Asset finance for solar PV, battery storage & EV chargers — can UK Business Loans help?
Summary: Yes — UK Business Loans can help you access sustainability asset finance for solar PV, battery storage and EV chargers by matching your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in green asset funding. We don’t lend money; we introduce businesses (typically companies, LLPs, charities and social enterprises) to finance partners who can provide tailored quotes for assets valued from around £10,000 upwards. Complete a short enquiry to get a free eligibility check and fast, no‑obligation quotes from multiple providers.
Quick answer — Yes, but here’s how it works
Short answer: UK Business Loans can connect your business with lenders and brokers that provide sustainability asset finance for commercial solar PV systems, battery storage and EV charging infrastructure. We act as an introducer and match your enquiry to partners who specialise in green asset funding; we do not lend funds ourselves. If you want tailored, no‑obligation quotes, complete a short enquiry and we’ll arrange contacts with suitable providers.
Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check
What types of sustainability asset finance can you get?
Finance for sustainability assets comes in several flavours. The right option depends on whether you want ownership of the equipment, off‑balance alternatives, or combined funding for installation and associated works.
Solar PV finance
- Purchase & hire purchase — buy the panels outright over fixed terms; ownership transfers after final payment.
- Finance lease / operating lease — lower monthly outlay; lender/lessor typically retains ownership while you use the asset.
- Project finance / EPC‑backed solutions — for larger commercial rooftop or ground‑mounted projects, lenders may fund the full installation when backed by installer EPCs and performance guarantees.
- Typical uses: rooftop PV for offices, warehouses, retail and manufacturing sites.
Battery storage finance
- Paired with PV: lenders often prefer finance packages that combine panels + batteries because of predictable performance profiles.
- Standalone storage: available where businesses want resilience, time‑of‑use optimisation or export control.
- Considerations: warranty length, cycle life, degradation, and performance guarantees affect lender criteria.
EV charger finance
- Workplace and depot charging: fleet and staff chargers commonly funded by asset finance or lease plans.
- Pay‑as‑you‑use / OPEX models: some suppliers offer managed service contracts, where you pay for usage and a management fee rather than capital purchase.
- On‑street and public chargepoint schemes: often funded through specific grant or commercial models depending on local authority involvement.
Common finance products that lenders and brokers offer:
- Hire Purchase (HP)
- Finance Leases & Operating Leases
- Asset refinance / refinancing older equipment
- Commercial loans and sustainability loans
- Green loans and green finance facilities where available
Who can get sustainability asset finance? Eligibility explained
UK Business Loans helps UK-incorporated trading entities and not‑for‑profit organisations access asset finance. Typical applicants include:
- Private limited companies (Ltd)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Charities and social enterprises
- Other incorporated businesses
Typical lender criteria
- Trading history: many lenders prefer at least 12 months trading, though specialist lenders can assist newer businesses depending on strength of contract and asset value.
- Turnover and profitability: lenders assess ability to service payments — benchmarks vary by product.
- Credit profile: healthy business credit and director credit help secure better terms; lenders will assess risk.
- Asset suitability: quality installer quotes, performance data and warranties increase lender confidence.
- Minimum deal size: UK Business Loans commonly handles enquiries for assets and packages valued from around £10,000 upwards.
Special cases: start‑ups, businesses with imperfect credit or new green projects can still be financed through specialist lenders or broker structures. A matched broker will advise which routes are realistic for your business.
How UK Business Loans helps — our simple 3‑step process
- Complete a short enquiry (2 minutes) — basic business details, target asset(s), installer quote and contact info. This is a free eligibility check, not an application.
- We match you — your enquiry is shared with a small number of lenders/brokers who specialise in sustainability assets. We select partners based on asset type, sector and deal size.
- Compare quotes — receive no‑obligation proposals by email/phone; compare terms, ownership options and total cost before deciding.
Responses are typically quick — many partners contact businesses within hours during business days. Your enquiry will not affect your credit score. Ready to start?
Get Started — Free Eligibility Check
Typical finance terms & costs (what to expect)
Exact pricing and terms vary by lender, credit profile and asset, but here are realistic expectations so you can plan.
- Term lengths: usually 2–7 years for solar and EV chargers; batteries sometimes financed over shorter terms depending on expected useful life.
- Deposit / initial payment: some lenders offer 0% deposit for strong credits; others require a contribution. Expect a range depending on product.
- Rates & margins: rates depend on credit, security and product — avoid any page that promises a single rate. Specialist green finance options may be competitive for low-risk borrowers.
- Residual values: in finance leases residual values can lower monthly payments but may leave an end‑of‑term payment.
- Additional costs: installation, grid upgrades, maintenance contracts and warranties. Factor these into total cost of ownership.
Because terms vary, it’s best to compare quotes from multiple providers to see the true cost for your business and asset mix.
Key documentation lenders commonly ask for
Preparing these documents speeds the process:
- Recent business accounts (latest year) and management accounts if available
- Business bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
- ID for directors/owners
- Installer quotations and technical specifications for PV, batteries or chargers
- Warranty & performance data, EPCs or output projections for solar projects
- Proof of business registration and VAT status where applicable
Tip: having a detailed installer quote and expected energy yield makes it much easier for lenders to underwrite the project.
Choosing the right type of finance — questions to ask
Use this checklist when comparing offers:
- Do you need ownership at the end of the term or lower upfront cost?
