Funded solar roofs offered to commercial building owners

Commercial building owners facing costly roof refurbishments are being offered a way to install solar power without paying most of the upfront costs, under a new partnership between Kingspan and Zestec Renewable Energy.

The companies say their joint model links roof renovation with on-site solar generation through a long-term funding arrangement, targeting refurbishment projects where ageing roofs have previously limited the viability of solar installations. Kingspan supplies insulated roofing systems with integrated photovoltaic panels, while Zestec provides funding and manages the solar assets.

At the centre of the offer is a power purchase agreement, under which Zestec funds the solar installation and can also cover a significant proportion of the roof upgrade costs. Building owners then buy the electricity generated on site at an agreed rate, rather than paying for the system in advance. Where project costs exceed the available funding, owners are expected to contribute the balance.

Kingspan says the roofing systems are designed to meet commercial safety and performance standards, including fire and wind resistance, while improving thermal efficiency. The company also offers an overcladding option for buildings where a full roof replacement is not required, allowing solar panels to be added while extending the life of the existing structure.

Phil Smith, managing director at Kingspan Insulated Panels, says the approach was intended to make refurbishment projects more accessible:

“Our Renovate + Generate approach is designed to remove barriers for building owners who want to upgrade their assets and embrace renewable energy. By partnering with Zestec, we can offer a funded model that makes critical refurbishment projects financially accessible while delivering long-term performance and sustainability.”

Zestec, which is owned by funds within Octopus Energy Generation, takes responsibility for design, installation and ongoing operation of the solar systems. Zestec chief executive, Simon Booth, explains that the partnership aims to tackle longstanding constraints in the market:

“This partnership is about removing the structural barriers that have historically held back both roof refurbishment and on-site solar. The model allows owners to upgrade critical infrastructure and access lower-cost, clean energy through a single, trusted solution.”

The companies say the combined refurbishment and energy model could also help improve energy performance ratings and support sustainability targets, as commercial property owners face increasing pressure to cut emissions and modernise ageing buildings.

www.kingspan.com/gb/en/campaigns/innovative-solar-roofing-solutions/