What does commercial solar installation cost include?
A UK commercial solar installation cost should include the panels, inverters, mounting system, DC and AC cabling, scaffolding and access, electrical connection work, the DNO grid application, structural survey, commissioning, monitoring setup and warranty documentation. Battery storage and non-standard grid upgrades are normally separate line items.
Last updated 30 September 2026.
Key facts at a glance
| Core supply | Panels, inverters, mounting, cabling |
|---|---|
| Site works | Scaffolding, access, electrical connection |
| Approvals | DNO G98/G99 application, structural survey |
| Handover | Commissioning, monitoring, warranty pack |
| Usually excluded | Battery storage, HV grid upgrades |
| Indicative installed cost | £650-£1,100 per kWp |
What a like-for-like quote covers
The installed price per kWp should be a genuinely installed figure: design, materials, labour, scaffolding, electrical works, grid application, commissioning and the handover pack. If a quote excludes scaffolding, the DNO application or monitoring, it is not comparable with one that includes them.
Common exclusions to check
Battery storage is normally priced separately at roughly £250-£450 per kWh. Grid reinforcement or a new HV connection, roof remediation, asbestos works and planning applications (where permitted development does not apply) are also typical exclusions. A transparent quote names its exclusions explicitly.
Why quotes for the same building differ
Scaffolding and access assumptions, roof condition allowances, switchroom distance, inverter specification and warranty terms move quotes more than panel brand does. Comparing quotes line by line against the same scope is the only reliable way to compare prices.
Related reading
FAQ
Is VAT included in commercial solar installation costs?
Commercial solar is standard-rated at 20% VAT for most businesses, and quotes are usually shown net of VAT because VAT-registered businesses reclaim it. Check whether a quote is quoted net or gross before comparing.
Should maintenance be included in the installation cost?
Ongoing O&M is normally a separate annual contract rather than part of the installation price. The first year of monitoring is sometimes bundled; ask for it to be itemised either way.
What warranties should the price include?
Panel product and performance warranties (typically 12-15 and 25-30 years), inverter warranty (5-12 years, extendable), and the installer's workmanship warranty, ideally backed by insurance.
Check whether your solar quote covers the full job
Share the proposed system and any quote concerns. We will outline the scope a complete installation should include and flag likely omissions or assumptions to clarify. Prefer to explore numbers yourself first? Run the calculator or contact us directly.
- Included works checked
- Common exclusions highlighted
- Like-for-like comparison points provided