March 26, 2026
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Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Clean Energy Industry

Discover the best long-term business loan lenders tailored for the clean energy industry in the UK. Secure affordable financing to grow your sustainable energy business with expert tips.
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Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Clean Energy Industry
James Laden
Co-founder and CEO

James Laden is the Co-founder and CEO of Funding Agent. He has 8 years of experience working with major financial companies in the UK, and now focuses on making business funding simpler for SMEs through a faster, technology-led application journey. He writes about business lending, alternative finance, and what lenders look for when assessing applications.

Best Long-Term Business Loan Lenders for the Clean Energy Industry

For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank, prices accurate as of 2026-03-23.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on facilitating quick comparisons of unsecured business finance options for UK SMEs. It is suited to businesses seeking straightforward applications with fast eligibility checks and no collateral requirements. The platform offers flexible terms with clear repayment options tailored to the borrower’s needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 4%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 3–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
  • Industries: UK SME's

Pros

  • fastest and easiest application process
  • No collateral required

Cons

  • lower track record, only trading 1 year

Sources: Funding Agent

2. Triodos Bank

Triodos Bank concentrates on sustainable and social impact financing with a range of business loans aimed at environmental projects. It is typically suited for UK SMEs focused on long-term funding with an emphasis on sustainability. The bank provides ethical lending with various repayment options aligned with the borrower’s goals.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £100,000
  • Max Amount: £20,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 25 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Social Impact Financing
  • Industries: Renewable Energy, Social Enterprises

Pros

  • Focus on sustainability
  • Established reputation

Cons

  • Loan amounts may be high for small startups

Sources: Source

3. Barclays

Barclays delivers a broad range of business banking and loan services, including green financing designed to support clean energy efforts. It is appropriate for UK SMEs needing flexible loan terms and varied repayment structures. Barclays offers options with different collateral requirements to accommodate different credit needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000
  • Min APR: 11.2%
  • Max APR: 14.9%
  • Loan Duration: 1-10 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Green Loans
  • Industries: Various, Green Energy Projects

Pros

  • Wide range of loans
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • APR varies widely

Sources: Source

4. Folk2Folk

Folk2Folk specialises in secured peer-to-peer lending, primarily to support property-backed business projects. It is suitable for borrowers who can provide property as security and prefer competitive interest rates. Loan terms and conditions are designed to suit project-specific funding needs with structured repayment plans.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £100,000
  • Max Amount: £10,000,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 9%
  • Loan Duration: 6 months to 5 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Loans, Peer-to-Peer Lending
  • Industries: Property, SMEs

Pros

  • Competitive interest rates
  • Peer-to-peer lending benefits

Cons

  • Requires property security

Sources: Source

5. Elite Business Funding

Elite Business Funding offers flexible finance solutions for SMEs across a wide range of sectors, with options tailored to individual business needs. It is ideal for borrowers seeking adaptable terms and a variety of loan types, including secured options. Decisions are typically made quickly with terms agreed upon based on specific agreements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,000
  • Max Amount: £10,000,000
  • Min APR: 1.9%
  • Max APR: 6%
  • Loan Duration: Variable, based on agreement

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Secured Loans
  • Industries: SMEs, Healthcare, Hospitality, Pharmacies

Pros

  • Flexible options
  • Quick decision-making

Cons

  • Shorter terms available

Sources: Source

6. Co-operative Bank

Co-operative Bank delivers ethical banking products with a focus on sustainable and green loans for social enterprises and co-operative businesses. It suits borrowers prioritising ethical finance with variable loan terms discussed during application. The bank provides a range of loan types including fixed and variable rates.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,020
  • Max Amount: £15,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Variable, discussed on application

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Fixed Rate Loans, Variable Rate Loans
  • Industries: Co-operatives, Social Enterprises

Pros

  • Ethical banking practices
  • Comprehensive loan options

Cons

  • Higher initial loan amount required

Sources: Source

7. Investec

Investec provides various financial solutions including asset finance and working capital tailored to mid-market UK businesses. It is suitable for companies requiring large loan amounts with flexible repayment structures and may involve security or collateral. The provider offers a broad spectrum of loan sizes and APR ranges to meet diverse needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £25,000,000
  • Min APR: 5.8%
  • Max APR: 67.89%
  • Loan Duration: 12-120 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Working Capital Loans
  • Industries: Various, Mid-market Businesses

Pros

  • Broad loan range
  • Tailored to mid-market

Cons

  • Higher APR for smaller loans

Sources: Source

8. EvoEnergy

EvoEnergy focuses exclusively on financing renewable energy projects such as PPAs and lease-to-own arrangements. It is aimed at businesses seeking long-term, sustainability-driven funding with specialised energy solutions. Loan options support projects with flexible and tailored repayment structures over extended terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 10-25 years for PPAs

