Top 10 Renewable Energy Finance Providers in the UK for 2026
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Top 10 Renewable Energy Finance Providers in the UK
| Rank | Lender | Best for | Published loan range | Loan rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | One Stop Business Finance | Manufacturers installing medium-to-large solar PV or battery systems | £100,000 to £3,000,000 | interest 1.6% to 3% |
| 2 | Brightstar | Smaller green energy projects on industrial or commercial premises | From £50,000 | interest 5% to 12% |
| 3 | Finance for enterprise | Asset-backed funding for renewable equipment in manufacturing settings | £1,000 to £2,000,000 | interest 6.5% to 13.5% |
| 4 | Together Money | Large-scale renewable developments with loans up to £25 million | £50,000 to £25,000,000 | interest 0.55% to 1.5% |
| 5 | OakNorth | Established manufacturers needing £1m-plus for green infrastructure | From £1,000,000 | interest 5.5% to 12.5% |
| 6 | Shire Leasing | Modest solar, heat pump or wind projects for manufacturing SMEs | £5,000 to £750,000 | interest 4% to 11% |
| 7 | Shireassetfinance | Quick green energy funding for industrial property upgrades | £5,000 to £750,000 | interest 4.5% to 12% |
| 8 | United Trust Bank | Major renewable energy schemes across commercial manufacturing sites | £100,000 to £35,000,000 | interest 5% to 12.5% |
| 9 | NatWest Bank | Commercial mortgages supporting green energy improvements for manufacturers | £500 to £10,000,000 | interest 4.5% to 10.5% |
| 10 | HSBC Bank | Asset-based lending for smaller green equipment purchases | £1,000 to £300,000 | interest 8.6% to 11.3% |
Switching to renewable energy is no longer a fringe ambition for UK manufacturers. Rising grid costs, net-zero targets, and the Smart Export Guarantee are pushing more businesses to invest in solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and heat pumps on commercial premises. Finding the right funding makes the difference between a project that stalls and one that pays for itself. Here are the top 10 renewable energy finance providers in the UK to consider for manufacturing and industrial installations.
Development finance and asset-based lending are two common ways to fund green energy projects. Loan sizes, interest rates, and lender experience with manufacturing vary widely. Some providers specialise in rooftop solar for factories; others focus on ground-mounted wind or large battery arrays. Comparing real loan ranges, rate types, and sector track records helps you shortlist lenders that understand industrial energy demands and can structure repayments around project payback periods.
Important: Lenders listed here offer development finance, commercial mortgages, or asset-based lending that may suit renewable energy installations. Not every provider funds every type of green project. Always confirm eligibility for your specific technology and site before applying. Funding Agent can route enquiries to select listed lenders only.
Funding Agent
Published loan rangeFrom £10,000 to up to £1,000,000
Rate typeInterest or factor rate
Why it is included:It is included because many business owners need to compare several finance routes before choosing where to apply.
Funding Agent can help businesses compare suitable options across a lender panel, especially when eligibility depends on turnover, sector, trading history, credit strength and available documents.
Best use case: When the borrower wants to avoid applying to one lender at a time.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Why it stands out
- Useful when a business wants to compare lender fit rather than guess which lender to apply to first.
- Can help position the application around the funding purpose, trading profile and available documents.
- Works well as a conversion route for readers who are unsure whether a direct lender will approve a larger unsecured facility.
Need to know
- Funding Agent is a broker, not a lender.
- The lender, not Funding Agent, sets the final rate, term, fees and approval decision.
- The best match may be unsecured, secured, revolving credit, invoice finance or another product depending on the case.
Expert take
Funding Agent is a useful honourable mention for business owners who want to compare lender options before submitting a full application. A larger unsecured loan is not always approved by the first lender a business finds, so understanding lender fit early can reduce wasted time and avoid unnecessary declines.
One Stop Business Finance
Published loan range£100,000 to £3,000,000
Rate typeinterest 1.6% to 3%
Overview: Offers development finance from £100,000 to £3 million, well suited to manufacturers installing commercial solar PV arrays, battery storage systems or heat pump infrastructure across factory and warehouse premises.
The revolving credit facility supports phased renewable energy installations, letting manufacturers draw funds across multiple project stages without needing to reapply for each phase.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funds solar PV and battery storage
- Flexible drawdown for phased work
- Secured lending from £100,000
Need to know
- Requires suitable security or PG
- Five-day typical funding timeline
- Affordability and trading checks apply
Expert take
A strong choice for manufacturers needing six- and seven-figure funding for renewable infrastructure where security is available and phased drawdown matches the project timeline.
