Refinance sustainability upgrades — solar PV & EV chargers (Refinance loans for UK businesses)
Short summary: Yes — in many cases UK businesses can refinance sustainability upgrades such as commercial solar PV arrays and EV chargers. Whether refinancing is possible and advisable depends on three main factors: who owns the asset, the terms of any original finance or contracts (eg. leases, PPAs or early redemption penalties), and lender appetite/security available. If you own the installation and your business meets basic trading and cashflow requirements, refinancing can free up working capital, reduce monthly costs or consolidate debt. Get a Free Eligibility Check and quick quotes to see what’s available: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.
Quick answer: can refinance be used for solar PV & EV chargers?
Short answer: usually yes — but it depends. If your business owns the renewable installation outright (or holds clear equity in the asset), refinancing or refinancing-related loans can be used to repay existing finance, consolidate multiple facilities, or raise capital against the asset or property it’s attached to. If the asset is leased, on a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or owned by a third party, direct refinancing by the business is generally not possible; you may still refinance other business debts instead.
What “refinance” means for sustainability upgrades
Refinancing in this context covers several distinct scenarios:
- Refinancing an existing green loan: replacing one loan taken to buy the solar/EV equipment with a new loan on better terms.
- Asset refinancing / release of equity: using the installed equipment (or the property it sits on) as security to borrow more or release cash.
- Debt consolidation: combining multiple facilities (merchant cash advance, short-term loan, vendor finance) into a single managed loan with simpler payments.
- Top-up borrowing: raising additional funds against your property or balance sheet to finance further sustainability works or business needs.
Important distinctions:
- If the system is owned by you (and has certification such as MCS where relevant), lenders are more likely to refinance.
- If the system is under a lease or PPA, the third‑party owner usually retains the right to the asset, and your ability to refinance it directly is limited.
- Refinance options can be secured (against property or equipment) or unsecured depending on lender and loan size.
Read more about refinance structures and options on our dedicated refinance information page: /refinance-loans.
Typical refinance products that can cover sustainability upgrades
Different lenders and brokers will propose different products depending on the asset, borrowing amount (we typically arrange loans from £10,000 upwards), and your business finances. Common products include:
Business refinance loan / term loan
Fixed-term loans used to repay existing facilities or fund a debt consolidation. Can be secured or unsecured. Suitable where you own the equipment or want to consolidate unrelated business debt.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Asset refinancing (equipment lending)
Loans secured specifically against solar arrays, battery systems or EV chargers. Lenders will look at age, condition and expected remaining life of equipment.
Commercial mortgage refinance / remortgage
If installations are fixed to property, a remortgage can sometimes be used to release equity or refinance existing mortgage debt — useful for landlords and owner-occupiers.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Green-labelled loans & sustainability-linked facilities
Some lenders offer green products with use-of-proceeds conditions or slightly preferential terms for verified sustainability projects. Availability depends on market conditions and borrower profile.
Vendor finance / hire purchase settlement refinance
If you have vendor finance, a refinance loan can be used to settle that facility and replace it with potentially better terms.
Each product has different suitability: asset-backed loans work best where the business owns the equipment; mortgage routes suit property-backed borrowers; unsecured consolidation suits businesses with clean credit records but less collateral.
Who can refinance sustainability upgrades? Eligibility checklist
Typical criteria lenders and brokers will review:
- Asset ownership: does your business own the solar/EV equipment or is it leased?
- Certification & installation records: MCS certificates, installer invoices and commissioning dates help.
- Existing finance terms: are there early repayment charges or contractual restrictions?
- Business financials: trading history, turnover, profitability and cashflow projections.
- Security available: property value or other assets if the refinance requires collateral.
- Age & condition of equipment: older systems may attract lower values for asset refinance.
Benefits, costs and risks of refinancing sustainability upgrades
Benefits
- Free up working capital by releasing equity tied to installations or property.
- Lower monthly payments via longer terms or lower interest rates.
- Consolidate multiple debts into a single easy-to-manage facility.
- Reinvest savings from energy into business growth or further sustainability projects.
Costs & risks
- Arrangement and legal fees on refinancing—compare total cost over loan life.
- Early redemption charges on existing facilities could negate short-term savings.
- Longer loan terms may increase total interest payable.
- Securing new finance against property changes your risk profile and may affect covenants.
Practical tip: always ask for a total cost comparison that includes early repayment penalties, arrangement fees and projected interest over the full term. A broker can produce side‑by‑side quotes to make this clear.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
How UK Business Loans helps (process & what we need)
We don’t lend. Instead we introduce your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial refinance and sustainability finance. Our process:
- Complete a short enquiry (about 2 minutes).
- We match your details to the most relevant lenders and brokers.
- Receive no‑obligation quotes and advice from partners.
- Choose a provider and progress to formal offers directly with them.
Information to have ready:
- Approximate outstanding finance (if you’re refinancing an existing facility).
- Installer invoices and MCS (where applicable).
- Proof of ownership or contract for the installation.
- Basic business financials: turnover, years trading, bank details.
