UK Solar Carport Finance Options
Three primary commercial solar carport finance routes in the UK — direct capital with capital allowances, asset finance, and a PPA. Each suits a different buyer profile. Public bodies should note that PSDS closed to new applications in November 2024 and Salix programmes are now nation-specific, so a public-sector scheme is funded like any other capital project. Decision framework + economics worked through below.
The three routes at a glance
| Route | Capex needed | Cashflow Y1 | 25-yr NPV | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital purchase | 100% | -£330k (£400k carport) | ~£2.2m | Tax-paying companies with surplus capex |
| Asset finance | 0-10% | +£95k | ~£1.95m | Cashflow-sensitive operators |
| PPA | £0 | +£105k | ~£1.4m | Charities, non-tax-payers, balance-sheet-sensitive |
Capital purchase delivers the highest 25-year NPV but requires the cash upfront. PPA and asset finance trade NPV for cashflow. Public-sector bodies no longer have a UK-wide grant or 0% loan route: PSDS closed to new applications in November 2024 and Salix programmes differ by nation, so the realistic choices are capital, prudential borrowing or a PPA. The right route depends on capital availability, tax position, ownership preference and the 25-year operational outlook. The figures in the table are illustrative for a £400k, 300 kWp carport on the assumptions set out on each route page; they are not a quote, and Solar Car Parks does not arrange finance.
Solar Carport PPA
A PPA needs no capex: the buyer pays only for the electricity the carport generates, typically 25-40% below grid retail, on 15-25 year contracts.
Read moreSolar Carport Asset Finance
Asset finance spreads the capex over 5-7 years in fixed monthly payments. Payments can sit below the bill saving, and AIA is retained.
Read moreSolar Carport Capital Purchase
Outright purchase usually gives the highest 25-year return for a tax-paying buyer: 100% AIA first-year relief and a typical 4-7 year simple payback.
Read moreTell us about your car park and funding route
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