Sustainability business loans: can accountants bundle solar PV, LED lighting and EVs into one fast finance package?

Quick summary: Yes — in many cases businesses can bundle solar PV, LED lighting and EVs into a single business finance package, typically using asset finance, green loans or blended structures. Solar often has OPEX options (PPA/lease) that can be treated separately; EVs and LED retrofits are commonly financed together under asset finance. Structure, lender appetite, asset lives, supplier contracts and clear cashflow forecasts determine whether a single fast package is realistic. To get a rapid, no‑obligation set of quotes and a free eligibility check, complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you to brokers and lenders who can provide competitive terms. UK Business Loans is an introducer; we are not a lender and do not give regulated financial advice. We connect you with vetted UK brokers and lenders. Offers are subject to lender eligibility checks and terms.

Quick answer — can I bundle solar PV, LED lighting and EVs?

Short answer: yes, but with caveats. Lenders frequently finance mixed-asset sustainability projects — especially where the combined package is over typical minimum thresholds (UK Business Loans works with lenders arranging finance from around £10,000 and upwards). The fastest routes are asset finance and green business loans that take security over equipment. Solar PV can be financed either as CAPEX (loan/lease) or via OPEX (PPA/operating lease), and many lenders prefer to structure solar separately if a PPA is involved. For a fast indicative quote and to see whether a single blended package is viable, complete a Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check.

Why businesses (and accountants) bundle sustainability projects

Benefits of bundling:

• Single application and fewer contracts to manage.
• Consolidated repayments simplify cashflow planning and bookkeeping.
• Lenders may offer better pricing for larger-ticket and multi-asset deals.
• Co-ordinated delivery reduces project management time and supplier friction.

Key risks and caveats:

• Different asset useful lives (EVs vs LED vs solar) may make term-matching important.
• Solar under a PPA/operating lease has different accounting and security needs and may be kept separate.
• Lender appetite varies — some prefer single-asset facilities, others will accept mixed asset pools.

If you want a quick assessment of whether your project suits a single deal or blended structure, request a Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check.

Which finance routes let you bundle these assets?

Asset finance (hire purchase, finance lease, chattel mortgage)

Asset finance is one of the most common routes for mixing EVs and LED lighting under one facility. Lenders take security over the assets listed on the agreement. It’s efficient where you have clear supplier quotes and documentation and suits businesses wanting CAPEX ownership or long-term leasing. Typical speed: fast, subject to paperwork.

Green / sustainability loans and unsecured business loans

Green-labelled term loans or multi-purpose business loans can fund a package of energy efficiency and low‑carbon assets. Smaller packages may be offered unsecured if the business has strong cashflow; larger packages are often secured. Lender underwriting will review the “green” case (energy savings, CO2 reductions) if marketed as sustainability finance.

Energy Performance Contracts, PPAs and OPEX models

Solar is frequently delivered via a PPA or solar lease (OPEX): a third party installs and retains ownership, while the business pays for energy. These models often sit outside a CAPEX asset finance package but can be combined by a lender willing to provide a blended facility — or arranged alongside a separate asset finance agreement for EVs and lighting.

Vendor finance / supplier-led packages

Suppliers sometimes offer bundled finance through panel lenders. These are convenient and can be fast, but always compare the terms and ask for a full schedule of costs and residual values.

What lenders and brokers will ask for

To prepare a rapid, robust submission you’ll typically need:

• Detailed supplier quotes for each asset (EVs by model/spec; LED by site & kW; solar PV by proposed panels & inverter specs).
• Installation contracts and service/warranty agreements.
• Recent company accounts (usually last 2–3 years) and most recent management accounts.
• Bank statements (typically 3–6 months), cashflow forecast and evidence of energy cost savings where relevant.
• Business details: company registration, VAT status, director information and any existing finance arrangements.
• Projected residual values for vehicles and any proposed balloon/residual agreements.

Accountants who supply clear capex schedules and cashflow impact analyses markedly speed underwriting. If you’re ready, upload quotes and documents as part of a Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and will not affect your credit score.

Project structuring tips for accountants

Practical, non-prescriptive points to consider when advising clients:

• Separate CAPEX and OPEX: where possible, treat solar PPAs as OPEX and EVs/LEDs as CAPEX — unless a lender agrees to a single blended CAPEX facility.
• Match terms to useful life: typical terms might be 3–7 years for EVs, 5–10 years for LED retrofits, and 10–20+ years for solar CAPEX loans.
• VAT and capital allowances: many energy-efficient assets qualify for enhanced capital allowances or special treatment; advise clients to consult their tax adviser to confirm current rules.
• Build a robust cashflow model showing energy savings and reduced operational costs — lenders like evidence that the project improves net cashflow.
• Consider residual value and maintenance covenants for fleets (mileage caps, condition requirements).

