For many factory owners, energy audits – whether ESOS or B Corp – highlight opportunities to cut waste and improve sustainability.
But too often, these reports end up gathering dust because owners assume that acting on them will require large upfront costs.
The reality is very different!
With modern finance models, factories can implement recommendations like rooftop solar panels in a way that is not only affordable but also immediately cashflow positive.
From Compliance to Profit
An ESOS audit identifies inefficiencies and suggests upgrades.
A B Corp audit rewards companies that adopt renewables and reduce emissions.
Both processes point towards the same solution: generating your own clean energy.
Rooftop solar is the obvious choice, and with the right funding model, it doesn’t have to be a drain on working capital.
How Cash Positive Solar Works
Instead of buying panels outright, factories can use asset finance or rental agreements.
Here’s how cash positive solar works:
✅ No Capital Outlay:
Panels are installed without upfront payment.
✅ Fixed Monthly Repayments:
You pay a set amount, spread over 5 – 25 years.
✅ Immediate Bill Savings:
The electricity savings are greater than the repayment costs.
✅ Positive Cashflow:
From day one, your factory keeps more money in its pocket each month.
For example, a factory spending £20,000 per month on electricity could save up to £14,000 monthly with cash positive solar.
Even after repayments, the business is cash-positive by thousands of pounds every month. That’s before factoring in tax benefits or carbon reporting advantages.
Strengthening Audit Outcomes
✅ ESOS:
Installing solar directly reduces kWh consumption and demonstrates that you acted on audit recommendations, turning compliance into competitive advantage.
✅ B Corp:
Solar boosts your environmental score, proving renewable adoption and carbon reduction.
Long-Term Security
Energy prices are notoriously volatile. By installing solar, you effectively lock in a portion of your electricity costs for decades.
That means predictable cashflow, stronger margins, and greater resilience against price shocks.
In competitive manufacturing sectors, this stability can make a decisive difference.
Beyond Numbers
The financial case is compelling, but the reputational benefits are equally powerful.
A factory that combines profitable energy savings with sustainability gains can market itself as efficient, ethical, and future-ready – a message that resonates with customers, investors, and employees alike.
Summary
Cash positive solar allows factories to:
✅ Cut electricity bills immediately
✅ Improve compliance and sustainability audit results
✅ Secure predictable long-term costs
✅ Enhance their reputation and competitiveness
In short, ESOS and B Corp audits identify the opportunity, and cash positive solar provides the solution – delivering profit, purpose, and resilience all in one move.
