Can I still apply for sustainability finance if I’ve been turned down elsewhere?

Written by UK Business Loans — matched to trusted lenders and brokers. Last updated: 29 October 2025.

Short answer: Usually, yes. A decline from one provider doesn’t automatically block you from sustainability finance. Different lenders and finance products use different criteria — switching to a specialist green lender, changing the product type (e.g., asset finance, lease, PPA) or improving documentation can turn a decline into an approval. Start with a quick, non‑credit-impact eligibility check to see what options suit your business.

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Quick answer: short, practical summary (TL;DR)

• Yes — being declined by one lender doesn’t mean all lenders will refuse. Many specialist green lenders and non‑bank providers have different risk criteria.
• Immediate next steps: request a full reason for decline, gather stronger project documentation and consider a specialist broker match.
• If your project is viable and you can fix the documented reasons (cashflow, credit issues, missing certifications), reapplying — often via a specialist channel — is frequently successful.
• Start with a free, no‑obligation, non‑credit-impact eligibility check to see which lenders/brokers are the best fit: Free Eligibility Check.

Why lenders sometimes decline sustainability finance (what they look for)

Lenders evaluate sustainability projects using a mix of commercial and technical checks. Understanding these helps you target the right lenders or fix the issues before reapplying.

Common reasons for decline

• Credit history — company or director credit issues, CCJs or recent defaults can lead mainstream lenders to decline.
• Affordability & cashflow — lenders need to see that repayments are affordable; weak margins or unpredictable income can be problematic.
• Technical/regulatory concerns — missing industry-specific documentation (EPCs, MCS certification for solar, planning permission for installations) or doubts over installation quality.
• Incomplete paperwork — no formal quotes, no performance projections (energy generation estimates), or missing insurer/maintenance arrangements.
• Unsuitable product fit — applying for an unsecured loan when asset finance or a lease would be more appropriate for equipment-based projects.

Soft vs hard declines — why it matters

• Soft decline: issues that can be resolved (more info, additional security, technical certification). Often reversible quickly.
• Hard decline: fundamental problems (insolvency risk, fraudulent information, no realistic cashflow) that require deeper changes before reapplying.

Can you still apply after a decline? Yes — here’s how lenders differ

Different lender types and product structures mean a decline from one provider doesn’t equal universal rejection. Here’s how to navigate the landscape.

Lender types and why switching helps

• Mainstream banks — conservative underwriting; they prioritise strong balance sheets and long trading histories. A common first port of call but not the only one.
• Specialist green lenders — focused on renewable energy, EV infrastructure, heat pumps and efficiency projects. They may accept different security models and are more familiar with MCS/EPC evidence.
• Asset finance and leasing companies — finance the equipment itself (e.g., solar arrays, batteries, EV chargers) secured against the asset; good where cashflow is tight but asset value is solid.
• Energy-as-a-Service / PPA providers — contractual models where the project supplier manages installation and you pay for energy/savings; often avoid traditional credit tests.
• Alternative finance — invoice finance, crowdfunding, or specialist SME lenders that consider non-standard applications.

Role of brokers: specialist brokers package sustainability projects effectively and access niche lenders that won’t appear on a high‑street search. A good broker can present your case differently — highlighting energy savings, grants or contractual revenue streams — and improve approval chances.

Timing: sometimes immediate reapplication is fine if you supply missing documents. Other times, wait until credit issues are corrected or cashflow projections improve. Ask the lender for a specific reason and timeline before reapplying.

Free Eligibility Check — if you’ve been declined, we’ll match you to the right lender/broker type for your situation.

How UK Business Loans helps when you’ve been turned down

We don’t lend. We match limited companies and incorporated businesses seeking £10,000+ with lenders and brokers who specialise in sustainability finance. Our role is to save you time and increase the chance of a successful application by connecting you to the right partners.

• Quick, non‑credit-impact enquiry — takes around 2 minutes.
• Fast matching to specialist partners experienced in solar, EV chargers, heat pumps, batteries and retrofit projects.
• Once matched, brokers/lenders contact you with quotes; you decide whether to proceed — no obligation.
• Nationwide coverage and experienced partners who understand the technical documentation lenders want.

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Practical steps to improve your chance of success (action checklist)

Here are concrete actions to take before reapplying.

• Request the decline reason in writing. Lenders must give a clear reason — use it as your improvement checklist.
• Gather business paperwork: last 2–3 years’ accounts, management accounts, cashflow forecast, and 3–6 months’ business bank statements.
• Project documents: professional supplier quotes, MCS certification (for solar), EPC (energy performance certificate), planning permissions, performance/ROI estimates and maintenance agreements.
• Improve affordability evidence: energy bills showing savings, contracts that secure income (e.g., PPAs), or clearer cashflow modelling.
• Consider different products: asset finance, leasing, hire purchase, PPA or energy‑as‑a‑service rather than an unsecured loan.
• Address credit issues: correct any errors on company/director files, negotiate arrears or provide a guarantor if suitable.
• Work with a specialist broker: they can repackage the application, include technical notes and suggest a lender with suitable appetite.