- Who is responsible for maintenance and insurance during the term?
- How does the finance affect your balance sheet (CAPEX vs OPEX)?
- Can VAT be recovered by your business and how does that affect cashflow?
- Are grant or incentive programmes applicable and can they be combined with finance?
Rough guidance: hire purchase suits businesses that want to own assets; operating leases suit those who prioritise cashflow and flexibility; green loans can be suitable where whole‑project funding is required.
Grants, incentives and combining finance
Government and local incentives change frequently. There have been grant programmes and local authority schemes supporting EV chargers and energy efficiency. UK Business Loans does not administer grants, but brokers we introduce can advise on combining grant funding with asset finance where eligible.
Always verify the latest GOV.UK guidance on energy and transport grants and speak to your broker about combining grant funding and commercial finance.
Why use an introducer like UK Business Loans?
Using a specialist introducer saves time and improves your chance of receiving competitive, relevant offers:
- Access to multiple lenders and brokers experienced in sustainability assets
- Faster matching — no need to approach each lender individually
- Compare several quotes quickly and without obligation
- Confidential, no‑cost eligibility checks — you only proceed if an offer suits you
Compare Quotes — No Obligation
Case study (illustrative)
Example: A medium‑sized warehouse operator sought funding for a 150kW rooftop PV system + 200kWh battery. UK Business Loans matched them to two specialist lenders and an energy finance broker. Within 5 working days they received three options: a 5‑year HP, a 7‑year lease and a project finance package that included installation and performance guarantees. The company chose the solution that balanced cashflow and ownership, moving the project to procurement within weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can you finance 100% of the cost?
Some lenders offer full funding for the asset and installation, but many products expect a contribution (deposit or VAT payment) depending on credit and asset type. A broker can identify lenders offering higher loan‑to‑value on sustainability projects. Complete our short enquiry to see what options might be available for your project.
How long does approval take?
Initial responses from brokers/lenders are often within hours. Full credit and asset checks typically take days to a few weeks depending on complexity, size and documentation provided. Having installer quotes and performance data ready speeds approvals.
Will applying affect my credit score?
Submitting an enquiry on UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks only if you proceed with a formal application; you will be informed beforehand.
Are there green‑specific rates?
Some lenders offer green loan products or pricing incentives for energy projects, but availability and rates vary by lender and credit profile. Our matching process will highlight specialist green options where available.
What if my business has a poor credit history?
Specialist lenders and brokers exist for a range of credit profiles. Outcomes depend on the business, asset quality and structure. An introducer can route your enquiry to partners who consider cases beyond mainstream lenders.
Closing — next steps & CTAs
Yes — UK Business Loans can help you obtain sustainability asset finance for solar PV, battery storage and EV chargers by matching your business to lenders and brokers with experience in green equipment funding. If your project is valued from around £10,000 upwards and you want fast, free, no‑obligation quotes, complete a short enquiry and we’ll connect you with the lenders/brokers who best fit your needs.
Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check
UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We connect businesses with lenders and brokers. Any offers received are from third parties and subject to their terms and checks. Submitting an enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks only if you proceed.
1. Can UK Business Loans help me get asset finance for solar PV, battery storage or EV chargers?
– Yes — UK Business Loans introduces UK businesses to specialist lenders and brokers who provide tailored asset finance and green loans for solar PV, batteries and EV charger projects.
2. Who is eligible to use UK Business Loans to find sustainability asset finance?
– UK-incorporated trading entities and not-for-profits such as Ltd companies, LLPs, charities and social enterprises (typically from around 12 months trading, though specialist lenders may consider newer businesses) can be matched with lenders.
3. What types of finance are available for commercial solar, battery and EV charger projects?
– Common options include hire purchase, finance leases/operating leases, project finance/EPC-backed solutions, commercial loans and specialist green loan facilities or managed OPEX service contracts.
4. Can I get 100% funding for my solar, battery or EV charger installation?
– Some lenders offer full funding for assets and installation, but many require a deposit or VAT payment depending on credit profile and product, so options vary by lender and broker.
5. How long does it take to get approval and quotes for asset finance?
– Initial responses from matched lenders or brokers often arrive within hours, while full underwriting and credit checks typically take days to a few weeks depending on complexity and documentation.
6. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my business credit score?
– No — completing a short eligibility enquiry with UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score; lenders may only run credit checks if you proceed with a formal application.
7. What documents will lenders usually ask for when applying for sustainability asset finance?
– Lenders commonly request recent business accounts, 3–6 months of bank statements, ID for directors, installer quotations/specifications, performance data and warranty details for the equipment.
8. What term lengths, rates and costs should I expect for green asset finance?
– Typical terms are 2–7 years (batteries sometimes shorter), rates and margins vary by credit and product, and additional costs can include installation, grid upgrades, maintenance and any end-of-term residuals.
9. Can I combine government grants or incentives with asset finance for solar, batteries or EV chargers?
– Yes — many grants and local incentive schemes can be combined with commercial finance where eligible, but you should confirm current GOV.UK guidance and discuss combining funding with your broker.
10. How do I start the process of getting quotes via UK Business Loans?
– Begin by completing the quick online enquiry (about 2 minutes) to receive a free, no-obligation eligibility check and be matched to suitable lenders and brokers for fast quotes.
