Summary — Quick answer

Sustainable business loans are finance products designed to fund low-carbon projects such as solar PV installations, EV chargers and other energy-efficiency upgrades. Options include green business loans, asset finance (hire purchase or leasing), energy service agreements and short-term working capital. Small-scale deals for standard equipment often fund in 24–72 hours (for quick unsecured products) or 3–10 business days for typical asset finance; larger or secured facilities usually take several weeks. UK Business Loans does not lend directly — we match your business to lenders and brokers so you get tailored options quickly via a Free Eligibility Check.

Above the fold — fast match & free eligibility check

Need funding for solar panels or EV chargers? Tell us about your project and we’ll match you with specialist lenders and brokers who handle sustainability projects.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

Takes < 2 minutes • No obligation • Soft check only at enquiry stage • We use your information to match you to the most relevant lenders/brokers.

What are sustainable business loans?

Sustainable business loans fund purchases or installations that reduce a business’s carbon footprint, save energy costs or enable low-emission operations. Typical uses include rooftop solar PV, battery storage, EV charging infrastructure, heat pumps and energy-efficiency upgrades.

Common product types

• Green business loans — general-purpose loans marketed for environmental projects; can be unsecured or secured, depending on amount and credit profile.
• Asset finance (hire purchase & leasing) — common for solar panels and EV chargers where the equipment is treated as financed asset; can preserve capital and spread cost.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) & Energy Performance Contracts — supplier-led models where third parties fund and operate systems, with the business buying energy/services.
• Government-backed schemes & grants — periodic incentives may be available; these can reduce capital required but often require extra admin and timescales vary.
• Working capital / invoice finance — for installation costs or bridging cashflow while waiting for incentives or VAT reclaims.

Why businesses use them

• Reduce energy costs and operating overheads
• Improve sustainability credentials and meet customer or supply-chain requirements
• Spread the upfront cost of equipment over its useful life
• Access specialist finance models tailored to renewables and EV infrastructure

Note: lenders’ terms vary—interest rates, fees, security and eligibility are set by the lender or broker. Your enquiry is information only and not an application.

How solar PV and EV charger projects are typically financed

Solar PV finance — options & what lenders look for

Solar projects can be funded through asset finance (hire purchase, leasing), unsecured or secured business loans, PPAs or blended models that combine grants and loans. Lenders typically assess:

• Project cost and installer/supplier quote
• Projected energy generation and estimated savings
• Product warranties, panels/inverter specs and expected lifespan
• Site details (roof condition, ownership/lease status, connection requirements)

Typical SME solar projects often fall in the £10k–£250k range depending on size; asset finance is common for these sums.

EV charger finance — options & what lenders look for

EV charging can be financed as capex (buying equipment) or opex (subscription/CPO models). Typical products include asset finance, business loans and supplier finance. Lenders consider:

• Projected usage and commercial case (customer demand, turnover uplift)
• Location (forecourt, depot, retail car park) and cabling/grid upgrade needs
• Back-office management software and payment systems
• Installer credentials and maintenance arrangements

Example use-cases

• A café installs two 7–22kW chargers via asset finance to attract customers and offset costs from charging revenue.
• A delivery depot funds a rooftop solar PV array and battery storage with blended asset finance and working capital to support installation.

Eligibility checklist — what lenders typically require

Requirements differ by lender, but common documents and conditions include:

• Business type and trading history — many lenders ask for 6–12 months trading or more.
• Company registration documents and ID for directors (for limited companies).
• Recent bank statements (typically 3–6 months), VAT returns or management accounts.
• Supplier/installer quotes and a clear project cost breakdown.
• Evidence of planning permission, landlord consent or wayleaves if applicable.
• Installer credentials, warranties and maintenance agreements.
• Summary of existing debts and affordability/repayment capacity.

Quick tips: get at least three supplier quotes, provide historic electricity bills and prepare projected energy savings — this speeds underwriting.

Typical timelines: How quickly can I obtain funding?

Times vary widely by product, project size, credit profile and whether security or surveys are required. Below are realistic bands with common examples.

