Why Brokers Should Pay Attention to the Surging Solar Sector

The UK’s commercial rooftop solar sector is entering a period of explosive growth — and energy brokers are uniquely positioned to benefit.

With soaring electricity prices, corporate ESG mandates, and a regulatory environment that’s more supportive than ever, solar PV is no longer a niche technology. It’s now a mainstream solution that offers immediate value to business clients across nearly every sector — and a substantial growth opportunity for brokers who understand how to position it. 

Despite offering huge savings and sustainability benefits, solar remains underused by UK businesses – and most brokers aren’t yet positioned to help. 

In this article, we’ll explore: 

The Commercial Solar opportunity in numbers 

Rising energy prices. Demand for green energy. New incentives. 

If you’re an energy broker in the UK, now is the time to understand the rapidly growing opportunity in commercial solar PV—not just for your clients, but for your own revenue and relevance. 

Energy costs for have more than doubled in recent years, creating an urgent need for long-term price stability. At present, the bulk of Solar PV installations in the UK are domestic but they only account for 30% of the total capacity (Source: DESNZ). 

Commercial solar adoption is still very much underpenetrated with fewer than 10% of UK non-domestic roofs currently having installed any Solar Photovoltaic panels. 

The UK government is targeting 50 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030 (up from ~18 GW in 2024), and in 2024 alone, the UK added over 500 MW of new commercial rooftop capacity — a number expected to rise again in 2025. 

Why Brokers should care 

Many energy brokers still rely heavily on gas and electricity procurement. But as clients seek greener, cheaper, and more independent energy solutions, brokers who can also advise on renewables are better positioned to both retain and win customers. 

Adding solar to your portfolio allows you to: 

  • Strengthen your value proposition 
  • Future-proof your client relationships 
  • Tap into new commission and referral income 
  • Help clients meet Net Zero and ESG goals 

Businesses are under pressure to reduce emissions, cut costs, and invest in long-term resilience. Solar PV answers all three – but someone has to introduce the opportunity. 

And who better than their existing energy broker! 

Solar strengthens your extended services & sustainability offering 

Energy brokers are already in a trusted advisory role. As solar PV becomes more financially attractive and logistically feasible, your clients will increasingly look to you for advice on how to reduce their energy costs and meet sustainability targets. 

 Whether you’re working with manufacturers, logistics firms, hospitality, education, or retail, the opportunity is clear: 

  • Solar installations help clients lock in lower energy prices for decades 
  • They provide a tangible route to achieving ESG/net-zero goals 
  • Understanding financing models (like PPAs and leasing) allows you to offer zero-capex solar options, increasing client uptake 
  • Bundling solar with energy supply and procurement advisory makes you more valuable, and stickier, as a partner 

Tapping into the Solar sales potential 

The UK’s commercial rooftop market could support over 120 GW of capacity — far beyond current levels. Yet most commercial buildings, warehouses, and logistics centres still sit idle when it comes to generating clean power. 

This presents a once-in-a-decade opportunity for energy brokers to differentiate their offering, educate clients, and become a central figure in the UK’s transition to clean energy. 

By building relationships with partners (such as OnlineDIRECT) early, brokers can unlock new revenue streams, offer additional services, and future-proof their business model as procurement becomes more complex. 

5 things every energy broker should know about Commercial Solar in 2025 

Several key shifts are making solar more accessible, profitable, and appealing for businesses than ever. Here’s a quick run-down of things you should know to bring you up to speed and enable you to start opening the conversation with prospective customers. 

  1. Solar is more affordable than ever

Panel prices have dropped over 80% in the past decade, while efficiency continues to rise. It’s now possible to get more output from smaller rooftops, with less upfront capital. 

  1. Zero-CAPEX options are mainstream

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leasing models allow clients to access solar with no upfront cost, making adoption easier and risk-free for many businesses. 

  1. Planning and Policy barriers have been removed

Rooftop installations on flat roofs or over 1 MW no longer require planning permission, and systems are exempt from increased business rates until at least 2035 

  1. (Better) battery storage is a game-changer

Energy storage is now a viable add-on, enabling businesses to store excess solar for evening use or export at peak prices, improving ROI and grid independence. 

  1. Commercial Solar is scalable and bankable

Returns of 12–20%+ are standard, with 25–40 year system lifespans and minimal maintenance costs. This makes solar not only sustainable, but a credible long-term asset. 

The future (of Solar) is now 

As a broker, Solar is an opportunity to build credibility and profit in one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy markets. 

Commercial solar is no longer a future trend — it’s here now. For brokers, it’s not just about staying relevant. It’s about leading the conversation, delivering value, and expanding your services in a way that aligns with both client needs and national energy goals. 

This is the decade of decentralised, resilient, low-cost energy. And brokers have a critical role to play. 

Want to learn more?

Catch up on our Introduction to Solar webinar to explore: 

  • How solar PV fits into the UK energy mix 
  • What to look for in site assessments and system design 
  • Tax benefits, grants, and regulatory incentives in 2025 
  • Finance models: PPAs, leasing, and how they work 

You’ll learn actionable insights and the confidence to start conversations that add value, build trust, and generate revenue. 

Alternatively, if you’ve already got Solar opportunities that you need support with now, get in touch with our Energy Services team.