Source:https://www.osbf.co.uk/
Brightstar
Published loan rangeFrom £50,000
Rate typeinterest 5% to 12%
Overview: Provides development finance from £50,000 with funding possible within 24 hours, helping manufacturers act quickly on time-sensitive renewable energy installations such as rooftop solar or heat pump systems.
The property-backed structure suits manufacturers who own their commercial premises and want to leverage equity for green energy upgrades without disrupting existing working capital arrangements.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding from £50,000 available
- Decisions within 24 hours
- Property-secured green energy loans
Need to know
- Valuation and exit checks apply
- Higher costs possible on short terms
- Secured against commercial property
Expert take
Brightstar works for manufacturers who own premises and need rapid capital for renewable installations, though property-backed terms require a clear exit strategy.
Finance for enterprise
Published loan range£1,000 to £2,000,000
Rate typeinterest 6.5% to 13.5%
Overview: Offers asset-based lending from £1,000 to £2 million, enabling manufacturers to fund renewable energy equipment such as solar panels, biomass boilers or battery units secured against the assets themselves.
Flexible structure suits manufacturers with strong invoice books who want to free up working capital for green energy investment without tying up property as collateral.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Covers renewable energy equipment
- Funding from £1,000 to £2 million
- Asset-secured, preserves property equity
Need to know
- Invoice quality affects eligibility
- Debtor concentration is assessed
- Limits may be reviewed over time
Expert take
A practical option for manufacturers wanting to fund renewable equipment through asset-based lending, particularly those with strong B2B invoicing who prefer not to use property as security.
Together Money
Published loan range£50,000 to £25,000,000
Rate typeinterest 0.55% to 1.5%
Overview: Provides development finance from £50,000 to £25 million, giving manufacturers and project developers substantial headroom for large-scale renewable energy installations on commercial and industrial sites.
Fast 24-hour funding decisions help manufacturers capitalise on time-sensitive opportunities such as solar farm development or major battery storage projects that require rapid commitment.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Loans up to £25 million
- Fast decisions in 24 hours
- Suits large-scale green projects
Need to know
- Property-backed security required
- Exit-risk checks are standard
- Valuation costs may apply
Expert take
Together Money offers the scale needed for ambitious manufacturing renewable energy projects, with the upper limit accommodating solar farms and large battery storage installations.
Source:https://togethermoney.com/
OakNorth
Published loan rangeFrom £1,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 12.5%
Overview: Provides property development finance from £1 million, suited to manufacturers undertaking substantial renewable energy projects where solar PV, wind or battery installations form part of a wider premises development.
Bank-backed lending with a two-week typical timeline means thorough underwriting, making it a good match for well-established manufacturers with strong financials and clear renewable energy business cases.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- From £1 million for renewables
- Bank-backed development finance
- Suits premises-wide energy upgrades
Need to know
- Two-week underwriting timeline
- Strong financials expected
- Minimum loan of £1 million
Expert take
OakNorth suits larger manufacturers integrating renewable energy into wider property development, though bank-style underwriting demands robust financials and patience with the process.
Shire Leasing
Published loan range£5,000 to £750,000
Rate typeinterest 4% to 11%
Overview: Offers property development and asset finance from £5,000 to £750,000, making it accessible for manufacturers funding modest renewable energy upgrades like rooftop solar, heat pumps or small battery storage units.
The asset finance capability means manufacturers can fund renewable energy equipment with repayments structured around asset life and projected energy savings rather than property equity.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Low entry point at £5,000
- Asset finance for equipment
- 24-hour funding decisions
Need to know
- Security or guarantee may apply
- Asset eligibility is assessed
- Larger projects may need top-ups
Expert take
A practical entry point for manufacturers wanting smaller-scale renewable energy kit, with asset finance keeping the borrowing tied to the green equipment itself.
Shireassetfinance
Published loan range£5,000 to £750,000
Rate typeinterest 4.5% to 12%
Overview: Provides property development and asset finance from £5,000 to £750,000 with decisions in as little as four hours, helping manufacturers secure renewable energy equipment before installation deadlines or grant windows close.
The asset-backed approach means solar panels, heat pumps and battery units can be funded against their own value, helping manufacturers preserve cash flow while upgrading to greener energy systems.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Decisions in four hours
- Covers solar and heat pumps
- Asset-backed, preserves cash
Need to know
- Eligibility checks on assets
- Secured structure may need PG
- Equipment age and type assessed
Expert take
Shireassetfinance delivers exceptional speed for manufacturers needing to move fast on renewable energy equipment purchases, with asset-backed terms keeping borrowing straightforward.