Example: A café declined by its bank later secured a solar lease from a specialist green finance provider after providing an MCS certificate, 24 months of energy bills and a 5‑year maintenance contract.

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What to expect from lenders after you reapply

• Timeline: brokers often call within hours; simpler applications can get a credit decision in days, complex projects may need 1–3 weeks including technical surveys.
• Additional checks: technical surveys, independent energy assessments or site visits are common for larger installations.
• If declined again: request full reasons, use them to improve documentation or consider an alternative product / lender type.

When reapplying may not be appropriate

There are situations where reapplying immediately is unlikely to help:

• If the business is insolvent or unable to demonstrate realistic cashflow to service any debt.
• If there is evidence of fraud or false information in prior applications.
• If the project has no credible ROI or is technically unviable.

In these circumstances, seek professional financial advice or restructuring support before applying again.

Real-life examples (anonymised)

Case 1 — Success after switching to a specialist lender: A regional manufacturing firm was declined by its high-street bank for a £75k solar-plus-storage project. After supplying an EPC, MCS certificate and 12 months’ energy bills via a specialist green broker, the business secured asset finance covering 85% of equipment cost.

Case 2 — Needed credit fixes first: A logistics company with historical director defaults was declined by multiple lenders. The owner settled disputed items, provided updated management accounts and re-applied six months later via a specialist broker — approved for an EV charger installation on an asset finance plan.

FAQs

Can I still apply for sustainability finance if I’ve been turned down elsewhere?

Usually yes. Different lenders and products have different risk appetites — specialist green lenders, asset finance providers and brokers often approve applications declined by mainstream banks. Fixing the documented reasons for decline and presenting stronger technical evidence raises your chance of success. Get a free eligibility check.

Am I able to apply for sustainability finance after being declined by another lender?

Yes. Ask for the reason for decline, address the issues (documentation, credit problems or product fit) and consider applying to a different lender type or via a specialist broker who understands sustainable projects.

Can I apply for sustainability financing if another provider has already declined me?

Yes — it’s common. Use the decline feedback to improve the application, and consider alternative finance structures (lease, asset finance, PPA) that may not require the same underwriting criteria.

Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No. Submitting a non‑credit-impact enquiry via our form does not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you proceed with a formal application.

What documents do I need for solar / EV charger / heat pump finance?

Typical documents: supplier quotes, MCS certificate (solar/heat pump where applicable), EPC, energy bills, company accounts, recent bank statements and a basic cashflow forecast.

How quickly will I get a quote?

Often within hours for a simple eligibility match; full lender quotes can arrive in days. Complex projects that need surveys may take longer. Start your free eligibility check.

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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.

Next steps & final CTA

If you’ve been declined elsewhere, don’t assume that all options are closed. Many businesses find suitable sustainability finance after addressing the lender’s concerns or by switching to a specialist product or lender. UK Business Loans can quickly match your business to suitable lenders and brokers for projects of £10,000 and above.

Get a free, no‑obligation eligibility check now — it won’t affect your credit score and takes around 2 minutes: Get Quote Now

UK Business Loans is an introducer that helps businesses find suitable lenders and brokers. We are not a lender and do not provide regulated financial advice. Offers and final terms are provided by lending partners.

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1. Can I still apply for sustainability finance if I’ve been turned down elsewhere? — Usually yes; different lenders and specialist green brokers use different criteria, so switching lender type or fixing documentation often turns a decline into an approval.
2. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my credit score? — No — our free, non‑credit‑impact eligibility check does not leave a footprint on your credit file; lenders may only run checks if you choose to proceed with a formal application.
3. What types of sustainability finance are available for solar, EV chargers and heat pumps? — Typical options include asset finance, leasing/hire purchase, unsecured or secured green business loans, PPAs (power purchase agreements) and energy‑as‑a‑service contracts.
4. What documents do I need to apply for solar, battery or EV charger finance? — Commonly required papers are supplier quotes, MCS certification (where applicable), EPC, recent energy bills, company accounts, bank statements and a project cashflow forecast.
5. How quickly will I get matched to lenders and receive quotes? — You can be matched to brokers within hours and often receive full lender quotes in days, with larger or survey‑dependent projects taking 1–3 weeks.
6. Does UK Business Loans charge to match my business with lenders? — No — our service is free and no obligation; we act as an introducer to regulated brokers and lenders.
7. Who can apply through UK Business Loans for sustainability finance? — We primarily match limited companies and incorporated businesses seeking £10,000+ while our lending partners may also support sole traders, start‑ups and SMEs.
8. What should I do after being declined to improve my chances of approval? — Request the decline reason in writing, supply missing technical and financial documentation (MCS, EPC, quotes, cashflow), address credit issues and consider alternative products or a specialist broker.
9. When is reapplying unlikely to be successful? — Reapplying is unlikely to help if the business is insolvent, there’s evidence of fraud/false information, or the project lacks credible ROI or technical viability.
10. Can specialist green lenders approve applications mainstream banks refuse? — Yes — specialist green lenders, asset finance providers and PPA/energy‑as‑a‑service firms often accept different security models and technical evidence that mainstream banks may not.