How much do commercial solar panels cost in the UK?
In 2026, commercial solar panels in the UK cost £700–£950 per kWp installed for standard rooftop systems. A 50 kWp system typically costs £40,000–£50,000; a 250 kWp system £180,000–£220,000; and a 1 MWp system £700,000–£860,000. Full Expensing reduces the effective cost by 25% for limited companies.
Last updated 26 July 2026.
Key facts at a glance
| Cost per kWp installed | £700–£950 (£/kWp falls with system size) |
|---|---|
| 50 kWp system | £40,000–£50,000 |
| 100 kWp system | £75,000–£90,000 |
| 250 kWp system | £180,000–£220,000 |
| 500 kWp system | £360,000–£420,000 |
| 1 MWp system | £700,000–£860,000 |
| Typical payback | 3.5–6 years after Full Expensing |
What's included in the £/kWp cost
The installed cost covers panels, inverters, DC/AC cabling, mounting/ballast, isolation, monitoring, DNO G99 application, structural survey, commissioning and CDM. It excludes battery storage (typically £250–£450 per kWh) and any HV grid upgrade required for larger arrays.
Why the price drops as system size grows
Fixed project costs — scaffold, crane hire, design, DNO application, commissioning — are spread over more kWp. Panel and inverter volume discounts also improve. A 1 MWp job typically installs 25–30% cheaper per kWp than a 50 kWp job.
Full Expensing changes the effective cost
Since April 2023, UK limited companies can deduct 100% of qualifying commercial solar capex from corporation tax profits in year one under Full Expensing. At 25% corporation tax, a £200,000 system reduces the tax bill by £50,000 — net cost £150,000.
Related reading
FAQ
How much is a solar system for a small business?
A 30–50 kWp system (roughly 60–100 panels) fits a typical single-unit industrial roof and costs £25,000–£50,000 installed in 2026. Most small businesses recover the cost in 4–6 years.
Does the cost include installation?
Yes — the £/kWp figure is a fully installed price including labour, mounting, cabling, DNO application and commissioning. Only battery storage and non-standard grid upgrades are separate line items.
How much do commercial solar panels cost per m²?
As a rule of thumb, expect £110–£145 per m² of usable south-facing roof, based on ~150 W/m² of panel density.
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