# Commercial solar for Printing & packaging

Printing and packaging firms run presses, finishing lines and compressors that draw heavy power through the working day. With thin margins, cutting the electricity cost through funded solar and battery storage makes a real difference — and needs no upfront investment.

Presses, laminators, cutters and compressed-air systems create a substantial daytime electrical load in print and packaging plants. Because that demand lines up with solar generation, a high share of the energy is used on site.

Margins in print are famously tight, so shaving pence off every kilowatt-hour flows straight to the bottom line. A fixed PPA rate also makes quoting and budgeting more predictable.

## Why it fits Printing & packaging

- **High daytime machine load** — Presses and finishing lines run when the sun is up, giving excellent solar self-consumption.
- **Protect tight margins** — Even a modest cut in your energy rate has an outsized effect on print margins.
- **Predictable quoting** — A fixed energy rate steadies a big, variable input cost when you price jobs.
- **Zero upfront** — A PPA funds the system, so capital stays free for presses and stock.

## Frequently asked questions

**We run shifts — can solar and battery cover more of the day?**

Daytime shifts capture solar directly, and battery storage plus a smart tariff can support earlier and later running by storing cheaper or self-generated energy.

**Will installation disrupt production?**

Roof-mounted installation is planned around your schedule to minimise disruption. Most of the work happens outside on the roof, away from the presses.

## 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 Printing & packaging](https://ppafunding.com/commercial-solar-for/printing-and-packaging) · 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.