By the PPA Funding team Last updated
For most UK businesses, rooftop solar is more practical than on-site wind. Solar is quieter, needs no planning in many cases, has no moving parts to maintain, and uses existing roof space. On-site wind can suit specific exposed rural sites but usually faces planning, noise and maintenance hurdles.
Commercial solar vs wind at a glance
| Consideration | Commercial solar (PV) | Small wind turbine |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Almost any site with roof or land and daytime use | Open, exposed, consistently windy sites |
| Planning | Often permitted development on commercial roofs | Usually needs full planning permission |
| Output pattern | Generates by day, peaks around midday and in summer | Generates whenever it is windy, day or night |
| Predictability | Well understood and easy to model | More variable; depends on a wind survey |
| Cost & funding | Available via a PPA — £0 upfront | Higher cost per kW; harder to fund on small sites |
| For most businesses | The default choice for commercial sites | A niche choice for the right windy location |
Why solar usually wins for business
Rooftop solar uses space you already have, has no moving parts, runs silently, and often qualifies as permitted development. That makes it far simpler to deploy on a typical commercial site than a turbine.
Where wind can fit
A well-sited turbine on an exposed rural location with strong, consistent wind can generate well, and wind often produces more in winter when solar is lower. But planning, noise, visual impact and maintenance make it viable only for specific sites.
They can be complementary
On the right site, solar and wind complement each other — solar peaking in summer daylight, wind stronger in winter. For most businesses, though, solar plus battery storage is the practical, lower-hassle route.
This guide is general information, not financial or tax advice. Your circumstances determine what applies — please confirm with your accountant or advisor. Get a tailored proposal →
Frequently asked questions
Should my business get a wind turbine instead of solar?
For most sites, no — solar is simpler, quieter and easier to deploy on an existing roof. Wind suits specific exposed rural locations. We focus on funded solar and battery, which fit the vast majority of commercial sites.
Does wind generate more in winter?
Often yes, which is why some sites pair the two. But for most businesses the planning, noise and maintenance of wind outweigh the benefit, making solar plus storage the practical choice.
Related guides
- Fixed vs index-linked PPA rates explained
- Commercial solar warranties and insurance explained
- Commercial solar inverters explained
See our funding options, commercial solar and solar by industry pages.