How long does commercial solar finance approval take? — UK 2026
Commercial solar finance approval times vary from 24 hours (asset finance indicative) to 6-12 weeks (green loan or PPA). The full project timeline from enquiry to commissioning typically runs 14-30 weeks because finance approval is rarely the binding constraint — DNO connection process, EPC procurement, and construction usually take longer.
Approval timeline by finance structure
| Structure | Indicative decision | Full credit committee | Drawdown / commercial close |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital purchase (no finance) | Immediate | N/A | Immediate |
| Asset finance HP | 24-72 hours | 7-10 days | 14-21 days |
| Asset finance broker | 24-48 hours | 7-14 days | 14-21 days |
| Green loan (challenger) | 3-7 days | 2-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Green loan (mainstream) | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| Finance lease | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Operating lease | 1-2 weeks | 3-5 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| PPA | 2-4 weeks (term sheet) | 6-10 weeks (contract) | 8-12 weeks (signing) |
| PSDS grant | N/A (windowed) | 8-16 weeks per window | 12-24 weeks (award + contract) |
What slows approval down (and how to avoid it)
Six common delays in UK commercial solar finance approval:
Stale or incomplete management accounts
Lenders need most-recent year-end accounts plus YTD management accounts. If these are 6+ months old or incomplete, expect 2-3 weeks of delay while finance team prepares fresh information.
Missing project financial model
Lenders need a project-level cash flow model showing electricity savings, capex breakdown, and finance servicing capacity. If you don't have one, the lender may build one — adding 2-4 weeks. Better to provide your own at outset.
DNO connection not yet resolved
Lenders won't commit to financing a project where DNO connection (G99 above 200 kWp) is unresolved. Get a DNO position confirmed (or at least applied for) before finance application.
Structural assessment outstanding
Larger systems (>200 kWp) require structural roof assessment. Lenders need this before approving full credit. Schedule the structural survey early in the project timeline.
Covenant package interaction with new debt
Existing senior debt covenants may restrict new debt-equivalent obligations. Confirming covenant compatibility with your existing bank takes 2-4 weeks. Start early.
Sustainability / ESG due diligence on green loans
Specialist green debt funds (Triodos, Charity Bank) include sustainability assessment. Adds 2-3 weeks vs mainstream commercial bank. Worth the time for the values-aligned positioning but plan for the extra.
Speed-critical scenarios
When speed is the primary constraint:
- Year-end FYA capture pressure — order before September for typical March year-end commissioning. Asset finance for fastest route. FYA deadline calendar →
- Supplier discount window — typical 30-60 day discount validity. Asset finance HP indicative within 24-72 hours, full credit within 7-10 days. Possible to close inside 30 days.
- PSDS application deadline — Phase 4 windows are 8 weeks open. Finance arrangement parallel to grant application, with finance contingent on grant award.
- Tenant lease renewal window — solar capex / rent abatement provisions need to align with lease negotiation. Finance arrangement after lease structure agreed.
Related questions
Can asset finance approval really happen in 24 hours?
How fast can a green loan close on a £200k commercial solar project?
Is PPA contract negotiation really 6-12 weeks?
What's the longest end-to-end commercial solar project timeline?
Should I start finance arrangement before or after EPC procurement?
Continue reading
How long does commercial solar finance take to approve?
The approval timeline for commercial solar finance varies significantly by product type. A straightforward green loan from a specialist lender can be approved in 5–10 business days. A complex PPA with a large developer may take 3–6 months from first enquiry to contract signature. Understanding the timeline for each product helps you plan your project realistically.
| Finance product | Typical approval timeline | Key timeline driver |
|---|---|---|
| Green loan (specialist lender) | 5–15 business days | Credit assessment; no asset valuation needed |
| Asset finance / HP | 10–20 business days | Asset valuation + credit; slightly more complex than unsecured |
| PPA (small, under 200kWp) | 4–8 weeks | Site survey + developer credit assessment + legal review |
| PPA (large, over 500kWp) | 8–16 weeks | Engineering design + detailed legal + DNO coordination |
| PSDS grant (public sector) | 12–24 weeks | SALIX assessment cycle; formal application + review |
| SALIX 0% loan | 8–16 weeks | Post-grant application; linked to PSDS timeline |
| Project finance (1MWp+) | 3–6 months | Full financial modelling + legal + DNO + planning |
What slows down commercial solar finance applications
Incomplete financial information
The most common delay is missing financial documents. Prepare 3 years accounts, latest management accounts, 3 months bank statements, VAT registration certificate, and director ID before applying. Missing any of these typically adds 5–10 business days.
DNO grid connection delays
For systems above 50kWp requiring G99 applications, DNO assessment can take 30–65 working days. This runs in parallel with finance approval but must be initiated early. Do not wait for finance approval before submitting the G99 application.
Roof structural reports
Finance lenders and PPA developers both require confirmation that the roof can support panels (typically 12–16 kg/m²). Commissioning a structural engineer report (cost £1,500–5,000) before starting the finance process prevents delays later.
Legal complexity
PPAs involve 40–80 page agreements that typically require legal review. Budget 2–4 weeks for legal review by a solicitor experienced in renewable energy agreements. This often sits on the critical path for PPA timelines.
How to accelerate commercial solar finance approval
Pre-package your application
Prepare a complete finance pack: 3 years accounts, last 12 months bank statements, management accounts, energy bills, property information, and a brief business summary. Lenders make faster decisions with complete information.
Get the structural report early
Commission a roof structural assessment at the same time as installer quotes. This is always required and typically takes 1–2 weeks. Having it ready eliminates a common delay.
Initiate G99 in parallel
For 100kWp+ systems, submit the DNO pre-application enquiry the same week you submit the finance application. The 30–65 working day DNO clock starts ticking from application date — not from finance approval.
Use a specialist broker
A solar finance broker knows which lenders make fast credit decisions for which business profiles. They can often get indicative terms in 2–3 business days and direct you to the fastest route for your situation.
Typical end-to-end project timeline
| Phase | Duration | Key activities |
|---|---|---|
| Initial quotes and selection | 2–3 weeks | 3 installer quotes, shortlist, site survey |
| Finance application preparation | 1–2 weeks | Prepare documentation, choose product |
| Finance approval | 2–4 weeks | Lender assessment, credit decision |
| Legal documentation | 1–3 weeks | Loan agreement or PPA review and sign |
| DNO application (parallel) | 6–13 weeks | G98 notification or G99 formal application |
| Installation | 1–3 weeks | On-site installation, commissioning |
| Go-live | 1 week | MCS certificate, monitoring activation, SEG application |
| Total (green loan, 100kWp) | 10–16 weeks | Finance and DNO running in parallel |
| Total (PPA, 200kWp) | 16–24 weeks | More complex legal and developer process |
The fastest route from decision to live solar is typically a green loan for a 50–100kWp system on an owner-occupied commercial building with existing three-phase supply. Under optimal conditions (complete documentation, no DNO complications, straightforward installation), this can be achieved in 8–12 weeks.
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