The UK Government’s decision to mandate rooftop solar installations on new-build homes in England has been welcomed by the renewables sector, but industry leaders are now calling for similar incentives to be extended to businesses and commercial landlords.
Anthony Maguire, Managing Director of renewable energy consultancy Longevity Power, reckons that while the residential focus marks progress, commercial buildings – from warehouses and offices to shopping centres, airports, and car parks – hold vast untapped potential for solar deployment.
He says: “The Government can accelerate the UK’s rooftop solar revolution by assisting businesses and landlords with installing solar PV and batteries.
“It’s not just about cost savings; this is a critical step toward net zero, energy security, and economic resilience.”
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Longevity Power’s analysis found that fewer than 15% of the UK’s 334 shopping centres and retail parks currently have rooftop solar installed. Among the 30 largest shopping centres, only eight feature solar systems.
To incentivise uptake, Maguire suggests the UK could adopt elements of the French and German models – specifically, offering a guaranteed strike price for excess energy fed back into the grid. He also emphasises the need to avoid compensation requirements during periods of overproduction and negative pricing.
The call for broader commercial support comes on the heels of a £180 million allocation by GB Energy, the Government’s new state-owned energy firm, to install solar panels on public buildings such as schools and hospitals.
That programme, announced in March, has already seen local education and health authorities receive grants for rooftop installations.
MORE PUBLIC AWARENESS
“These are highly visible public buildings at the heart of their communities,” Maguire adds. “Their adoption of renewables sends a strong signal, both in terms of reducing emissions and boosting public awareness.”
However, he cautions that energy grid constraints remain a major obstacle to scaling solar projects, particularly those over 1MW in capacity. Many installations are currently delayed or stalled due to difficulties securing grid connections.
And he urged GB Energy to clarify grid impacts early in the grant application process, so low-impact, on-site consumption projects – such as those planned for schools and hospitals – can proceed without delay.
Maguire also called for a stronger commitment to battery storage.
“Batteries don’t just store excess solar – they help manage local energy flow, reduce grid stress, and provide flexibility in power usage,” he says. “They’re essential to unlocking the full value of rooftop solar.”
