Are you a landlord or business owner looking to cut energy bills and meet sustainability targets-without paying for solar panels yourself?

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What is a PPA?

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a long-term contract between your business and a solar energy provider. Under this agreement:

  • The provider installs and owns the solar panels on your site (typically your roof).

  • You buy the electricity those panels generate at a discounted rate, lower than your current utility prices.

  • There’s no upfront cost to you – and no responsibility for maintenance, insurance, or system performance.

It’s a simple, risk-free way to cut your energy costs and carbon footprint.

Key Benefits of a PPA

Zero Upfront Costs

The PPA provider covers all costs related to delivering the solar system. This typically includes:

  • Legal and compliance fees

  • Roof and structural surveys

  • Grid applications and approvals

  • System design, installation, and ongoing monitoring

The entire setup is funded and maintained by the provider, so there’s no capital investment required from your side.

Lower Energy Costs from Day One

You only pay for the electricity generated on your roof - at a fixed, discounted rate, often 20–40% lower than your current utility rate. The savings begin immediately and grow over time.

You Keep Your Existing Energy Supplier

Because solar generation follows a daytime “bell curve,” your existing energy supplier continues to provide any additional electricity you need — for example, in the evenings or during low-sun periods.

  • You remain connected to the grid.

  • Your supplier tops up your usage as needed.

  • But overall, you import less from the grid, reducing your energy costs.

No Maintenance or Performance Risk

Ownership, maintenance, and system performance remain the responsibility of the funder. You simply benefit from the power it generates. This includes:

  • 24/7 system monitoring

  • All ongoing maintenance and repairs

  • Insurance and compliance management

There’s no operational burden on your team - and no financial risk tied to the system’s upkeep.

Contribute to Net Zero Without CapEx

A PPA allows you to make significant progress on your sustainability goals without investing upfront. It’s a practical way to reduce your carbon footprint and align with customer and regulatory expectations.

Comparison table showing features and costs of PPA, Asset Finance, and Cash Purchase options. Columns include Ufront Cost, Ownership, Maintenance & Monitoring, Grid Connection Process, Energy Cost, Cash Flow Impact, Risk & Responsibility, and Impact on Business Rates.

PPA vs. Other Financing Options

Illustration of a red clay tile roof section.

How the Airspace Lease Works

As part of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the solar provider enters into an airspace lease for the area above your roof where the system will be installed.

This lease allows them to mount and operate the equipment while you retain full use of your property. Here’s how it works:

  • No cost to you – the airspace is leased in exchange for supplying you with discounted solar electricity.

  • Fully surveyed – structural and roof condition surveys are carried out at the provider’s expense to ensure the site is suitable.

  • Non-intrusive installation – the work is planned to minimise disruption to your day-to-day operations.

  • Lease term aligned with the PPA – typically 15 to 25 years, with options to extend, remove, or transfer the system at the end of the term.

We help coordinate this process to ensure it’s straightforward, fully compliant, and tailored to your specific building.

Is a PPA Right for You?

If you're looking to reduce energy bills, lower your carbon footprint, and avoid the upfront cost and complexity of solar installation, a PPA is the smart way forward. It’s a hassle-free, fully funded route to clean, low-cost energy - with zero capital risk.

Want to know if your building qualifies?
Fill out the short form and one of our consultants will be in touch to review your site and guide you through the next steps

 FAQs

  • A PPA is a contract where a third-party provider installs and owns solar panels on your roof, and you simply buy the electricity they generate, usually at a lower rate than your current supplier. You don’t pay for the system itself, just the energy you use.

  • No - with a PPA, there are no upfront costs. The system is fully funded by the solar provider, including surveys, installation, maintenance, and connection to the grid.

  • Yes. Solar covers some of your energy needs during the day, but your existing supplier will continue to provide any extra electricity you need - especially in the evenings or during poor weather.

  • Any excess energy can be exported to the grid. The provider typically handles this and benefits from the export revenue - which helps cover the cost of the system.

  • The provider owns and maintains the system for the duration of the agreement. They monitor performance, handle any repairs, and ensure everything is running efficiently - at no cost to you.

  • Before anything is installed, structural and roof condition surveys are carried out to ensure the system is suitable and safe. Installations are designed to be non-intrusive and coordinated around your operations.

  • Most PPAs last between 15 and 25 years. At the end of the term, you may have the option to extend, remove the system, or purchase it outright at a reduced cost.

  • Potentially, yes. We’ll work with you and your landlord to assess the site and gain the necessary permissions. A roof lease agreement is part of the setup process.

  • There are three key obligations you agree to as part of the PPA:

    1. Pay for the solar energy you use – at the agreed discounted rate, only for the electricity generated by the system.

    2. Allow access for maintenance – to ensure the system is performing properly, the provider may need occasional access to inspect or service the equipment.

    3. Lease the airspace above your roof – a simple legal agreement gives the provider permission to install and operate the system on your roof for the duration of the PPA.

  • The funder makes a return by selling the solar electricity to you at a discounted rate over the length of the agreement. Because they own the system, they recover their investment - plus a small profit - over time.

    At Bespoke Envelope Solutions, we’re paid a commission directly by the funder when a project goes ahead. There’s no cost to you for our service, and our role is to ensure you're matched with the right provider, terms, and system for your building.

  • Simply fill out the form or get in touch. We’ll arrange a no-obligation review of your site to see if it’s a good fit for a PPA or if another solution is more viable, and guide you through what comes next.