Solar Funding &
Solution Options
Explore routes for commercial solar energy funding
Our Options For Commercial Solar Energy
Finding The Right Route
Investing in renewable energy does not have to mean purchasing and owning a solar installation.
Some organisations want to invest their own capital and retain ownership of the asset. Others want the benefits of on-site renewable energy without committing capital or taking responsibility for the system over its lifetime.
For larger energy users, the opportunity can extend beyond their own buildings altogether, using off-site renewable generation to complement what can be achieved across their estate. The right approach depends on your energy requirements, available capital, property portfolio, sustainability objectives and appetite for long-term asset ownership.
Shawton Energy helps organisations understand those options and structure a solution around what they are trying to achieve.
Funding Routes
Power Purchase Agreement
Access on-site renewable energy without capital investment.
Direct Investment
Own the asset and retain the full benefit of Solar PV from day 1.
Asset Finance
Spread the investment while retaining a route to ownership.
Funding Route 1
Power Purchase Agreement
A Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, provides access to on-site renewable energy without the significant upfront capital investment associated with purchasing the system.
The solar infrastructure is funded and owned by AMPYR Distributed Energy, with Shawton Energy, responsible for developing and delivering the project.
The customer then purchases the renewable electricity generated by the system at an agreed rate over the term of the PPA.
Monitoring, maintenance, insurance and long-term asset management are incorporated within the funded structure, removing the operational responsibility associated with owning the system yourself.
At the end of the PPA term, the rights and title to the system can pass to you in accordance with the agreement.
For organisations looking to reduce energy costs while preserving capital for other business priorities, a PPA can provide a straightforward route to on-site renewable energy.
No Upfront Costs
The solar PV system is installed and funded by Shawton Energy, so you do not need to make a large initial capital investment.
Stable Energy Costs
A power purchase agreement gives you greater certainty over electricity pricing across the contract period.
Lower Electricity Bills
Electricity generated on site from solar PV is often cheaper than grid electricity in the UK, leading to immediate savings on your energy bills.
No Maintenance Responsibility
Shawton Energy typically handles installation, monitoring, and maintenance, so you benefit from solar power without the operational burden.
Funding Route 2
Direct Investment
For organisations with capital available and an appetite to own their renewable energy infrastructure, purchasing a solar installation outright can offer an attractive alternative.
Under this model, you fund and own the system.
Once operational, the renewable electricity generated on site is available for the organisation to use, reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid.
Direct investment can provide greater potential financial returns over the lifetime of the asset because there is no ongoing PPA charge for the electricity generated.
Monitoring, maintenance, insurance and long-term management of the asset all need to be considered as part of the investment decision.
Shawton Energy applies the same technical and delivery standards to customer-funded projects as it does to funded assets and can provide ongoing operation and maintenance support following installation.
Long-Term Returns
No ongoing Power Purchase Agreement charge for electricity generated.
Full Ownership
From day 1, you own the asset and the electricity generated, adding to your balance sheet.
Operational Responsibility
Monitoring, maintenance and insurance need to be considered by you.
Ongoing Support Available
Shawton Energy can provide operational and maintenance support if required for a fee.
Funding Route 3
Asset Financing
For organisations that want to invest in solar but do not want to commit the full project cost upfront, asset finance can provide another option.
Rather than paying for the installation in a single capital investment, the cost can be financed over an agreed period.
Different structures may be available, including lease purchase and lease hire, depending on the organisation and project.
This can provide a middle ground between direct investment and a fully funded PPA, allowing an organisation to invest in renewable infrastructure while spreading the financial commitment over time.
The commercial and accounting implications will depend on the finance structure selected, so each project should be assessed individually.
Shawton Energy can also provide ongoing operation and maintenance support to help protect system performance over its lifetime.
Spread The Cost
Payments for the system are spread out and made over an agreed period.
Route To Ownership
Once the agreed term ends, ownership of the system transfers to you.
Preserve Capital
Allows structured investment in solar while retaining capital for other business priorities.
Flexible Structures
We’re open to terms that suit you, as well as other options such as lease purchase or lease hire.
Which Funding Route Could Be Right For You?
| Feature | Power Purchase Agreement | Direct Investment | Asset Finance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Capital | No significant upfront solar investment | Full investment required | Spread over time |
| Ownership | ADE during PPA term | Customer | Depending on finance structure |
| Electricity Costs | Customer purchases generated electricity at agreed PPA rate | Customer receives full benefit of generation | Customer receives benefit of generation, subject to finance costs |
| Monitoring & Maintenance | Included within funded structure | Customer responsibility or O&M agreement | O&M can be separately provided |
| Best suited to | Organisations wanting on-site solar without funding or owning the asset | Organisations with capital available that want asset ownership | Oranisations wanting to invest while spreading the cost |
Installation History & Progress
Solar Installations delivered over the last 5 years.
MWp of clean energy operational today.
MWp Pipeline launching from January 2026.
See the map on the right for all the locations across the UK where Shawton Energy Solar PV Systems are currently installed or in development.
Case Studies
Let’s Find The Right Route For You
You do not need to know which funding model is right before speaking to us.
We can assess your energy requirements, available space, investment priorities and longer-term objectives before helping you understand the options available.
From a single customer-funded solar installation to a fully funded multi-site programme or a wider strategy incorporating off-site renewable generation, Shawton Energy can help establish the most appropriate route.
Get in touch with the Shawton Energy team to arrange an initial discussion and explore the funding and renewable energy options available to your organisation.
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Testimonials
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Explore our full Commercial Solar Solutions page for insights into the sectors we serve, funding options, and why businesses across the UK trust Shawton Energy.
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Solar Funding &
Solution Options
Supporting solar energy transition with effective funding solutions.





































