Key facts
- 1We arrange surveys for businesses, farms, rural enterprises and holiday lets across all of Scotland
- 2Roof-mounted solar on barns, outbuildings and warehouses is the most common commercial installation
- 3Ground-mounted solar is possible on lower-grade agricultural land with planning permission
- 4Battery storage cuts peak-time electricity costs for businesses on time-of-use tariffs
- 5Heat pumps suit off-gas farms, workshops and holiday lets heated by oil or LPG
- 6Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status
- 7All installations are through MCS-certified partners
Last updated: 28 October 2026
Which businesses benefit most from solar in Scotland?
Businesses with large roof areas and high daytime electricity use benefit most from solar. Farms with outbuildings, warehouses, workshops and holiday lets are all good candidates. The key is matching system size to your usage pattern so you consume most of what you generate.
A no-obligation survey assesses your roof, electrical setup and energy bills to estimate whether solar makes sense for your business. We install through MCS-certified partners, and they will tell you honestly if the numbers do not work.
What can we install for your business?
Commercial roof solar
Roof-mounted solar on barns, warehouses, workshops and farm buildings. Designed around your roof area and usage profile.
Ground-mounted solar
Arrays on lower-grade agricultural land or unused paddocks. Requires planning permission and G99 grid approval.
Commercial battery storage
Store solar surplus or charge off-peak to cut peak-time electricity costs. Especially valuable on time-of-use tariffs.
Heat pumps for businesses
Air source heat pumps for off-gas farms, workshops and holiday lets heated by oil or LPG. Includes heat loss survey.
Holiday lets
Solar and battery for self-catering properties with high guest occupancy. Off-grid lets can reduce generator reliance.
Combined systems
Solar, battery and heat pump designed together so every part works as one integrated system for your premises.
How does commercial solar differ from domestic?
Commercial installations are larger, may need three-phase inverters, and often require G99 grid approval rather than simple G98 notification. Ground-mounted systems need planning permission. The survey covers roof load capacity, electrical infrastructure, and export arrangements.
- 1
Roof assessment
The surveyor checks roof structure, covering, orientation and load capacity for the proposed panel count.
- 2
Electrical review
Your consumer unit, incoming supply and any three-phase capacity are assessed for the system size.
- 3
Grid application
Systems above the G98 limit need G99 approval from SP Energy Networks or SSEN before installation begins.
- 4
Planning (if needed)
Ground-mounted arrays and some listed-building commercial premises need planning permission. We handle the application.
- 5
Installation and handover
MCS-certified partners install the system, certify it, and provide a handover pack with generation estimates and warranties.
Farms and rural businesses in Scotland
Scottish farms often have large, unshaded outbuilding roofs ideal for solar, and many rural businesses are off the gas grid and heated by oil or LPG. A heat pump can replace oil or LPG heating, and a battery can store solar generation for evening use in holiday lets or farm shops.
Ground-mounted solar is an option for lower-grade agricultural land, though it requires planning permission. Your surveyor can advise on the planning process and likely timelines for your local authority area. Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status.
Paying for your commercial installation
You can pay upfront or spread the cost. Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status. Your quote shows the full price of the installation so you can compare options. See our paying for your installation guide for more detail.
Common questions
Can I get solar panels for my business or farm in Scotland?
Yes. We arrange no-obligation surveys for businesses, farms, rural enterprises and holiday lets across Scotland. Commercial roof-mounted solar, ground-mounted arrays on agricultural land, and battery storage are all available through our MCS-certified partners. Use the same form on this page or call 0141 230 0198 to start.
Is battery storage worth it for a Scottish business?
For many businesses, yes. If you use most of your electricity during the evening or have solar panels, a battery captures surplus generation to use when you need it. Businesses on time-of-use tariffs can also charge off-peak and discharge at peak times. A survey models the actual savings for your usage profile.
Can holiday lets benefit from renewable energy?
Yes. Holiday lets with high occupancy benefit from solar to offset electricity costs, and a battery can store daytime generation for evening use by guests. Off-grid lets in remote areas can use solar and battery to reduce reliance on generators. A survey assesses whether the occupancy pattern justifies the investment.
What about ground-mounted solar on farmland?
Ground-mounted solar arrays are an option for farms with unused or lower-grade agricultural land. They need planning permission and a G99 application to the network operator. We arrange surveys through MCS-certified partners who handle the planning and grid application process. Call 0141 230 0198 to discuss your land.
How do I pay for a commercial installation?
Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status. We explain the available options during your no-obligation survey so you can compare paying upfront with spreading the cost. You are never obliged to take finance. Call 0141 230 0198 for a business-specific quote.
Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Reviewed by the Scottish Energy Efficiency team