Our service is free and is an enquiry-to-introduction service only — it is not a loan application. Start your enquiry — Get Quote Now.
Real-world examples
Retail warehouse — roof-mounted solar
A regional retailer owned their rooftop PV and had a high-cost short-term facility. We matched them with a broker who arranged a secured term loan to settle the expensive facility and free cash for stock — result: lower monthly payments and improved working capital.
Logistics depot — EV chargers
A fleet operator installed depot EV chargers via vendor finance. They refinanced by consolidating vendor finance and an overdraft into a single asset-backed loan, smoothing payments and reducing total monthly outlay while retaining operational cashflow.
Commercial landlord — mortgage remortgage
A landlord who installed PV across units used a remortgage to refinance an existing mortgage and improve the rate while releasing funds for further estate upgrades.
How we help: each case starts with a short enquiry so brokers can determine the best path. Get Quote Now
Documents & timeline
Common documents lenders ask for:
- Installer invoices, commissioning dates and MCS certificates (where applicable).
- Proof of ownership or contract documentation.
- Existing loan agreements and details of outstanding balances.
- Business accounts, management accounts or bank statements.
- Identification and company registration documents.
Typical timeline: initial enquiry → match within hours/days → lender contact and soft assessment → indicative offer within days → formal offer and completion often 1–4 weeks (dependent on valuation, legal checks and lender process).
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Fairness & important disclaimers
UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated advice. We connect businesses with lenders and brokers who will provide quotes and handle applications. Submitting an enquiry is not a loan application and does not affect your credit score. All offers and terms are provided by lenders/brokers and are subject to their checks and approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will refinancing affect my business credit score?
Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans will not affect your credit score. Individual lenders may perform credit checks if you proceed to a formal application — they will advise separately.
Can I refinance a solar array that’s leased or under a PPA?
Generally no — if a third party owns the system, you cannot refinance it directly. You may be able to refinance other business debts or—subject to contract—buy out the leaseholder if a buyout is allowed.
Are green loans cheaper than standard business loans?
Some lenders offer green-labelled products or incentives, but rates and fees depend on the borrower’s profile, security and current market rates. Comparison via brokers is the best way to find competitive terms.
Can I refinance multiple upgrades in one loan?
Yes — consolidation loans or remortgages can often combine multiple upgrades and other facilities into one structured loan, depending on value and security.
What happens if my existing loan has early repayment charges?
Early repayment charges need to be factored into any refinance calculation. A good broker will include these costs when comparing the total cost of the new versus old finance to ensure refinancing is genuinely beneficial.
Next steps — Get a quick quote now
If you’re considering refinancing sustainability upgrades, complete a short enquiry (takes around 2 minutes). We’ll match you to lenders and brokers who specialise in the kind of refinance you need and help you compare realistic offers. Start now: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.
UK Business Loans arranges introductions for loans from around £10,000 and above. Submitting an enquiry is a free, no‑obligation information step to help match your business with suitable lenders and brokers.
1. Can UK businesses refinance solar PV arrays and EV chargers?
Yes — if your business owns the equipment (or holds clear equity) lenders will often refinance solar PV arrays and EV chargers to consolidate debt, lower payments or release working capital.
2. Can I refinance a solar system or EV chargers that are leased or on a PPA?
Generally no — third‑party owned systems under leases or PPAs cannot be refinanced by the occupier unless the contract allows a buyout, though you can still refinance other business debts.
3. What refinance products cover sustainability upgrades like solar and EV chargers?
Typical options include asset refinancing/equipment loans, business term loans, commercial mortgage remortgages and green‑labelled facilities, chosen by lenders based on ownership, security and loan size.
4. What documents will lenders ask for when refinancing sustainability upgrades?
Lenders usually request installer invoices, MCS certificates (where applicable), proof of ownership or contracts, existing finance agreements, and business accounts or bank statements.
5. Will submitting an enquiry with UK Business Loans affect my business credit score?
No — an enquiry via UK Business Loans is a free, no‑obligation introduction and does not affect your credit score, though individual lenders may perform checks later if you apply.
6. How much can I borrow to refinance solar PV or EV charger installations?
Refinance amounts typically start around £10,000 and can scale to much larger sums depending on equipment value, property security and lender appetite.
7. Are green loans or sustainability‑linked loans cheaper than standard business loans?
Sometimes — green‑labelled products can offer competitive terms, but pricing ultimately depends on your credit profile, security and current market rates so comparison is essential.
8. What are the main eligibility criteria to refinance sustainability upgrades?
Lenders look at asset ownership, certification and installation records (eg. MCS), age/condition of equipment, existing finance terms, business trading history and available security.
9. How long does refinancing solar PV or EV chargers usually take?
Typical timelines are rapid matching and soft assessments within days, indicative offers within a few days, and formal completion often within 1–4 weeks depending on valuations and legal checks.
10. Will refinancing always save my business money after factoring early repayment charges?
Not always — you must compare total costs including early redemption penalties, arrangement and legal fees, and projected interest over the loan term to confirm net savings.