United Trust Bank
Published loan range£100,000 to £35,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5% to 12.5%
Overview: Offers property development finance from £100,000 to £35 million, providing manufacturers and energy project developers with substantial funding for large-scale renewable energy installations on commercial land and premises.
Asset finance capability also supports funding for renewable energy equipment, giving manufacturers flexibility to choose between property-backed and asset-backed structures depending on project scope and collateral.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Loans up to £35 million
- Asset and property-backed options
- 48-hour decision turnaround
Need to know
- Property or asset security needed
- Deposits may be required
- Valuation checks are standard
Expert take
United Trust Bank offers one of the highest upper limits for renewable energy development, making it relevant for manufacturers planning major green energy infrastructure.
Source:https://www.utbank.co.uk/
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NatWest Bank
Published loan range£500 to £10,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4.5% to 10.5%
Overview: Provides commercial mortgages from £500 to £10 million, enabling manufacturers to fund renewable energy installations as part of property purchase, refinance or premises improvement across factory and industrial sites.
The broad product range including asset finance and term loans gives manufacturers multiple routes to fund solar PV, wind turbines or energy efficiency upgrades alongside core borrowing needs.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Wide range from £500 to £10 million
- Commercial mortgage for renewables
- Multiple funding routes available
Need to know
- Bank underwriting can be strict
- Strong trading history expected
- Longer process than alternative lenders
Expert take
NatWest offers mainstream bank-backed options for manufacturers integrating renewable energy into commercial property finance, though expect thorough underwriting and longer timelines.
Source:https://www.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance.html
HSBC Bank
Published loan range£1,000 to £300,000
Rate typeinterest 8.6% to 11.3%
Overview: Offers asset-based lending from £1,000 to £300,000, helping smaller manufacturers fund renewable energy equipment such as solar panels, heat pumps or energy-efficient machinery through asset-secured facilities.
The revolving credit and invoice finance capabilities allow manufacturers to manage working capital alongside green energy investment, keeping day-to-day operations funded while upgrading energy infrastructure.
Best next step: Generate offers
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- From £1,000 for equipment
- Asset-based renewable energy loans
- Revolving credit for flexibility
Need to know
- Stricter bank underwriting applies
- Asset and debtor quality assessed
- Upper limit of £300,000
Expert take
HSBC provides a bank-grade route for smaller manufacturers funding modest renewable energy equipment, though the lower upper limit suits lighter green energy investments.
Source:https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/finance-and-borrowing
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How renewable energy finance works for UK manufacturers
Manufacturers typically use development finance or asset-backed lending to fund renewable energy installations on industrial premises. Development finance suits larger projects such as rooftop solar arrays, ground-mounted wind turbines, or combined heat and power systems that increase property value and operational efficiency. Asset finance works well for standalone equipment like heat pumps or battery storage units.
Lenders assess the project based on energy savings projections, the expected lifespan of the equipment, and any income from schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee. Loan terms often align with the payback period of the installation, typically ranging from five to fifteen years. Some lenders offer interest-only periods during the installation phase, moving to capital repayment once the system is operational and generating savings. Manufacturers with high daytime energy consumption tend to present a stronger case because savings are easier to forecast with confidence.
Types of renewable energy projects eligible for funding in UK manufacturing
The most commonly funded projects for UK manufacturers include commercial rooftop solar PV, ground-mounted solar on surplus industrial land, wind turbines where site conditions permit, biomass boilers for process heat, air-source and ground-source heat pumps, and battery energy storage systems. Each technology attracts different lender appetite.
Solar PV installations on factory roofs are the most straightforward to finance. They have predictable output, long warranties, and relatively quick installation. Battery storage is growing in popularity as manufacturers seek to reduce peak-time grid charges and store excess solar generation. Heat pumps and biomass systems suit manufacturers with high heat demand, such as food processing or chemical production. Lenders may require a feasibility study or energy audit before approving funding, particularly for less common technologies. Projects combining multiple technologies can sometimes improve the overall business case by smoothing out seasonal variations in energy generation.
Government incentives that improve ROI on manufacturing renewable energy investment
Several UK government schemes can strengthen the financial case for renewable energy investment in manufacturing. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays manufacturers for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Industrial sites generating more than they consume during downtime, such as weekends, can earn meaningful additional income.