Example mini-case (illustrative): a mid-size practice combining a £35k LED retrofit, two EVs at £40k combined and a £60k rooftop solar proposal might be offered either (a) single secured asset finance for £135k on a blended 7–10 year term, or (b) asset finance for EVs & LED + separate PPA for solar. Which is faster depends on supplier contracts and lender appetite.

Typical timelines for “fast” finance

Estimate for a standard mixed-asset package (assuming complete documentation):

• Initial eligibility response: within hours of enquiry.
• Indicative term sheet: 24–72 hours for standard asset finance.
• Underwriting & acceptance: days to 2 weeks depending on complexity and security checks.
• Funding and release to supplier: typically within 1–4 weeks after acceptance; PPAs can take longer due to installation scheduling and third‑party ownership checks.

Speed tips: provide up-to-date accounts, clear supplier quotes, signed installation agreements and a concise project summary. Start a Free Eligibility Check here: Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check.

Costs, rates and what affects them

Rates and fees depend on multiple factors:

• Credit profile and trading history of the company.
• Size of the facility: larger packages often attract better margins.
• Asset mix and residual value assumptions.
• Security offered: unsecured versus secured facilities.
• Evidence of energy savings and supplier / installer reputation.

“Green” finance products may offer competitive pricing with lenders focused on sustainability, but actual terms are subject to lender underwriting. For personalised quotes, complete a Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check.

Accounting & tax considerations (for accountants)

High-level points (not tax advice):

• Asset classification: ensure EVs, lighting and solar are recorded under the correct fixed asset categories and depreciation schedules.
• Lease vs loan accounting: operating leases and finance leases have different balance sheet and disclosure impacts under UK GAAP/IFRS.
• VAT: treatment differs between outright purchases and lease/PPA arrangements — check client VAT position before choosing structure.
• Capital allowances: energy-saving assets may qualify for reliefs; always verify current HMRC guidance with a tax specialist.
• Disclosure: large finance facilities should be discussed with auditors for appropriate notes and covenant management.

This is general information only; please consult a tax adviser for personalised guidance.

Example package scenarios (illustrative)

Scenario A — Small professional firm

LED retrofit (£8k) + 1 EV (£22k): total £30k. Likely route: single asset finance or unsecured business loan if the business has strong cashflow. Fast turnaround — indicative quotes in 48–72 hours.

Scenario B — Medium company

LED retrofit (£40k), 2 EVs (£80k) and rooftop solar (£100k): blended facility possible. Common outcome: asset finance for EVs & LED and either a green loan or PPA for solar. Documentation and VAT treatment determine which approach is preferred.

Scenario C — Multi-site chain

Large bundled package with longer terms and supplier warranties — lenders may compete and offer improved pricing due to scale; expect thorough underwriting but attractive terms once approved.

How UK Business Loans helps

We don’t lend — we connect your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in sustainability and commercial asset finance. Our simple process:

1. Complete a short enquiry (it’s not an application — it’s a way for us to match your project).
2. We match you to lenders and brokers experienced in sustainability business loans and asset finance.
3. Receive rapid contact and multiple indicative quotes so you can compare terms.
4. Choose the best partner and proceed directly with them.

Start a free, no‑obligation eligibility check now: Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check. Our service is free to use; lenders or brokers may charge fees which they will disclose up front. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score.

FAQs

Can one lender finance solar PV, LED lighting and EVs in one deal?

Often yes. Many lenders will bundle multiple asset types under one facility (asset finance or a green loan). Solar financed via a PPA may require a separate arrangement. Final structure depends on lender appetite and project details.

Will bundling save me money?

Bundling can reduce admin and occasionally secure better pricing for larger packages, but savings depend on terms, security and whether mixing CAPEX and OPEX assets reduces lender appetite.

How fast can I get a quote?

After our short enquiry, brokers typically respond within hours and indicative quotes are often available in 48–72 hours for standard asset finance packages.

Do I need to be VAT registered?

VAT registration affects treatment of purchases and leases. It’s not always required to access finance, but VAT status matters for accounting and should be confirmed with a tax adviser.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks if you proceed to a formal application.

Is UK Business Loans a lender?

No. UK Business Loans is an introducer; we connect you with lenders and brokers. We do not provide regulated financial advice.

What if solar is offered via a PPA — can that be included?

PPAs are often structured separately as OPEX; some lenders will include a PPA within a blended offer, but it depends on the provider and contract terms.

What paperwork should accountants prepare?

Prepare company accounts, management accounts, bank statements, supplier quotes, installation contracts and cashflow forecasts showing savings. These accelerate decisions.

Compliance note: UK Business Loans is an introducer; we are not a lender and do not give regulated financial advice. We connect you with vetted UK brokers and lenders who will provide quotes and terms. All finance is subject to eligibility and terms. This page provides general information only; consult a tax adviser or regulated lender for personalised advice. Our service is free to use. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score.

To explore whether your solar, LED and EVs can be combined into a single fast finance package, get a quick, no‑obligation match to specialist lenders and brokers: Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check.

Related resources: see our page on sustainability business loans for more industry guidance.