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 four 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 |
| Public-sector programmes (nation-specific) | £0 (0% loan) | +£42k | ~£3.1m | UK public sector (NHS, schools, councils, unis) |
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 — 0% interest and AIA-equivalent benefit. Choose based on your capital availability, tax position, ownership preference, and 25-year operational outlook.
Solar Carport PPA
Zero capex. You pay only for the electricity the carport generates. 25-40% below grid retail. 15-25 year contracts.
Read moreSolar Carport Asset Finance
5-7 year asset finance facility at 7-9.5% APR. Monthly payments lower than your electricity bill reduction. AIA tax benefit retained.
Read moreSolar Carport Capital Purchase
Outright purchase delivers the highest 25-year NPV. 100% AIA first-year tax relief on UK commercial buyers. 4-7 year simple payback, 3-5 years after AIA.
Read more