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Protect your business from rising energy costs and speed up your sustainability journey. ista’s business solar systems for commercial and industrial buildings help reduce emissions, lower electricity bills, and future-proof your energy use.
Tapping into solar energy means accessing one of the largest, most stable and cost-free power sources: the sun. Commercial solar panels enable businesses to generate their own renewable electricity on-site, reducing their reliance on the grid and their exposure to volatile energy markets. With the right strategy, companies can achieve 100% self-consumption by covering their daytime demand with their own PV system.
ista offers customised commercial PV solutions designed to maximise energy independence and return on investment. Whether you are looking to power production lines, charge company EVs or optimise building operations, they are built to align with your consumption patterns, helping you to reach self-consumption rates of up to 70% and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. Even full energy autonomy is possible with optional battery storage.
And thanks to the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), any excess electricity can be fed back into the grid for additional financial return.
ista is your one-stop partner for planning, installation, and long-term performance optimisation. We deliver commercial PV installations that integrate seamlessly with your infrastructure and support your net zero goals from day one.
Our commercial PV systems are designed to deliver optimal performance, flexibility and long-term value. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels deliver up to 22% conversion efficiency, ensuring maximum output even in restricted spaces.
Each system comes with smart grid-tied inverters featuring MPPT (maximum power point tracking) technology and real-time diagnostics, ensuring stable output and rapid fault detection. The system architecture supports scalable deployment across flat roofs, pitched surfaces or ground-mounted arrays to accommodate diverse commercial site profiles.
Remote performance monitoring is available via cloud-based dashboards, which provide automated alerts regarding system status, yield data and fault notifications. Optional lithium-ion battery storage enables extended self-consumption and peak shaving capabilities, providing greater energy autonomy.
All solutions are designed to meet UK regulatory requirements, including Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) eligibility, Energy Performance Certificate for Buildings (EPBD) alignment and broader national net zero compliance strategies.
Monocrystalline silicon PV panels offer high efficiency and low degradation over time
Grid-tied inverters feature smart functionality and MPPT technology for optimal energy conversion
Real-time performance data is accessible via cloud-based energy dashboards
Systems can be mounted on flat or tilted roofs, carports, or ground-based structures
Optional lithium-ion batteries enable hybrid configurations with energy storage
ista's business solar systems are compatible with BEMS, EV charging infrastructure, and smart meters
Generating your own energy with solar power protects you from volatile energy prices, helping your business cut electricity bills by up to 70% and achieve a ROI in as little as five years. Once installed, your solar panels provide clean power and have a lifespan of 20 years and longer.
We support your sustainability efforts: As customers and investors increasingly value environmental performance, adopting sustainable practices is not only good for the planet, it also gives you a strategic advantage.
Ditching fossil fuels and installing commercial solar panels to generate energy on-site demonstrates your commitment to sustainability, enabling you to reduce CO₂ emissions, improve your EPC rating and strengthen your ESG profile in a measurable way.
At ista UK, our specialists will guide you through every step of your commercial solar installation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process that is tailored to your site and energy needs. The process begins with a detailed site assessment, during which we will evaluate the available space, solar irradiance and your building’s consumption profile. Beyond the technical setup, we also take into account your organisation’s sustainability goals — including alignment with the GHG Protocol and your specific targets for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
Once the PV system is in place, we handle grid connection and all necessary regulatory approvals during the commissioning phase, ensuring your system is safely and legally integrated into the energy network.
After successful commissioning, ista’s cloud-based dashboards provide real-time insights into your system's performance. To maintain optimal efficiency, we offer customisable service packages including preventive maintenance, performance checks, and system upgrades.
To accelerate the UK’s shift to cleaner energy, a variety of financial incentives are available to encourage the adoption of business solar systems. These schemes help businesses to reduce their upfront costs while improving their long-term energy resilience, all of which contributes to the UK's Net Zero goals. Currently, UK businesses can benefit from several incentives that make investing in commercial photovoltaic panels more cost-effective and attractive.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Since January 2020, the SEG has allowed businesses to earn money by exporting unused solar electricity back to the grid. To qualify, your commercial solar installation must be under 5 MW, MCS-certified and fitted with a smart meter. In 2025, typical SEG rates ranged from 5p to 15p per kWh, depending on the energy provider.
The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)
Available until 31 March 2035, the AIA enables UK businesses to deduct the full cost of qualifying capital investments, including commercial PV systems, from their taxable profits up to an annual limit of £1 million. This tax relief significantly improves the financial return on solar projects.
The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF)
Running in phases from 2024 to 2028, the IETF will support large, energy-intensive industrial businesses in decarbonising their operations. Eligible companies can apply for funding to support energy efficiency upgrades, including the adoption of commercial PV panels. Specific criteria apply depending on the phase and sector.
Local Authority Grants
To accelerate the switch to clean energy, some UK local councils and regional energy bodies offer grants or financial support for commercial solar installations. These vary by location and provider, so it is worth checking with your local authority to see what options may be available for your business.
Commercial solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems, are designed specifically for business use. They convert sunlight into electricity that can be used on-site to power daily operations. These systems can be scaled up or down to fit various types of commercial and industrial buildings, from offices and warehouses to manufacturing facilities, helping businesses to reduce their reliance on grid electricity and lower their operational costs.
Savings depend on energy usage and system size, with a high level of self-consumption leading to bigger savings. Generally speaking, most businesses can expect to save between 50% and 70% on their annual electricity costs. Those with high daytime energy demand – when solar generation is at its peak – often see the greatest returns, particularly when paired with battery storage or intelligent energy management.
The average payback period for commercial solar installations in the UK is between 5 and 7 years. This varies based on system capacity, energy prices, available roof or ground space, and applicable incentives such as capital allowances or the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). After the payback period, most systems continue to deliver significant savings for 15 - 20 years or more.
Absolutely. Despite the UK’s often cloudy weather, solar panels work efficiently thanks to their ability to generate electricity from both direct and diffused sunlight. Modern PV technology is highly effective even in lower light conditions, making solar a viable and reliable option across the UK.
Yes. Businesses can pair their solar systems with battery storage to store surplus energy generated during the day. This stored electricity can then be used in the evening, during peak tariff periods, or when sunlight is limited – increasing self-consumption and reducing reliance on the grid.
Commercial PV panels are generally low-maintenance. Routine upkeep includes annual inspections, basic cleaning of panels to remove debris or dirt buildup, and occasional system checks. ista also offers optional service packages for ongoing performance optimisation and fault detection.
UK businesses can benefit from a range of incentives, including the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which provides financial compensation for excess electricity exported back to the grid. Solar investments also qualify for the Annual Investment Allowance, which provides 100% tax relief on capital expenditure. Although 0% VAT is currently only available for domestic installations, VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim the cost, which makes commercial systems financially viable.
The GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol) is the globally recognised standard for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It helps businesses and organisations to track their carbon footprint across three categories:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the business, such as gas boilers and company vehicles.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heating or cooling
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions in the value chain (e.g. from suppliers or business travel).
Installing commercial solar panels can help to reduce scope 2 emissions because clean electricity is generated on-site instead of being bought from the grid. If solar replaces on-site fossil fuel-powered systems, it may also contribute to reducing scope 1 emissions. At ista, we take your emission targets into account when designing the system — to support your ESG reporting and net zero roadmap.
With decades of experience in reliable energy metering, we set the industry standard for accuracy, reliability and innovation.
