.
Can we get paid for electricity we export?
Yes. MCS certified systems can receive Smart Export Guarantee payments for surplus electricity exported to the grid, for example at weekends when your business is closed. You will need to verify this with your existing provider, and check any exit fees if you wish to switch.
Battery Storage for Commercial Properties
Adding battery storage to a commercial solar system allows you to store excess generation for use during evening or early morning hours, further increasing your self-consumption rate. Commercial battery systems also enable peak shaving — reducing your maximum demand charges by drawing from the battery during peak periods rather than from the grid. For businesses on half-hourly metered supplies with demand charges, the savings from peak shaving alone can justify the battery investment.
We install commercial battery systems from FOX ESS and many others ranging from 10kWh to 200kWh and above. The optimal battery size depends on your generation profile, consumption pattern and electricity tariff structure, and we model all of these during the design process.
See the Process
Why Homeowners Choose ALPS Electrical | Solar, Battery & EV Experts in the North East
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We film our installations and publish them on YouTube. We believe it offers customers a chance to see how we work and meet the team, and gives full transparency.
Why Choosing
ALPS Electrical
Is A Safe Bet
ALPS Electrical is an established, family-run business based in Yarm, trusted by homeowners, businesses and charities across Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire. With more than 500 five-star reviews across Google and Checkatrade, a 10/10 rating and multiple industry awards, our track record speaks for itself.
Every job is carried out by our own team of qualified electricians, so you always know who's working in your home or business and who's responsible for the result. We're fully accredited, and every installation is backed by a 6-year insurance-backed guarantee, so you're protected long after the work is finished.
But for us, it's never about a quick sale. We don't just install and move on. We build long-term relationships with our customers; we genuinely care about your experience, and we'll be here for you long after your installation is complete. We're in it for the long haul, and that's our promise to you.
Get in touch to book your free, no-obligation survey.
- 500+ five-star reviews, rated 10/10
- Award-winning, including Checkatrade Sustainability Champion [year]
- Fully accredited: MCS, NAPIT, RECC, TrustMark, REFCOM and OZEV
- 6-year insurance-backed guarantee through IWA
- Our own in-house team of qualified electricians
- Aftercare and support long after installation
- Fixed written price, with no surprise extras
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