Commercial solar panels for business at no upfront cost
Cut your business energy costs with commercial solar for no upfront cost.
BHESCo’s Power Purchase Agreements make solar power easy. Talk to our team today.
Commercial solar power for Sussex business at no upfront cost
Rising energy prices are squeezing business margins across Sussex and beyond.
Commercial solar panels are one of the few investments that cut costs from day one.
But the upfront capital, technical complexity, and planning can hold businesses back.
BHESCo removes those barriers with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): we design, fund, install, and maintain your solar system, and you simply pay for the cheaper, greener electricity it generates.
No capital outlay. No maintenance burden. Just lower bills.
Talk to our team to explore the solar potential of your premises. No obligation, just a chat about your options.
Why business solar makes sense right now
Affordable energy
Clean energy
Energy security
Great PR
Commercial electricity prices remain volatile and structurally high. Solar panels for business generate power on-site, insulating you from grid price swings and reducing your exposure to future increases. For energy-intensive operations like warehouses, manufacturing sites, and leisure and hospitality venues, a partnership with BHESCo can deliver immediate savings as high as 25%.
Beyond cost, solar supports:
- Net zero and ESG commitments - tangible progress toward corporate sustainability targets and reporting requirements
- Energy security - reduced dependence on grid supply and volatile wholesale pricing
- Brand and stakeholder value - visible commitment to sustainability for customers, investors, and staff
The barrier isn't ambition. It's access to finance and expertise
Most businesses we speak to have already considered solar, but for one reason or another they decided not to get solar installed.
What stops them isn’t interest. It’s not knowing where to start, it’s lacking confidence about the technical feasibility, and it’s struggling with the capital cost for a system large enough to make a difference.
This is exactly the gap BHESCo’s commercial PPA model is designed to close.
How a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) works
A PPA lets your business benefit from solar power without owning or financing the system yourself.
1. No obligation site assessment
Our projects team reviews your site’s roof or land, energy usage profile, and existing electrical infrastructure to determine solar feasibility and likely system size.
2. System design & funding
BHESCo designs a bespoke solar system for your site and funds the full cost of installation — typically through community investment, meaning your solar project also supports local, community-owned clean energy
3. Installation & commissioning
Our accredited installation partners fit the system with minimal disruption to your operations, followed by full commissioning and grid connection where required.
4. You pay for the power you use
You enter into a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with BHESCo and pay a fixed amount every month for the solar electricity generated by your system – at up to 25% less than your current supplier’s rate.
The rate is fixed for the term of the agreement, giving you long-term price security.
5. Ongoing maintenance, handled for you
BHESCo monitors and maintains the system for the life of the agreement, so performance, repairs, and compliance are never your responsibility.
Talk to our Projects Team about a PPA:
Is commercial solar right for your business?
Solar PPAs tend to work best for businesses with:
- A large roof, car park, or land area suitable for panel installation
- Consistent daytime electricity usage (offices, retail, manufacturing, leisure, agriculture)
- A desire to reduce energy costs without tying up capital elsewhere in the business
- Sustainability or net zero targets to deliver against
Not sure if your site qualifies? That’s exactly what the free assessment is for — no obligation, no pressure, just clear answers.
Recent Business Solar Projects
Dyke Golf Club — 37kW in-roof commercial solar installation
BHESCo designed, financed, and project managed the installation of a 7.7kw solar and battery system on the maintenance shed and a 37kW in-roof solar array for the clubhouse, reducing Dyke Golf Club’s reliance on grid electricity and cutting long-term operating costs by £195,000.
Plumpton College — 99kW solar on the winery and farm teaching block
The main campus of Plumpton College sits within the South Downs National Park and is visible from the South Downs way, meaning this project required careful consideration regarding the Planning Application.
BHESCo financed the installation of rooftop solar over two properties, totalling 99.8kW. Estimated lifetime savings are £121,075.
Brighton Road Baptist Church — 30kW rooftop solar
Located in Horsham, Brighton Road Baptist Church partnered benefots from a 30kW rooftops solar array designed by BHESCO and installed at no upfront cost with financing from our network of community investors.
The addition of solar PV made Brighton Road Baptist Church one of only nine Gold Rate Eco Churches in the UK. Estimated savings over the 20-year lease period are £30,600.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Solar
What is a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?
A PPA is a funding arrangement where BHESCo pays for, installs, and maintains a solar system on your business site, and you pay only for the electricity it generates (usually at a lower rate than the grid) with no upfront capital cost to your business.
How much does commercial solar cost my business upfront?
With a BHESCo PPA, there is no upfront cost. BHESCo funds the design, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the system in full.
How much can my business save on energy bills with solar?
Savings depend on your site’s energy usage, roof space, and current tariff, but many businesses see meaningful reductions in their electricity costs from the point of installation. A free assessment will give you a figure specific to your site.
Is my building suitable for solar panels?
Most commercial roofs, car parks, and land areas with good sun exposure and structural capacity are suitable. BHESCo’s free site assessment will confirm feasibility for your specific property.
Who maintains the solar system once it's installed?
BHESCo handles all maintenance, monitoring, and repairs for the life of the agreement. Your business has no ongoing maintenance responsibility or cost.
How long does installation take and will it disrupt my business?
Installation timelines vary by system size and site complexity, but BHESCo’s installation partners plan work to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations. This is discussed and scheduled with you in advance.
Does BHESCo only work with businesses in Sussex?
BHESCo is based in Brighton & Hove and has a strong track record delivering commercial solar projects across Sussex, with capacity to discuss projects further afield. Get in touch to check coverage for your site.
What happens at the end of the PPA term?
At the end of the lease term, ownership of the solar panel system transfers to your business, meaning all solar electricity generated over the remaining lifetime of the system is 100% free for you. Our lease term is typically 20 years, and the operational lifetime of solar panels is 25-30 years.
Talk to BHESCo about a no-obligation commercial solar feasibility study
Ready to find out what’s possible for your site?
Complete the short form below and BHESCo’s projects team will be in touch to discuss your options.
No cost, no obligation, no pressure. We can’t wait to hear from you.
BHESCo is a community-owned, not-for-profit energy co-operative. All PPA proposals are tailored to your site and provided on a no-obligation basis following a free assessment.