# Commercial solar for Breweries & distilleries

Breweries and distilleries carry significant, steady electrical loads — refrigeration, chilling, pumping and process control. Funded solar and battery storage cut those costs, support green branding, and need no upfront investment.

Brewing and distilling are energy-intensive. Fermentation and conditioning need constant refrigeration, and pumps, chillers and packaging lines draw power through the day — the kind of steady demand that makes solar self-consumption high.

Sustainability also sells in drinks. On-site solar is a visible, genuine green credential that resonates with customers and stockists, while a PPA delivers it with no capital outlay.

## Why it fits Breweries & distilleries

- **Refrigeration and chilling** — Constant cooling for fermentation and storage means most of your solar is used on site.
- **A real green story** — On-site renewables strengthen your brand with drinkers and retail buyers who value sustainability.
- **Protect margins** — A fixed rate below the grid steadies a major production cost as you scale.
- **Fully managed** — We handle design, funding, installation and maintenance while you focus on brewing.

## Frequently asked questions

**Our process runs at all hours — does solar still help?**

Daytime loads are covered directly, and battery storage carries generation into evenings and nights, so a round-the-clock operation still benefits meaningfully.

**Can we promote the solar on our packaging?**

Yes — on-site renewable generation is a genuine, verifiable claim you can share with customers and stockists.

## 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 provide 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 Breweries & distilleries](https://ppafunding.com/commercial-solar-for/breweries-and-distilleries) · 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 installer or the funder. The service is free to use; a commission may be earned from partner funders at no extra cost. Content is educational and is not financial or tax advice.