Business rates relief applies to certain renewable energy installations. Solar panels and other eligible technologies may be exempt from increased business rates valuation for a set period, keeping property costs predictable. The Annual Investment Allowance lets manufacturers write off qualifying plant and machinery against taxable profits in the year of purchase. The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund supports manufacturers with high energy use in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, offering grants for energy efficiency and deep decarbonisation projects. Scotland has a separate Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund with similar objectives for Scottish manufacturing sites.
Building a strong business case for renewable energy finance in manufacturing
Lenders look for clear evidence that the renewable energy investment will pay for itself. Manufacturers should prepare at least twelve months of energy bills showing current consumption and cost. A professional feasibility study or energy audit adds credibility and helps lenders understand projected savings.
The business case should compare the cost of finance against projected energy savings and any incentive income. Show the payback period and net present value. Manufacturing businesses with shift operations should model savings across all operational hours, not just standard daytime rates. Seasonal manufacturers should account for production peaks and troughs when forecasting energy use and generation. Evidence of equipment warranties, installer credentials, and maintenance contracts reassures lenders that the asset will perform as expected. A well-structured application demonstrating payback within five to ten years tends to attract the most competitive rates from renewable energy finance providers.
FAQs
Renewable energy finance in the UK works by providing businesses with dedicated funding to purchase, install, or develop clean energy systems. Depending on the project, lenders may offer development finance for ground-up renewable energy schemes, asset finance to fund equipment like solar panels or heat pumps, secured business loans for refurbishment projects, or commercial mortgages where property is involved. Typically, a lender will assess the project's viability, the equipment's projected energy savings or revenue generation, and the borrower's financial standing before structuring a facility. Repayments are often aligned with the expected return on investment from the energy system itself, which can help with cash flow.
Eligibility varies by lender and finance type, but most providers look at UK-registered SMEs, commercial property owners, and project developers with a viable renewable energy proposal. Lenders will typically review your business's trading history, credit profile, and financial accounts. For asset finance, the equipment itself often serves as security, which can make eligibility more accessible. For larger development finance or commercial mortgage applications, lenders will also assess the project's planning permissions, contractor credentials, and projected energy performance. Start-ups and special-purpose vehicles may still qualify but usually need to demonstrate stronger project fundamentals or provide additional security.
UK finance providers typically fund a broad range of commercial and industrial renewable energy installations. Commonly funded technologies include solar PV systems for rooftops or ground-mounted arrays, wind turbines for on-site generation, battery energy storage systems, air-source and ground-source heat pumps, biomass boilers, anaerobic digestion plants, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Some lenders also cover energy efficiency measures such as LED lighting upgrades and building management systems when bundled into a wider green energy project. The key is that the project must be for commercial or industrial premises rather than domestic properties.
Rates and terms differ considerably depending on the finance type, the lender, the project scale, and the borrower's credit strength. Asset finance arrangements for equipment like solar panels often run between two and seven years, with rates influenced by the asset's expected lifespan and resale value. Development finance for ground-up renewable projects may be structured with staged drawdowns and terms that reflect the construction timeline plus a repayment period. Commercial mortgages for property with integrated renewables can extend over longer terms, sometimes up to twenty-five years. Secured business loans sit in the middle, with terms and rates shaped by the security offered and overall lending risk. Always speak to a qualified broker or lender for a tailored quote.
Renewable energy finance allows businesses to retain full ownership of their clean energy assets while spreading the cost over time, which differs from equity funding where you give up a share of the business. Compared to grants, which do not require repayment but are often limited and highly competitive, finance products are more widely accessible and can cover larger project costs. Traditional bank loans may be available but often lack the sector-specific structuring that specialist renewable energy lenders provide. Finance can also be arranged so that repayments are partly or fully offset by the energy savings or revenue the installation generates, making it a practical alternative to upfront capital expenditure.
Businesses should seek providers with genuine experience in funding renewable energy projects, as sector knowledge often leads to smoother underwriting and more appropriate loan structures. Look for a lender that offers a range of products, development finance, asset finance, secured loans, and commercial mortgages, so the facility can be matched to the project rather than forced into the wrong product. Flexibility on terms, transparency on fees, and a clear timeline from application to drawdown are all important. It is also worth checking whether the lender has a track record with the specific technology you are installing, as some providers specialise in solar and battery storage while others are more comfortable with heat pumps or biomass. Speaking to a specialist commercial finance broker can help match you to the right provider.
