MCS Certified · Commercial & Industrial

Commercial Solar
Yorkshire

Reduce your Yorkshire business's electricity bills by 40–80%. Free ROI analysis, full expensing tax relief, PPA and asset finance available. Schools, warehouses, offices, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors.

Free Feasibility Study 01482 765 095
5–9 yrs
Typical commercial payback
100%
First-year capital allowance
0% VAT
Until March 2027
20–25 yrs
System lifespan

Why Yorkshire Businesses Are Installing Solar Now

Yorkshire businesses face some of the highest non-domestic electricity rates in the UK, with many SMEs on tariffs of 25–35p/kWh following the end of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. Commercial solar generates electricity at an effective cost of 2–5p/kWh over a 25-year lifespan — a permanent structural advantage over grid electricity.

The current policy environment has never been more favourable: 0% VAT until March 2027, full expensing (100% capital allowance in Year 1), and Smart Export Guarantee income from surplus generation. For a corporation tax-paying business, a £100,000 solar installation effectively costs £75,000 after Year 1 tax relief — a 25% upfront saving.

Yorkshire's industrial heartland — Hull's Humber ports, Leeds' distribution sector, Sheffield's advanced manufacturing, and East Yorkshire's agriculture — all have the characteristics that make commercial solar most compelling: large roof areas, daytime electricity consumption, and high existing energy bills.

Full project management from survey to energisation
DNO (Northern Powergrid) applications handled
MCS certification for Smart Export Guarantee eligibility
Asset finance, PPA, and outright purchase options
Real-time monitoring via app included
Annual performance review service available

Commercial Solar ROI — Yorkshire Examples

System size System cost Annual saving Payback
20kWp (small office) £25,000–£35,000 £3,500–£5,500 5–8 yrs
50kWp (warehouse) £55,000–£70,000 £9,000–£13,000 5–7 yrs
100kWp (factory) £100,000–£130,000 £17,000–£25,000 5–7 yrs
250kWp (large industrial) £220,000–£290,000 £40,000–£60,000 5–6 yrs

Estimates based on 28p/kWh grid rate, 80% self-consumption, 900 kWh/kWp annual generation. Excludes full expensing tax benefit.

Full Expensing Tax Relief — Example
System cost (100kWp) £110,000
0% VAT saving (vs 20%) £22,000 saved
Full expensing @ 25% CT £27,500 tax relief
Effective net cost £60,500
Annual electricity saving £22,000/yr
Net payback period ~2.8 years

Commercial Solar by Sector — Yorkshire

Hull Speciality

Warehousing & Logistics

Hull's Humber ports, ASDA distribution, and East Yorkshire logistics operators benefit from large flat roofs and daytime operations. Typical systems: 50–300kWp. Payback: 5–7 years.

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Grant Eligible

Schools & Education

Yorkshire schools and academy trusts reduce electricity budgets while meeting net-zero targets. Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grants available. Typical systems: 20–100kWp.

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East Yorkshire Focus

Agriculture & Farming

East Yorkshire's agricultural sector benefits from large barn roofs, daytime machinery operations, and EPC improvement requirements. Ground-mount and barn roof systems available.

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Sheffield / Leeds

Manufacturing

Sheffield and Leeds manufacturing businesses face high electricity consumption during operating hours — maximising solar self-consumption. Typical systems: 50–250kWp.

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Business Parks

Offices & Business Parks

Yorkshire business parks including Sutton Fields, Priory Park, and Humber Enterprise Park benefit from solar installations. Landlord PPA arrangements available.

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Extended Hours

Healthcare & Leisure

NHS trusts, private healthcare, gyms, and leisure facilities with extended operating hours achieve high self-consumption rates. Statutory decarbonisation targets provide additional driver.

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Financing Commercial Solar in Yorkshire

Direct Purchase

Best for: businesses with capital
  • Full expensing — 100% capital allowance Year 1
  • 0% VAT until March 2027
  • Maximum long-term savings
  • Asset on balance sheet
  • Cashflow positive in 5–9 years

Asset Finance / HP

Best for: preserving working capital
  • Fixed monthly payments over 5–10 years
  • System owned on final payment
  • Cashflow-positive from day one (in most cases)
  • VAT reclaim on first payment
  • Rates from 5.5–8.5% depending on creditworthiness

Power Purchase Agreement

Best for: no upfront cost
  • Zero capital required — we fund the system
  • Buy electricity at fixed below-grid rate
  • Contract typically 10–20 years
  • System maintained by installer throughout
  • Option to purchase system at end of term

Our Commercial Installation Process

01

Feasibility Survey

Free site visit: roof assessment, structural survey, energy analysis, shading analysis, DNO capacity check.

02

Design & Quotation

MCS-compliant system design, planning assessment, full ROI projection, financing options presented.

03

DNO Application

G99 notification or application to Northern Powergrid submitted and managed. EPC update if needed.

