How to Find and Access Funding Support for Your Commercial Solar Project
The cost of installing solar is falling, but for many businesses, grants and funding support remain an essential part of the decision-making process. In 2025, a range of local solar grants and regional funding schemes are available across England and Wales — helping businesses reduce upfront costs and accelerate their move to renewable energy.
At Next Generation Solar, we work with clients across Swindon, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and South Wales to help them understand what support is available and how solar can fit into their funding strategy.
National and Local Grant Support in 2025
There is no one-size-fits-all grant for solar — funding availability depends on your location, business size, and project goals. That said, there are several national and regional schemes worth exploring.
1. UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
The UKSPF is the government’s flagship funding programme that supports local growth and sustainability. Delivered by local authorities, it often includes funding for capital investment in low-carbon technologies like solar PV.
Each council sets its own priorities and criteria — so businesses must apply locally. For example:
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Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council may have different grant streams under the UKSPF
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Priorities may include decarbonisation, energy resilience, or business support
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Funding may cover part of installation costs or be tied to wider carbon reduction plans
Visit your local authority’s website or UKSPF prospectus for current opportunities.
2. Local Growth Hubs
Growth Hubs are regional support networks that help businesses access funding, advice, and connections. Many Growth Hubs provide:
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Access to grant schemes for low-carbon investment
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Support with funding applications
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Referrals to trusted suppliers and installers
Examples include:
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Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub
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Heart of the South West Growth Hub
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South East Wales Business Hubs
These hubs are a key first stop for discovering what funding may be available in your region.
3. Council or Combined Authority Schemes
Some local councils and combined authorities offer one-off or rolling grant schemes to support green business improvements.
These may include:
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Sustainability or carbon-reduction grants
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Energy audits with follow-on capital support
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Match-funding for solar installations
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Innovation or pilot scheme funding
The best way to find these is by searching your local council’s business support or climate strategy pages.
4. Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Grants
As part of their broader Net Zero plans, some regions are allocating capital to help local businesses reduce emissions. These funds may not be solar-specific, but solar can often be included as part of an energy-saving strategy.
For example, if your business is installing insulation, LED lighting, or upgrading heating systems, a solar PV system may strengthen your grant application.
How to Search and Apply
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Start with your local council’s business support pages
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Check your regional Growth Hub website
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Review the UKSPF priorities in your area
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Look for words like “low carbon”, “capital support”, “sustainability grants”
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Reach out to the NGS team for support or guidance
We regularly help businesses gather the right information for applications, including system specs, savings estimates, and carbon reduction data.
How NGS Supports the Process
While we are not a funding body, Next Generation Solar works alongside you to:
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Provide detailed system proposals for your application
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Help interpret local grant criteria
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Ensure project timelines align with funding requirements
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Connect you with trusted finance partners if grants only part-fund the system
We’ve helped clients across Swindon, Bristol, Cardiff, and beyond make the most of local solar support.
Final Word
With increased attention on sustainability and Net Zero, 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for commercial solar investment. Local grants can make a real difference — but many are underused simply because businesses do not know they exist.
Start by checking your local authority or Growth Hub today — and speak to the NGS team to explore what’s possible.
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