# Commercial solar for Construction & builders’ merchants

Builders’ merchants and construction firms run warehouses, trade counters, showrooms and yards, with growing electric-fleet needs. Funded solar, battery storage and EV charging cut energy costs and support fleet electrification, with no upfront investment.

Merchant warehouses and trade counters draw steady daytime power for lighting, handling equipment and heating, while large yards and canopies add roof options. As vans and plant go electric, on-site charging becomes a real cost to manage.

A PPA lets construction businesses add solar and battery storage with no capital outlay — cutting bills, supporting affordable fleet charging, and helping meet the sustainability requirements now common in tenders.

## Why it fits Construction & builders’ merchants

- **Warehouses and canopies** — Merchant roofs and yard canopies offer good area for solar without affecting operations.
- **Support electric vans and plant** — Solar and battery cut the cost of charging an electrifying fleet.
- **Win more work** — On-site renewables help meet the sustainability criteria increasingly built into contracts.
- **Fully funded** — A PPA covers the system, keeping capital free for stock and plant.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can solar help charge our vans and plant?**

Yes. Solar and battery storage reduce the cost and grid impact of charging electric vans, forklifts and plant, especially with daytime charging.

**Do you cover multi-branch merchants?**

Yes. A programme can span several branches under one agreement, phased to suit you. We assess each site’s roof and demand.

## 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 Construction & builders’ merchants](https://ppafunding.com/commercial-solar-for/construction-and-builders-merchants) · 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.