Scottish businesses are finding that solar power isn’t just about being green. As Jon Kirby, Head of Development, SSE Energy Solutions, explains it’s about cutting bills, boosting your ESG credentials and staying competitive in supply chains where carbon really counts.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have moved far beyond a ‘green’ nice-to-have. Today, they’re a practical way to reduce energy costs, cut emissions and build credibility with customers and stakeholders.
By generating 20 to 50 per cent of your electricity – or potentially more – from onsite solar, you could shield your business from volatile energy markets, secure predictable savings and bring down Scope 2 emissions. And that matters commercially, as more and more buyers and tenders now expect real evidence of decarbonisation.
Solar also adds value to a property, which is a compelling benefit – whether you own the building or, as a long-term tenant, you want to secure buy-in from your landlord.
No-Capex Solar: Power Purchase Agreements
One of the simplest ways to go solar is through a power purchase agreement (PPA). SSE Energy Solutions designs, fully funds, installs and operates the system, while you buy the electricity it produces at a fixed rate – often up to 50% cheaper than grid power. In short, you benefit from lower cost electricity, visible evidence of your commitment to sustainability and carbon savings for ESG (environmental, social and governance) reporting, while we take on the investment and risk.
The poultry-feed manufacturer 2Agriculture choose this route for a solar roll-out with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy at its Edinburgh facility. The 300 kWp installation, generating 252,400 kWh/per year, allows 2Agriculture to reduce its energy costs and carbon emission with zero capital outlay.
Additional fully funded solar projects are being developed by SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy across Scotland, with new installations due to go live in the coming months at Mawmill, Kinross, and Loanhead, Midlothian.
Investing for the long-term
For businesses with the capital and willingness to invest upfront, owning the system outright is another option. After the solar panels pay for themselves in energy savings, the power they produce is essentially free. And with panels often lasting well beyond their 20+-year warranty, the long-term payoff can be significant.
Tax reliefs such as the Annual Investment Allowance can help shorten the payback period, while in Scotland, additional support may be available through the SME Loan and Cashback Grant, the Highlands & Islands Enterprise Green Grant Fund, local authority green business grants or CARES funding for community and non-profit organisations.
Is solar a good fit?
Solar PV is most suitable for organisations that:
Have large, unshaded roof space or land suitable for a ground-mounted system.
Use a significant share of electricity during the day or can add storage/EV demand to match generation.
Major energy user? No roof, no problem
There are always exceptions, and if you’re a major energy user, solar can still be an option even without suitable roof or ground-space.
Provided your electricity use is large enough to make it viable, we can develop a ground-mounted solar farm within a few miles of your business and connect it directly to your operations with a private wire.
That’s the approach being taken at the University of Surrey. After installing rooftop solar at Surrey Sports Park, SSE Energy Solutions is now developing a 12 MW solar farm that will supply the campus directly. It’s a big step towards net zero, and a model that large Scottish organisations can replicate.
We take care of the land leasing and design – and build in biodiversity measures such as grazing or rewilding. We can also integrated battery storage, EV charging or even distributed wind for greater energy independence.
Take the next step
Whether it’s through a fully funded PPA, a direct investment or a private-wire solar farm, solar PV is now a real, proven option for Scottish businesses.
SSE Energy Solutions can assess your site, show you the savings and deliver a project that reduces your energy costs, cuts your carbon emissions, enhances your sustainability credentials and helps future-proof your organisation for a net-zero economy.
Get in touch with SSE Energy Solutions today to see if solar PV is right for your business, and let’s explore the best way forward together.
