Guide · Funding routes
Solar PPA vs asset finance vs buying outright
There are three main ways to put solar on a business premises. The right one depends on whether you want to own the system, how you prefer to manage cash flow and how long you will occupy the site.
Solar PPA
A funder owns the system; you pay nothing upfront and buy the electricity at an agreed rate. The funder maintains it. You keep less of the long-term saving than an owner, but take no capital risk.
Asset finance
Your business owns the system and repays the cost over a fixed term. Where repayments are lower than the electricity savings it is cash-flow positive from day one — this depends on your site and finance terms. You maintain it and may benefit from capital allowances (take tax advice).
Outright purchase
You pay the full cost and keep all the savings, usually with the fastest payback over the system's life. You are responsible for maintenance and insurance.
Ownership
PPA: funder. Asset finance: you (at or before end of term, depending on product). Purchase: you from day one.
Best suited to
PPA: larger sites wanting zero capital outlay. Asset finance: businesses wanting ownership without tying up cash. Purchase: businesses with capital available and a long horizon.
What we do
We model all three for your site using your actual usage data, so you can compare them side by side before choosing.
FAQs
Common questions
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