One of the most common misconceptions we hear is:

“We’d love to install solar panels, but we don’t own the building.”

Here’s the truth…

You don’t need to own the property to benefit from commercial PV panels.

If you’re a tenant of a factory or industrial unit, there are still powerful, profit-generating solar options available to you.

Option 1: Solar Rental

Renting commercial PV panels is often the simplest and most flexible route for non-owners.

Here’s how it works:

✅ The solar provider installs a system on the roof at zero cost to you

✅ You pay a fixed monthly rental fee

✅ That fee is lower than your current electricity bill

✅ You start saving immediately, without owning or financing the system

✅ The provider handles maintenance, insurance, and performance monitoring

Real Example: £25,000/month Electricity Spend

✅ Average saving with solar rental: 35%

✅ Monthly reduction: £8,750/month

✅ Yearly benefit: £105,000

✅ Over 25 years: £2.6 million in avoided electricity costs

You don’t own the asset – but you benefit from the savings without the responsibility.

Option 2: Cash Positive Asset Finance

In many cases, you can still use asset finance (and own the system) – even as a tenant.

You’ll typically need installation consent from the landlord. And many landlords are happy to support this when:

✅ It increases the value of their property

✅ The tenant takes responsibility for the system

✅ It doesn’t interfere with the structural integrity of the building

Why Landlords Are Often Supportive

Forward-thinking landlords understand:

✅ Commercial PV panels makes their building more attractive to current and future tenants

✅ It can increase rental value to their next tenant

✅ It contributes toward their ESG and carbon reduction targets

✅ They can take over the system later

It’s a win-win.

How to Start the Process as a Tenant

1️⃣ Speak to your landlord early – frame solar as a benefit for both parties

2️⃣ Request a roof licence or written consent for installation

3️⃣ Choose your route:

✅ Rental

✅ Cash positive asset finance

4️⃣ Get a proposal from a solar provider who can provide rental and cash positive asset finance

Final Thought: Don’t Let Tenancy Stop You from Saving

Renting your building shouldn’t mean missing out on millions in solar savings.

Whether you rent or own, your factory roof can still be a source of serious financial benefit.

The key is working with a provider who understands the tenancy landscape and can structure the deal to work for you and your landlord.