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 Portsmouth
Portsmouth-based businesses access a particular stack of regional schemes alongside the UK-wide tax reliefs and export tariffs. This page maps the local landscape — Portsmouth Climate Emergency Plan, Portsmouth City Council's net zero commitments by 2030, and the regional growth hub funding for SMEs across the South East region.
Portsmouth commercial energy context
Portsmouth is home to around 208,100 residents, with a diverse commercial base across the sectors that define the regional economy. A typical SME of 50-250 employees in Portsmouth spends approximately £38,000 per year on electricity — making solar PV one of the most material capital projects available for protecting operating margins against energy price volatility.
Solent Freeport status applicable. Naval and defence supply chain represents major commercial energy concentration.
Postcodes served
We support eligibility checks for businesses across all Portsmouth postcodes including: PO1, PO2, PO3, PO4, PO5, PO6.
Key industrial & business areas in Portsmouth
Commercial solar projects in Portsmouth are concentrated around these industrial and business areas where rooftop area is largest and grid connection capacity strongest:
- Lakeside North Harbour
- Walton Road
- Airport Industrial Estate
- Voyager Park
- Quartremaine Road
Neighbouring areas also served
Our advisory covers businesses across the wider Portsmouth commercial region, including: Gosport, Fareham, Havant, Waterlooville, Southsea, and the broader South East corridor.
Regional schemes for Portsmouth businesses
Alongside the UK-wide tax reliefs and SEG income, businesses in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Most Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth including schools, NHS, council and university estate.
- IETF — 30-50% match-funded grants for energy-intensive manufacturing in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth sector focus
The strongest 2026 commercial solar opportunities in Portsmouth are across these sectors — see the dedicated sector guides for full eligibility and grant stacks:
- Factories & manufacturers in Portsmouth's industrial corridors
- Warehouses & logistics on the big-box estate
- Offices & professional services in the Portsmouth central business district
- Hotels & hospitality across Portsmouth's visitor accommodation
- Retail & food service on Portsmouth high streets and out-of-town parks
- Schools in the Portsmouth maintained estate
- Healthcare & NHS across the Portsmouth acute and primary care estate
Trusted commercial solar partners for Portsmouth businesses
When a Portsmouth-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 · Portsmouth
Tell us your business — we map every active 2026 grant to your sector, size and postcode.
FAQs
Solar grants in Portsmouth · FAQs
What grants are available for solar panels in Portsmouth businesses in 2026?
Portsmouth-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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth business?
Typical commercial solar capex in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth-specific planning issues for commercial solar?
Portsmouth planning falls under Portsmouth City Council. Solent Freeport status applicable. Naval and defence supply chain represents major commercial energy concentration. Listed buildings and conservation area properties require Listed Building Consent and conservation area consent respectively.
Can a Portsmouth business stack multiple solar grants?
Yes — most successful 2026 commercial solar projects in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth's net zero target?
Portsmouth City Council targets net zero by 2030. The published framework is Portsmouth Climate Emergency Plan. Solent Freeport status applicable. Naval and defence supply chain represents major commercial energy concentration.
Find out what Portsmouth solar grants your business qualifies for
Free 60-second eligibility check tells you which UK and South East schemes apply to your specific Portsmouth business — and how to stack them.
Start eligibility check Or call 0800 246 1132