04

Installation

Project managed from procurement to energisation. Minimal operational disruption. Typically 2–10 days on site.

05

Certification & Monitoring

MCS certification issued. Monitoring platform configured. SEG application support. Annual performance review.

Commercial Solar FAQs

How much does commercial solar cost in Yorkshire?
Commercial solar system costs in Yorkshire depend on size and roof type. A small business system (20–30kWp): £25,000–£45,000. Medium commercial (50–100kWp): £55,000–£110,000. Large industrial (200kWp+): £180,000–£350,000+. All commercial solar installations are subject to 0% VAT until March 2027 and are eligible for full expensing (100% capital allowance in Year 1) under current HMRC rules. Ground-mount systems on agricultural land are typically 10–15% more expensive than equivalent roof-mount systems. YEERS provides full ROI analysis and payback projections with every commercial quotation.
What is the ROI and payback period for commercial solar in Yorkshire?
Commercial solar in Yorkshire typically achieves payback in 5–9 years with a 20-year IRR of 12–20%. Key variables: electricity consumption profile (daytime-heavy businesses achieve highest self-consumption), existing tariff rate (businesses on rates above 25p/kWh achieve fastest payback), and available roof area. A 50kWp system generating 45,000 kWh/year saving 80% direct (36,000 kWh at 28p/kWh = £10,080 saved) plus Smart Export Guarantee income (9,000 kWh at 8p = £720) = £10,800/yr. If the system cost £60,000 after full expensing tax relief (25% corporation tax saving = £15,000), net cost £45,000 ÷ £10,800 = 4.2-year payback. YEERS provides a full DCF model with your quote.
Can I finance commercial solar in Yorkshire without upfront capital?
Yes. Three main financing routes are available: (1) Asset Finance/Hire Purchase — fixed monthly payments over 5–10 years, system owned on completion, cashflow-positive from day one in most cases; (2) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) — YEERS installs the system at no cost and you purchase the electricity generated at a fixed rate below grid prices (typically 12–18p/kWh) for 10–20 years; (3) Green Business Loans — many Yorkshire banks and the British Business Bank offer green loan products at preferential rates for solar installations. We can introduce you to asset finance brokers who specialise in renewable energy. Note that full expensing (100% capital allowance) is only available for outright purchase, not PPA.
How does commercial solar planning permission work in Yorkshire?
Most commercial roof-mount solar installations in Yorkshire do not require planning permission under permitted development rights for commercial buildings (Class J, GPDO 2015). Key conditions: the system must be roof-mounted (not ground-mount), generating capacity must not exceed the building's electricity consumption, and the property must not be in a conservation area or be a listed building. Ground-mount systems, systems in conservation areas, and systems over certain sizes require a full planning application. Yorkshire has four local authorities particularly relevant to commercial solar: Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, City of York Council, and North Yorkshire Council. YEERS handles all planning enquiries and applications as part of the project management service.
What size commercial solar system can my Yorkshire building support?
System size is determined by available roof area, roof orientation and pitch, structural load capacity, and connection capacity. As a guide: 1kWp of solar requires approximately 6–8m² of unshaded roof area. A 2,000m² warehouse roof could support up to 250–300kWp of solar panels, generating 225,000–270,000 kWh/year — enough to supply 60–70 equivalent homes. For smaller commercial properties, even a south-facing section of 50m² can support a 6–8kWp system. YEERS conducts drone surveys for all commercial projects, providing accurate roof area measurement and structural assessment before any design work.
What is full expensing and how does it benefit Yorkshire businesses installing solar?
Full expensing (introduced April 2023, made permanent in the 2024 Autumn Budget) allows UK businesses to deduct 100% of qualifying capital expenditure from taxable profits in the year of purchase. Solar panels, inverters, battery storage, and EV chargers all qualify. For a company paying 25% corporation tax: a £100,000 solar installation generates a £25,000 tax saving in Year 1, effectively reducing the net cost to £75,000. Combined with 0% VAT until March 2027, this represents a combined saving of 40–45% compared to the same purchase at standard rates 3 years ago. YEERS provides documentation supporting your full expensing claim as part of the project handover pack.
Do you install solar for warehouses and logistics in Hull and Yorkshire?
Yes. Warehousing and logistics is one of our most active commercial sectors — Hull's Humber ports and the associated distribution sector creates significant demand. Warehouse roofs are often ideal for solar: large, flat or low-pitch, minimal shading, and the businesses inside typically operate during daylight hours (maximising self-consumption). Hull's Alexandra Dock, King George Dock, and the emerging Humber Freeport are all within YEERS' service area. We have installed systems on warehouses ranging from 20kWp to 300kWp. Typical payback for warehouse solar in the Hull logistics sector: 5–7 years at current electricity prices.
Do you install commercial solar for schools in Yorkshire?
Yes. Schools are excellent candidates for solar energy: they operate primarily during daylight hours (maximising solar self-consumption), have large, often unused roof areas, and benefit from reduced electricity costs at a time of school budget pressure. YEERS has experience working within DfE procurement frameworks and can support schools in accessing grant funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) — which has funded significant solar installations at Yorkshire schools. Academy trusts, maintained schools, and independent schools are all eligible for commercial solar. The Smart Export Guarantee provides additional income during school holidays when generation exceeds consumption.
What is a DNO application and do you handle it?
A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) application is required for commercial solar systems above 3.68kW single-phase or 11kW three-phase — which covers almost all commercial installations. The DNO (Northern Powergrid in most of Yorkshire) must approve the grid connection before installation. For systems between 11kW and 50kW, a G99 notification application is required (usually processed in 30–45 days). For systems above 50kW, a full G99 application is required (can take 3–6 months). YEERS handles all DNO applications as part of the project management service. We factor DNO approval timelines into project scheduling from day one to avoid delays.
Can commercial solar be combined with battery storage and EV charging in Yorkshire?
Yes, and this integrated approach is increasingly the commercial standard. Commercial battery storage (typically 50kWh–500kWh) stores surplus daytime solar generation for use during peak tariff periods (4pm–7pm), significantly reducing demand charges and peak-rate electricity imports. Commercial EV charging can be powered directly from solar during business hours, providing near-free fleet charging. The combination of solar + battery + EV charging is particularly compelling for logistics operators, hotel groups, and leisure facilities where vehicles are typically charged overnight or during business hours. YEERS designs and installs all three elements as an integrated system with single-point monitoring and management.
How long does a commercial solar installation take in Yorkshire?
A typical commercial installation timeline: Week 1–2: site survey, energy analysis, structural survey, and system design. Week 3–4: DNO notification submitted; detailed design approved. Week 5–8: equipment procurement, delivery scheduling. Week 9–12: scaffolding/access equipment installation, panel installation (typically 2–5 days for a 50kWp system), inverter and electrical installation. Week 13–14: commissioning, testing, and MCS certification. Total: 10–16 weeks from survey to energisation for a typical commercial project. Larger industrial systems (200kWp+) with G99 DNO applications can take 20–30 weeks due to DNO processing times. YEERS provides a project-specific timeline at the survey stage.
What monitoring is provided with commercial solar?
All commercial solar systems installed by YEERS include real-time monitoring via SolarEdge, Huawei FusionSolar, or Solis Cloud platforms. Monitoring covers: generation per panel (with SolarEdge optimiser systems), total daily/weekly/monthly/annual yield, estimated CO2 offset, self-consumption and export data, and fault alerts. For multi-site organisations, we can consolidate monitoring across all installations into a single dashboard. An annual performance report is included in YEERS' commercial service plan, comparing actual vs. projected generation and flagging any panels requiring attention.
Is commercial solar right for my Yorkshire business?
Commercial solar is most compelling for businesses that: (1) have daytime electricity consumption (manufacturing, cold storage, offices, retail open during daylight hours); (2) are on electricity tariffs of 22p/kWh or higher; (3) have suitable unshaded roof space of 100m²+; (4) have an electricity bill of £15,000/year or more; (5) own their building or have a lease of at least 10 years remaining. If you rent your building, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) may be available where the landlord or a third party finances the system. YEERS provides a no-obligation feasibility assessment to determine whether solar makes financial sense for your specific business.

