Solar PPA FAQ — Common Questions Answered | Apex PPA Solutions

Question 1

What is a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

Accepted Answer

A solar PPA is a long-term contract in which a third-party provider — like Apex PPA Solutions — finances, installs, owns, and maintains a solar energy system on your premises. You simply purchase the electricity it generates at a fixed, agreed rate per kilowatt-hour, typically well below your current grid tariff. There is no upfront capital expenditure required from your organisation.

Question 2

How is a solar PPA different from buying solar panels outright?

Accepted Answer

When you buy solar panels outright, you pay the full capital cost upfront — typically £50,000 to £500,000+ for a commercial system — and take on responsibility for maintenance, insurance, and performance risk. With a PPA, Apex PPA Solutions covers all of those costs and responsibilities. You benefit from lower electricity bills from day one, with zero capital outlay and no ongoing maintenance burden.

Question 3

What does '£0 upfront' actually mean?

Accepted Answer

It means your organisation pays nothing to have the solar system designed, procured, installed, or commissioned. Apex PPA Solutions funds the entire project. You begin paying only for the electricity the system generates, at your agreed PPA rate, once it is live and producing power.

Question 4

How long does a typical PPA contract last?

Accepted Answer

Our standard PPA agreements run for 15 years, though terms of 10 to 25 years are available depending on system size and your organisation's requirements. Longer terms typically secure a lower per-unit electricity rate. At the end of the contract, options usually include renewal, system purchase, or removal at no cost.

Question 5

What happens to the solar system at the end of the contract?

Accepted Answer

At the end of your PPA term, you typically have three options: renew the agreement (often at a reduced rate), purchase the system outright at its residual value, or have it removed at no cost to you. Most clients choose to renew or purchase, as the system will have many years of productive life remaining.

Question 6

How much could my business save with a solar PPA?

Accepted Answer

Savings depend on your current electricity tariff, your consumption profile, and the size of the system installed. Most commercial clients achieve savings of 15–35% on the electricity generated by the solar array. For a business spending £100,000 per year on electricity, this can represent £15,000–£35,000 in annual savings. We provide a detailed financial model as part of your free consultation.

Question 7

Is the PPA rate fixed or does it change over time?

Accepted Answer

Our PPA rates are fixed for the duration of the contract, giving you complete certainty over your energy costs for up to 25 years. This is one of the most significant advantages over grid electricity, where prices have risen substantially and unpredictably over recent decades. A fixed PPA rate protects your business from future energy price volatility.

Question 8

Are there any hidden costs or ongoing fees?

Accepted Answer

No. The only payment you make under a PPA is the agreed per-unit rate for the electricity generated. Apex PPA Solutions covers all costs for design, installation, grid connection, insurance, maintenance, inverter replacement, and monitoring throughout the contract term. There are no management fees, service charges, or surprise costs.

Question 9

What is the minimum system size you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with commercial and public sector organisations with annual electricity consumption of 100,000 kWh or more, which typically corresponds to systems of 20 kW and above. There is no upper limit — we have delivered multi-megawatt projects across manufacturing, logistics, and public sector estates.

Question 10

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

From contract signature to system commissioning, a typical commercial rooftop installation takes 8–16 weeks. This includes structural surveys, system design, planning (where required), procurement, installation, and grid connection. Larger or more complex projects may take longer. We manage the entire process and keep you informed at every stage.

Question 11

Will installation disrupt my business operations?

Accepted Answer

Disruption is minimal. Our installation teams work to a programme agreed with you in advance, and the majority of work takes place on the roof with no impact on day-to-day operations. Any brief internal works — such as cable routing or inverter installation — are scheduled at times that suit your business.

Question 12

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?

Accepted Answer

Apex PPA Solutions is fully responsible for all maintenance, monitoring, and repairs throughout the contract term. We operate a remote monitoring platform that tracks system performance in real time, and our engineering teams respond to any faults or underperformance. You have no maintenance obligations whatsoever.

Question 13

What happens if the solar panels are damaged?

Accepted Answer

The system is fully insured by Apex PPA Solutions for the duration of the contract. In the event of damage — whether from weather, accidental impact, or equipment failure — we arrange repair or replacement at no cost to you. Your only obligation is to notify us promptly of any visible damage.

Question 14

Can battery storage be added to a solar PPA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Battery storage can be integrated with your solar PPA from the outset or added to an existing system. A battery allows you to store surplus solar generation and use it during peak tariff periods or at night, increasing your self-consumption and maximising savings. It also provides resilience against grid outages. Battery storage is available under the same £0 upfront PPA model.

Question 15

How does EV charging work alongside a solar PPA?

Accepted Answer

Our EV charging solutions are designed to integrate directly with your solar generation, so your fleet charges on clean, low-cost solar electricity rather than expensive grid power. We supply, install, and manage the charge points under a single agreement alongside your solar PPA. This is particularly valuable for businesses with delivery fleets, company car schemes, or staff EV charging requirements.

Question 16

Can I add EV chargers without a solar PPA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can supply and install EV charging infrastructure as a standalone service, though the economics are most compelling when paired with on-site solar generation. Contact us to discuss your fleet electrification requirements and we will model the most cost-effective solution for your site.

Question 17

Is my building suitable for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial and industrial buildings with a south, east, or west-facing roof of 200 m² or more are suitable. Flat roofs are ideal. We conduct a free desktop assessment using satellite imagery and your consumption data, followed by a structural survey, to confirm suitability before any commitment is required from you.

Question 18

We rent our premises — can we still get a solar PPA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases. A solar PPA on a leased building requires landlord consent, and the agreement needs to align with your remaining lease term. We have experience navigating landlord negotiations and can provide template documentation to support the process. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Question 19

Does a solar PPA affect our balance sheet?

Accepted Answer

Under current UK accounting standards, a solar PPA is typically treated as an operating expense rather than a capital liability, meaning it does not appear on your balance sheet as debt. However, accounting treatment can vary depending on contract structure and your auditors' interpretation. We recommend discussing this with your finance team or auditors. We can provide contract documentation to support that review.

Question 20

Which sectors do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work primarily with commercial and industrial businesses — including manufacturing, logistics, retail, food production, and warehousing — and with public sector organisations including local authorities, NHS trusts, schools, colleges, and universities. If your organisation has significant electricity consumption and suitable roof or ground space, we would be delighted to assess your site.

Frequently asked questions

Understanding solar PPAs

Costs, savings and contracts

Installation and operations

Battery storage and EV charging

Eligibility and suitability

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