The short answer
Welsh businesses are well placed for rooftop solar, with decent generation in the west and support available through Business Wales and the Future Proofing Fund. Two network operators cover the country — NGED in the south and SP Energy Networks in the north. We match you with a vetted installer for a free site survey.
Picking a commercial solar installer is the step where businesses most often get a poor deal — the Wales market has plenty of firms, and quality varies. This page covers what is specific to going solar across Wales; our guide to choosing an installer sets out the full vetting criteria, and our quote-comparison checklist shows what a good quote must contain.
Who runs the grid across Wales?
Wales has two distribution network operators: National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) covers south, mid and west Wales, while SP Energy Networks (SP Manweb) covers the north. Your installer applies to the relevant one for the grid connection (a G99 application for exporting systems, typically 8–12 weeks).
| Local factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distribution network operator | National Grid Electricity Distribution and SP Energy Networks |
| Grid connection | G99 application for exporting systems — typically 8–12 weeks |
| Wider area | Wales |
How much will a roof generate in Wales?
Generation across Wales is broadly in line with or a little below the UK average of around 950 kWh per kWp per year, with the sunnier western and coastal areas at the higher end.
The number that matters most is how much you use during daylight: every unit you generate and use yourself displaces grid power at 25–30p. Our payback and ROI guide works through the returns, or get a figure for your own roof with the calculator below.
Are there solar grants for Wales businesses?
Business Wales, the Welsh Government's business support service, offers advice and funding routes for renewables, and the Future Proofing Fund has offered grants of £5,000–£10,000 towards renewable energy technology for business premises. Availability changes, so check what is currently open.
On top of any local scheme, every UK business can use the £1m Annual Investment Allowance to deduct the cost from profits — worth roughly 25% of the project back at the 25% corporation tax rate. Our grants and tax relief guide has the national picture.
The Wales installer market
The Welsh commercial solar market is led by regional installers, including specialists in west and south Wales. Independent vetting on certification, insurance and track record is the step that protects you, whichever firm you choose.
Planning permission in Wales
Planning is devolved in Wales, so it runs its own permitted development rules. Most commercial rooftop solar is still permitted, but confirm the current Welsh rules for your building with the local authority before assuming no permission is needed.
Full detail is on our commercial solar planning permission guide.
Get matched with a vetted installer in Wales
Frequently asked questions
Who runs the electricity grid in Wales?+
Two operators: National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) covers south, mid and west Wales, and SP Energy Networks (SP Manweb) covers north Wales. Your installer submits the grid connection (G99) application to the relevant one for any exporting system; approval usually takes 8–12 weeks.
Are there solar grants for Welsh businesses?+
Business Wales, the Welsh Government's support service, offers advice and funding routes for renewables, and the Future Proofing Fund has offered £5,000–£10,000 towards renewable energy technology. The £1m Annual Investment Allowance also returns roughly 25% of project cost in tax relief. Specific support changes, so confirm what is currently open.
Are the planning rules different in Wales?+
Yes. Planning is devolved, so Wales has its own permitted development rights that differ from England's. Many commercial rooftop systems remain permitted, but confirm the current Welsh rules for your specific building before assuming no permission is needed.
How do you choose the installer I'm matched with?+
We match you with an installer covering your part of Wales that meets our published vetting criteria — MCS certification, adequate insurance, track record on systems of your size, and written maintenance terms. You pay nothing and there is no obligation.
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Updated June 2026 · By Taro Schenker, founder of Business Solar Check. We're independent — we don't install solar. Figures are indicative UK averages; your site survey confirms the numbers for your roof.