# Commercial solar for Automotive & dealerships

Car dealerships combine glazed showrooms, workshops and a fast-growing need for EV charging. Funded solar PV and battery storage power all three, cutting running costs and supporting the switch to electric — with no upfront cost.

Showrooms are energy-hungry: extensive lighting, heating and cooling for large glazed spaces, plus workshop equipment. That daytime demand suits solar well, and dealership roofs and canopies often have room for a sizeable array.

The bigger opportunity is EV charging. As manufacturers push electric ranges, dealerships need affordable, resilient charging for stock, demonstrators and customers — exactly what solar plus battery storage delivers.

## Why it fits Automotive & dealerships

- **Power the showroom** — Lighting, HVAC and workshop loads run through the day, so solar offsets a large share directly.
- **Affordable EV charging** — Solar and battery storage cut the cost of charging stock, demonstrators and customer vehicles while easing grid demand.
- **Brand and manufacturer goals** — On-site renewables align with manufacturer sustainability programmes and a modern, electric-ready brand image.
- **Canopy and roof options** — Roofs and forecourt canopies both offer space for generation without affecting display area.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can solar cover our EV charging demand?**

It covers a meaningful share, especially daytime top-ups, and battery storage extends that further. For heavy rapid charging, solar reduces — rather than eliminates — grid draw, cutting overall cost.

**Do we have enough roof for a worthwhile system?**

Most dealerships do, and forecourt canopies can add capacity. We assess your roof, canopy and demand to size a system that maximises self-consumption.

## Funding routes

| Route | Upfront | Payment | Ownership | Maintenance | Accounting | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) | £0 | Fixed rate per kWh | Yours for £1 at end of term | Fully included | Off-balance-sheet (operating cost) | Businesses that want no capital outlay, no risk and no maintenance — just lower bills from day one. |
| Outright Purchase (CapEx) | Full system cost | One-off capital cost | Yours from day one | Optional O&M package | Capital asset | Businesses with capital available that want the strongest long-term return and full ownership. |
| Hire Purchase (HP) | Deposit | Fixed monthly instalments | Yours at end of agreement | Optional O&M package | Asset on balance sheet | Businesses that want to own the system but spread the cost and protect their cash flow. |
| Leasing (Operating / Finance Lease) | Low / none | Fixed rentals (opex) | Return, extend or buy at end | Optional O&M package | Rentals as operating expense | Businesses that want minimal upfront cost and predictable, tax-efficient operating payments. |

**Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)** — Zero upfront. Pay only for the clean power you use.

Pros: No upfront cost or capital outlay; Rate guaranteed at least 30% below the grid; Fully funded, installed and maintained for you; System becomes yours for a nominal £1 at the end.

Consider: A long-term agreement (typically 15–25 years); You don't own the system during the term.

**Outright Purchase (CapEx)** — Own it from day one and keep 100% of the savings.

Pros: Best long-term return on investment; Own the asset and keep every kWh of savings; May qualify for capital allowances / full expensing; No financing or interest cost.

Consider: Ties up capital that could be used elsewhere; You're responsible for maintenance (we can arrange it).

**Hire Purchase (HP)** — Spread the cost, own the system at the end.

Pros: Preserve working capital — pay over an agreed term; Own the system outright at the end; Tax-efficient: claim capital allowances and offset interest; Fixed, predictable monthly payments.

Consider: Interest applies over the term; Subject to finance approval.

**Leasing (Operating / Finance Lease)** — Low upfront, predictable rentals as an operating cost.

Pros: Little or no upfront cost; Rentals are typically 100% tax-deductible; Predictable, fixed payments; Flexible end-of-term options.

Consider: You may not own the system at the end (depends on lease type); Subject to finance approval.

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Source: [Commercial solar for Automotive & dealerships](https://ppafunding.com/commercial-solar-for/automotive-and-dealerships) · Contact: 01743 649 888 · info@ppafunding.com · https://ppafunding.com

PPA Funding is an independent introducer operated by DVC Group Ltd (Companies House 10462808), Shrewsbury — not the funder, the installer or the maintenance provider. The service is free to use; a commission may be earned from a partner at no extra cost. Content is educational and is not financial or tax advice.