# Commercial solar for Ports & marine

Ports and marine sites run cranes, refrigeration, and increasingly shore power for vessels, across large areas of buildings and land. Funded solar and battery storage cut those heavy energy costs and support decarbonisation, with no upfront investment.

Port operations are power-hungry — handling equipment, reefer (refrigerated container) points, lighting and, increasingly, cold ironing to power berthed ships. Large warehouse roofs and open land give plenty of scope for a sizeable system.

With real pressure to decarbonise, ports are natural adopters of on-site renewables. A PPA delivers solar and battery storage with no capital outlay and a lower fixed rate.

## Why it fits Ports & marine

- **Heavy handling and reefer loads** — Cranes and refrigerated container points create substantial demand that solar offsets.
- **Roof and land options** — Large sheds and open port land both offer scope for a sizeable system.
- **Support shore power** — On-site solar and battery help cut the cost of cold ironing and decarbonising operations.
- **Zero upfront** — A PPA funds the whole system, keeping capital free for port infrastructure.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can solar help power reefer points and cold ironing?**

Yes — these are exactly the kind of heavy loads solar offsets, with battery storage extending the benefit. It reduces rather than removes grid draw on the largest loads.

**Is a coastal site’s exposure a problem?**

Systems are engineered for their environment, including wind and coastal exposure. We assess site conditions as part of the design.

## 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 Ports & marine](https://ppafunding.com/commercial-solar-for/ports-and-marine) · 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.