CAPEX vs PPA for Commercial Solar: The Real Decision Tree
Detailed breakdown of capital purchase vs Power Purchase Agreement for UK commercial solar 2026.
The side-by-side comparison
Our verdict
For 90%+ of UK commercial solar buyers who pay corporation tax and can secure asset finance under 9% APR, capex + AIA wins on TCO. PPA's apparent zero-upfront advantage costs 30–60% more over the asset life. Only choose PPA when capex is genuinely impossible AND the long-term lock-in is acceptable.
Real KMM installs
Every case study below is a real KMM customer with measured Year 1 generation, real payback maths and named project manager.
Doctors' Surgery Solar Rescue: 100kW + Battery Backup
A Market Deeping doctors' surgery had been let down by a previous solar installer — non-stop issues, no monitoring, zero confidence. KMM installed 100kW solar, 100kW battery, Tigo optimisers on every panel.
UK Farm Solar Case Study: 3-Year Payback
UK farm sized its solar at 50,000 kWh against 37,000 kWh usage to future-proof. KMM modelled a 3-year 3-month payback and roughly £500k of 30-year savings.
UK Farm Solar: Cutting Energy Costs on a Dryer
UK farm with grid-only power and a summer grain dryer turned to solar to harness rising energy costs, drive its dryer, and earn export income.
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