Solar Up for businesses

Wondering how you can cut energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint?

Our scheme could fund, install and maintain solar panels on your building. In return, your business can use the electricity generated on site at a discounted rate, helping to lower your energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

Why join Solar Up?

  1. Save money on electricity

The electricity generated by your solar panels is supplied directly to your building at a discounted rate compared with standard grid electricity.

Similar schemes have already helped businesses save hundreds of thousands of pounds on their energy bills.

2. No upfront installation costs

We cover the cost of designing, installing and maintaining the solar panels, making it easier to access the benefits of solar energy.

3. Reduce your carbon emissions

Generating renewable electricity on your roof reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps your organisation lower its environmental impact. Plus, demonstrating environmental action can enhance your reputation with customers, employees and stakeholders.

How it works

  1. Complete the Solar Up enquiry form.
  2. We’ll assess whether your building is suitable for solar panels
  3. If your site is eligible, you’ll receive a tailored proposal
  4. We’ll fund and install the solar panels
  5. Your organisation benefits from lower-cost renewable electricity generated on site

We will continue to own, monitor and maintain the equipment, helping to ensure it performs effectively throughout the agreement period.

Who can apply?

Your business’s building must:

  • Be located within East Suffolk or Ipswich.
  • Have a roof suitable for solar panel installation.
  • Not be a Grade I or Grade II listed building.

If you lease your premises, you’ll need permission from your landlord before joining the scheme.

A business success story

Unisurge International, Newmarket

Since installing solar panels, Unisurge International has benefited from significant energy savings while reducing its carbon emissions.

“The scheme has been a transformative initiative for our business, providing a sustainable energy solution that not only reduces environmental impact but also significantly lowers operational costs. By embracing solar technology, we have been able to enhance our energy resilience, foster innovation, and contribute to a greener future for the community.”

In 2024/25, the installation helped save more than 68 tonnes of carbon emissions and delivered almost 331,000 kWh of renewable electricity

Ready to get started?

Complete our Solar Up enquiry form and we’ll be in touch to discuss whether your building could benefit from the scheme.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact solarup@suffolk.gov.uk. All media and communications enquiries to be sent to sustainablesuffolk@suffolk.gov.uk.