Commercial Funding

Town & Country Renewables are here to assist you in accessing resources and support to help ease the burden of rising costs. By quickly exploring energy-saving strategies and available government programs, we can guide you through these difficult times, helping to protect the financial well-being of families and strengthen the resilience of businesses nationwide.

 

Business Energy Assessment

Before we can identify the funding options available to you and your business, we need to perform an energy assessment of your premises. Complete this form today so we can help your business become more energy-efficient and start reducing your costs. We’ll contact you shortly to arrange a suitable time.

What is PPA Funding?

PPA funding refers to a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), a financial model that allows businesses to install solar energy systems without the need for upfront capital investment.

Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA)

The Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) is a funding option that enables businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions to access solar energy with no upfront costs. Through the SPPA, these organizations can immediately reduce energy costs and carbon emissions by leasing their roof space and purchasing solar electricity at a discounted rate. The solar provider handles all responsibilities related to the system, including long-term operation and maintenance. After the typical lease term of 25 years, the system ownership transfers to the lessee, allowing them to enjoy free solar electricity for the remaining life of the system.

Eligible Renewable Technology:

• Solar

Benefits of PPA Funding:

• Green Credentials: Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and help achieve net-zero targets.
• Financial Security: Gain long-term price and budget certainty for up to 15 years, shielding your business from market volatility.
• Cost Savings: Benefit from lower energy costs compared to wholesale market prices.

How the Solar PV Power Purchase Agreement Works

Our Solar PV Power Purchase Agreement enables commercial customers to reap the benefits of solar energy without any capital expenditure. We fund, install, and maintain the solar PV system on the customer’s roof, and they pay only for the electricity consumed at a reduced rate. By leasing the airspace above their roof and entering into a PPA, businesses can reduce their electricity bills from day one and continue saving for the duration of the lease, which typically lasts 25 years. At the end of the lease, they have the option to purchase the system and continue enjoying free solar electricity for the remaining lifespan of the system.

Renewable Energy Finance

Our Renewable Energy Finance program, in collaboration with leading UK financial institutions, offers businesses fully maintained solar PV systems at no upfront cost. Through a Power Purchase Agreement, we install and operate the solar PV system on their roof, while they purchase the solar electricity they use at a discounted rate. This arrangement allows businesses to benefit from solar energy without diverting capital from their core activities. We ensure the solar system delivers the expected performance and savings for at least 25 years. After the lease term, businesses can choose to buy the system and enjoy free solar electricity for the remaining life of the system.

Benefits of a Power Purchase Agreement

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) offers several key benefits for businesses:

• Sustainability: Helps businesses meet green targets and improve their environmental impact.
• Financial Stability: Provides long-term price and budget certainty, mitigating the risks of market fluctuations for up to 15 years.
• Cost Efficiency: Offers significant savings compared to wholesale energy prices, leading to long-term financial benefits.

How Does a PPA Work?

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a contract between an electricity generator and a customer who agrees to purchase the generated energy. Under this agreement, the developer finances, owns, and operates the energy facility, while the customer pays a predetermined rate per megawatt-hour for the energy and related products, such as capacity and renewable energy credits. This allows the customer to access renewable energy without the responsibilities of ownership and maintenance.

SME Loan Scheme Overview

The Scottish Government provides funding to support businesses in implementing energy efficiency projects. Through the SME Loan Scheme, businesses can access loans of up to £100,000 to enhance their energy and carbon-saving measures. Additionally, there is an opportunity to receive a cashback grant of up to £30,000.

Eligibility for the Cashback Grant

If your business qualifies as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and you are installing eligible equipment, you could receive a cashback grant of up to £30,000. Specifically:

• Energy Efficiency Measures: You can claim 75% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £20,000.
• Renewable Heat Measures: You can claim 75% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £10,000 for installing technologies like heat pumps, biomass boilers, and solar thermal systems.

What Can the SME Loan Be Used For?

The SME Loan can be used to finance a variety of energy-efficient upgrades, including:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements.
• Installation of renewable heat technologies, such as air source heat pumps.
• Enhancing insulation, draught-proofing, and installing double or secondary glazing.
• Upgrading to LED lighting systems.
• Installing renewable energy solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, and wood-burning stoves.

Who Qualifies for the Loan?

The loan is available to Scottish businesses that meet the EU's definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as not-for-profit organizations and charities. To apply, your business must provide a qualifying report, such as the free energy efficiency or renewable assessments offered by Business Energy Scotland.

How to Apply for an SME Loan

If you have already received an energy efficiency or renewable assessment that outlines your project, or if you need one, you’re ready to start your application for the SME Loan.

 

What is CARES Funding?

The CARES program, managed by Local Energy Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, is designed to help communities participate in the transition to net-zero emissions through local energy projects. CARES provides financial support to assist in the development and implementation of these initiatives.

What Does CARES Fund?

CARES supports a wide range of projects, including the installation of renewable technologies in community buildings and shared ownership projects. Town & Country Renewables simplifies the process for you, whether you need assistance with a technical feasibility study or other project needs.

Who is Eligible?

A broad range of community organizations and charities can qualify for CARES support. Eligible applicants must be non-profit, community-based organizations, including those with charitable status, that are established and operate within a specific geographic area or faith groups.

Next Steps for CARES Funding

If you have a well-defined project idea and believe you're ready to apply for CARES funding and support, get in touch with us. We can assist you throughout the entire process, from planning to completion.

Funding projects yourself

So, you have funds that you have available now for Renewables Energy projects and you want a clear picture of how to maximise your return from any potential investment, but it is all a bit overpowering! At Town & Country we can build you a comprehensive bespoke plan including schematics and calculations to get you started. Just let us know when you are ready to talk!