Coast to Capital Net Zero Fund
Sussex and Surrey region green grants.
Location guide · South East · Updated 12 May 2026
Trusted installer partners
Hampshire and the Solent
Solar panel grants for businesses in Brighton
Brighton-based businesses access a particular stack of regional schemes alongside the UK-wide tax reliefs and export tariffs. This page maps the local landscape — Brighton & Hove 2030 Carbon Neutral Programme, Brighton & Hove City Council's net zero commitments by 2030, and the regional growth hub funding for SMEs across the South East region.
Brighton commercial energy context
Brighton is home to around 290,885 residents, with a diverse commercial base across the sectors that define the regional economy. A typical SME of 50-250 employees in Brighton spends approximately £48,000 per year on electricity — making solar PV one of the most material capital projects available for protecting operating margins against energy price volatility.
Brighton & Hove targets net zero by 2030 with a strong focus on the tourist economy. Coast to Capital Net Zero Fund covers Sussex SMEs. The city's high tourism profile drives early ESG adoption among hospitality businesses.
Postcodes served
We support eligibility checks for businesses across all Brighton postcodes including: BN1, BN2, BN3, BN41, BN42, BN43, BN44, BN45, BN50, BN51, and 1 more.
Key industrial & business areas in Brighton
Commercial solar projects in Brighton are concentrated around these industrial and business areas where rooftop area is largest and grid connection capacity strongest:
- Hollingbury Industrial Estate
- Eastside Business Park
- Patcham Industrial Estate
- Portslade Industrial Estate
Neighbouring areas also served
Our advisory covers businesses across the wider Brighton commercial region, including: Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham, Newhaven, Saltdean, and the broader South East corridor.
Regional schemes for Brighton businesses
Alongside the UK-wide tax reliefs and SEG income, businesses in Brighton can access these region-specific schemes:
Thames Valley Berkshire LEP business support
Smaller regional grants.
Solent LEP green business fund
Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
UK-wide schemes that apply in Brighton
Most Brighton commercial solar projects stack the regional schemes above with these UK-wide reliefs:
- 100% Full Expensing — limited companies deduct 100% of solar capex from corporation tax in year one. Uncapped. 25p saved per £1 spent at the 25% main rate.
- Annual Investment Allowance — sole traders, partnerships and limited companies deduct 100% of plant and machinery up to £1m per year. 19-25% saving for Ltd; up to 45% for higher-rate sole traders.
- Smart Export Guarantee — Ofgem-licensed suppliers pay 3p-15p per kWh exported. Typical annual revenue £900-£3,500 on a 100kWp commercial system.
- PSDS — 100% capital grants for public sector buildings in Brighton including schools, NHS, council and university estate.
- IETF — 30-50% match-funded grants for energy-intensive manufacturing in Brighton.
Brighton sector focus
The strongest 2026 commercial solar opportunities in Brighton are across these sectors — see the dedicated sector guides for full eligibility and grant stacks:
- Factories & manufacturers in Brighton's industrial corridors
- Warehouses & logistics on the big-box estate
- Offices & professional services in the Brighton central business district
- Hotels & hospitality across Brighton's visitor accommodation
- Retail & food service on Brighton high streets and out-of-town parks
- Schools in the Brighton maintained estate
- Healthcare & NHS across the Brighton acute and primary care estate
Trusted commercial solar partners for Brighton businesses
When a Brighton-based business completes our free eligibility check and decides to proceed with installation, we may introduce them to one of our trusted local installer partners. Flat referral fee disclosed in writing before any introduction — see our editorial policy.
Solent Solar
Commercial solar PV across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight commercial estate
See all 20 trusted regional installer partners across the UK →
Free eligibility check · Brighton
Tell us your business — we map every active 2026 grant to your sector, size and postcode.
FAQs
Solar grants in Brighton · FAQs
What grants are available for solar panels in Brighton businesses in 2026?
Brighton-based SMEs typically access a stack of: 100% Full Expensing or AIA tax relief; Smart Export Guarantee export tariffs; and regional schemes specific to the South East region — most prominently Coast to Capital Net Zero Fund. Eligibility varies by sector, size and exact postcode.
Does my Brighton business qualify for regional solar grants?
Most South East growth hub and combined authority schemes require: (a) trading address inside the geographic boundary, (b) SME status (under 250 employees, under £43m turnover), (c) commercial premises with material energy spend. Use the eligibility calculator for a personalised answer.
How much does commercial solar cost for a typical Brighton business?
Typical commercial solar capex in Brighton for a 100kWp rooftop system is £80,000-£105,000 (2026 prices). After 100% Full Expensing for a limited company at the 25% main CT rate, net cost is around £60,000-£79,000. Annual electricity savings of £18,000-£28,000 deliver typical post-tax payback of 3-5 years.
Are there Brighton-specific planning issues for commercial solar?
Brighton planning falls under Brighton & Hove City Council. Brighton & Hove targets net zero by 2030 with a strong focus on the tourist economy. Coast to Capital Net Zero Fund covers Sussex SMEs. The city's high tourism profile drives early ESG adoption among hospitality businesses. Listed buildings and conservation area properties require Listed Building Consent and conservation area consent respectively.
Can a Brighton business stack multiple solar grants?
Yes — most successful 2026 commercial solar projects in Brighton stack at least 3 schemes. Typical stack: tax relief (Full Expensing or AIA) + SEG export tariff + a regional capital grant. We map the stack to your specific business in the free eligibility check.
What is Brighton's net zero target?
Brighton & Hove City Council targets net zero by 2030. The published framework is Brighton & Hove 2030 Carbon Neutral Programme. Brighton & Hove targets net zero by 2030 with a strong focus on the tourist economy. Coast to Capital Net Zero Fund covers Sussex SMEs. The city's high tourism profile drives early ESG adoption among hospitality businesses.
Find out what Brighton solar grants your business qualifies for
Free 60-second eligibility check tells you which UK and South East schemes apply to your specific Brighton business — and how to stack them.
Start eligibility check Or call 0800 246 1132