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Green Loans, PPAs, Lease-to-own
  • Industries: Renewable Energy, Infrastructure

Pros

  • Specialized in renewable energy
  • Comprehensive energy solutions

Cons

  • Limited to energy projects

Sources: Source

9. Sustainable Energy Finance

Sustainable Energy Finance acts as a specialist broker for businesses seeking finance for renewable and clean technology projects. It is designed for UK SMEs needing tailored solutions including asset finance and PPA funding. The brokerage service helps match borrowers with lenders offering terms best suited to clean energy sector needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £20,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Up to 10 years

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, PPA Funding
  • Industries: Clean Technology, Energy Transition

Pros

  • Focused on clean tech
  • Wide range of finance options

Cons

  • Limited to specific sectors

Sources: Source

10. Kandoo

Kandoo is a finance broker providing a variety of small loan options and interest-free credit primarily for retail and professional service sectors. It suits businesses looking for flexible, short-term funding with accessible application processes. Kandoo works with various lenders to offer tailored financing solutions with manageable repayment terms.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1
  • Max Amount: £3,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 5-12 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Retail Finance, Interest-free Credit
  • Industries: Retail, Professional Services

Pros

  • Flexible finance options
  • Deals with reputable lenders

Cons

  • Small max loan amount

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting a long-term business loan lender for the clean energy sector, consider your project size and financing needs carefully. Ensure the loan amount matches your budget and your ability to manage repayment schedules that align with your cash flow. Evaluate lender eligibility criteria, and look for options that offer flexibility in terms and collateral requirements. Factor in loan speed versus bespoke terms depending on your timeline. Also, check fees and conditions for early repayment to avoid unexpected costs. Choose a lender that understands the specific demands of energy or sustainability-focused projects.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender involves matching the provider’s focus with your project requirements. Traditional banks often suit large-scale, lower-risk projects while brokers and specialist lenders can offer more tailored options for niche sectors and smaller loans. For those seeking convenience and fast access, platforms like Funding Agent remain a practical choice for UK SMEs. Understanding the differences helps secure appropriate long-term financing for clean energy initiatives, whether you need a 200 thousand pounds loan or other funding sizes. Always verify current costs and terms directly with the provider before proceeding.

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FAQs

What types of long-term loans are available for the clean energy industry?
How can a clean energy business qualify for a long-term loan?
Which lenders specialise in long-term loans for clean energy businesses in the UK?
What are the benefits of long-term loans for clean energy businesses?
Are there government incentives for borrowing in the clean energy sector?
How should clean energy companies prepare when applying for a long-term loan?

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1Funding AgentFunding Agent helps UK SMEs compare business finance options fast, with a simple application journey and quick eligibility matching.£10,000–£1,000,000; 4%–20% APR; 3–60 months
2Triodos BankTriodos Bank is a leader in sustainable banking, offering financial products to promote environmental and social sustainability.£100,000–£20,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Up to 25 years
3BarclaysBarclays offers comprehensive business banking services, including green loans aimed at supporting the clean energy initiatives of companies.£1,000–£25,000; 11.2%–14.9% APR; 1-10 years
4Folk2FolkFolk2Folk is the UK’s leading peer-to-peer lender offering secured business loans to support property-backed projects.£100,000–£10,000,000; 7.5%–9% APR; 6 months to 5 years
5Elite Business FundingElite Business Funding specializes in providing flexible finance solutions tailored to SMEs across numerous sectors.£25,000–£10,000,000; 1.9%–6% APR; Variable, based on agreement
6Co-operative BankThe Co-operative Bank offers ethical banking solutions with a focus on sustainability, supporting a variety of green projects through its loans.£25,020–£15,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Variable, discussed on application
7InvestecInvestec provides a broad range of financial solutions tailored to the needs of mid-market businesses, from working capital to asset-based finance.£1,000–£25,000,000; 5.8%–67.89% APR; 12-120 months
8EvoEnergyEvoEnergy offers specialized financing for renewable energy projects, focused on sustainability and long-term savings for businesses.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; 10-25 years for PPAs
9Sustainable Energy FinanceSustainable Energy Finance is a specialist brokerage providing finance solutions for renewable and clean tech projects.£5,000–£20,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Up to 10 years
10KandooKandoo is a UK-based finance broker offering a wide range of financing options tailored for various industries, including interest-free loans.£1–£3,000; 0%–0% APR; 5-12 months