Immediate / Same-day to 72 hours

Suitable for short-term unsecured loans, merchant cash advances or some invoice-finance lines. Typical characteristics:

• Smaller amounts (often £10k–£50k)
• Simple online application and soft credit checks
• Funds typically paid same day to within 72 hours once documents are signed

3–10 business days

Common for asset finance (hire purchase or leasing) for equipment like solar panels or EV chargers. Process:

1. Application and quick credit decision
2. Acceptance and finance provider instructs supplier
3. Lender may require a signed supplier agreement or invoice

This band suits straightforward installs where suppliers are ready and no security over property is required.

2–6 weeks

Typical for larger unsecured business loans, green loans requiring technical appraisal, grant applications or blended finance. Lenders may require site surveys, more detailed underwriting and legal checks. Delays often come from:

• Complex commercial premises or lease issues
• Requirement for property security or director guarantees
• Grant or incentive application timelines

6 weeks+ (possibly 2–3 months)

Applies to commercial mortgages, major development funding or bespoke green finance requiring detailed due diligence. Not typical for simple kit purchases, but relevant where property security, significant civils works or complex funding structures are involved.

Want a bespoke timescale for your project? Get a Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now. Our partners can often provide a tailored estimate once they see your project details.

How UK Business Loans speeds up the process

We are a specialist introducer that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers who handle sustainability projects. Our matching process is designed to save time and improve match-rate:

• Fill a short enquiry form (under 2 minutes) describing your project and finance needs.
• We pre-vet and match your enquiry to lenders/brokers with relevant experience in solar, EV chargers and green equipment finance.
• You receive contact from matched partners to progress quotes, technical checks and funding decisions.

Enquiry microcopy: your form is only an information request — not an application. We share details with partners to obtain quotes and timescales.

Costs, rates & what affects pricing

Pricing depends on many factors: loan size, term, whether the loan is secured, borrower credit profile, expected cost savings from the project, and the installer’s reputation.

• Smaller unsecured loans usually carry higher rates than asset-secured finance.
• Asset finance typically spreads the cost over the equipment life and may offer predictable monthly payments.
• Additional costs may include arrangement fees, valuations, legal fees and early repayment charges.
• Government incentives, tax reliefs or grants (where available) can materially reduce the net cost — check current GOV.UK guidance or ask a matched broker for up-to-date support options.

Because pricing is underwriter-specific, we recommend completing a Free Eligibility Check so matched brokers can present indicative costs tailored to your circumstances.

Application checklist & documentation

Have these ready to speed up the process:

• Company registration number and director IDs
• 3–6 months business bank statements
• Latest management accounts or VAT returns
• Detailed supplier/installer quote(s) and project scope
• Energy bills (last 12 months) and projected savings
• Proof of premises control (lease, landlord consent or title)

Privacy note: your details are handled securely and used only to match you with relevant lenders/brokers.

FAQs

What is a green business loan?

A green business loan is a financing product used to fund environmentally beneficial projects. The underlying loan mechanics (security, term, rates) are similar to conventional loans — the distinction is the end-use.

Can I get finance for solar or EV chargers if my business has imperfect credit?

Possibly. Some brokers and specialist lenders work with businesses that have non-standard credit profiles. A quick enquiry helps match you to lenders who consider your full business case rather than a simple score.

Will checking my eligibility affect my credit score?

No. An initial enquiry via UK Business Loans is a soft check for matching purposes only and will not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform fuller credit checks later if you proceed.

How much deposit is usually needed for asset finance?

Deposit requirements vary—some asset finance deals require no deposit, others ask for 10–30% depending on product and borrower risk. Matched brokers will detail options for your project.

Are there government grants for EV chargers or solar PV?

Grants and incentives change over time. Where available, they can reduce capital requirements but may add administrative steps. Ask a matched broker to confirm any current programmes relevant to your project.

How do I compare offers from different lenders?

Compare total cost (including fees), term, repayment flexibility, security required and the supplier payment process. Our matched brokers can present multiple options to help you choose.

Ready to compare offers? Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

Trust, compliance & next steps

UK Business Loans is an introducer that helps match businesses to lenders and brokers; we do not lend directly and do not provide regulated financial advice. Your enquiry is used to identify suitable partners who will contact you with quotes and next steps. Completing the enquiry is free and carries no obligation.

Start your enquiry: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Related resources: small business loans