Commercial Solar Across Yorkshire

We install commercial solar across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Hull Leeds York Sheffield Warehousing Agriculture Schools Offices
Verified Google Reviews

What Our Customers Say

4.9 based on 52 reviews
Nov 2025

"Excellent service from the Hull team. The solar panel installation was finished in a day and the system is performing above expectations. Very professional from start to finish."

D

David M.

Kingswood, Hull · Solar Panels

Oct 2025

"Our commercial solar array is performing brilliantly. Yeers handled the DNO application perfectly and the ROI is exactly as predicted. Already recommended to two other business owners."

G

Greg T.

Sutton Fields, Hull · Commercial Solar

Dec 2025

"Very happy with my battery storage. The local installers were polite, tidy and explained everything clearly. The app monitoring is fantastic."

S

Sarah L.

Victoria Dock, Hull · Battery Storage

Sept 2025

"From survey to switch-on took just 3 weeks. Professional throughout and the all-black panels look fantastic on the roof."

M

Marcus H.

Anlaby · Solar Panels

Aug 2025

"The team at Yeers were fantastic. From the initial survey to the final handover, everything was professional. My bill has dropped by 80%."

J

James W.

Hull · Solar Panels

Jul 2025

"Transparent pricing and no hard sell. The app they set up is addictive, watching the savings pile up in real-time is great."

R

Robert D.

East Riding · Solar Panels

See all reviews on Google
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