How to Start a Solar Business With No Money in the UK
The barrier to entry for solar installation is higher than most trades – MCS certification, qualified electricians, and specific equipment all cost money. But it’s far from impossible to get started with limited capital if you’re strategic about how you structure the business in its first months.
The Realistic Starting Position
Let’s be clear about what “no money” means in solar:
You cannot start a solar business with literally no money. The non-negotiables – training, certification, insurance – cost real money. What you can do is minimise upfront investment, stage your spending carefully, and start generating revenue before you’ve spent on everything.
The minimum realistic starting investment for someone already qualified as an electrician:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| C&G 2399 Solar PV training | £500-£900 |
| MCS certification (first year) | £800-£1,500 |
| Public liability + PI insurance | £600-£1,200 |
| Basic solar tools and equipment | £300-£600 |
| Business registration (limited company) | £50 |
| Minimum total | ~£2,500-£4,000 |
If you’re starting from scratch without electrical qualifications, the investment is substantially higher (electrical apprenticeship or adult qualification route: £3,000-£8,000+).
Strategies for Starting with Limited Capital
1. Work Under an Existing MCS Installer While Getting Certified
The most common low-capital route into solar: join an established MCS installer as an employee or subcontractor while you go through your own certification process.
Benefits: – Earn money immediately while building your credentials – Learn the systems, processes, and customer handling in a live commercial environment – Your employer or principal may contribute to training costs – You avoid the cash flow gap between investment and first revenue
Most solar businesses are genuinely short-staffed. An experienced electrician who wants to specialise in solar can almost certainly find a position.
2. Stage Your MCS Certification
MCS certification for multiple technology categories (solar PV + battery + EV) isn’t required upfront. Start with solar PV only – the most commercially important category. Add battery and EV charging categories once you’re generating revenue.
First year: Solar PV only (£800-1,200 certification) Year 2: Add battery storage category (£300-500 add-on) Year 2-3: Add EV charging if appropriate
3. Subcontract Scaffolding Rather Than Own It
Scaffolding is an expensive asset. Subcontract it. This converts a large capital expenditure into a per-job operating cost. Build a relationship with one or two scaffolding companies who can respond quickly and offer consistent pricing.
4. Use Trade Finance for Equipment
Solar equipment – inverters, panels, mounting systems – can often be purchased on trade accounts with 30-day terms. This gives you time to complete and invoice the job before paying for the equipment.
Apply for trade accounts with key distributors (Segen, IronRidge, CEF Solar) as soon as you start trading. Build your credit limit as your business grows.
5. Take Deposits Before Ordering Equipment
This is the core cash flow principle: take a 25-30% deposit before ordering materials for any job. On a £7,000 solar installation, a 25% deposit (£1,750) covers most of your equipment costs before you’ve spent a penny.
Never buy equipment on spec before you have a job confirmed and deposited.
Business Structure Options for Minimal Capital
Sole trader: Lowest cost structure. No Companies House fee, lower accountancy costs. Commercial clients prefer limited companies, but for starting out with domestic customers it works.
Informal partnership: Two complementary trades (electrician + roofer) forming an informal working arrangement can split the certification costs, tool investment, and early marketing costs while sharing jobs. Ensure the commercial arrangement is clearly documented.
Accessing Grants and Finance
Start Up Loans: Government-backed personal loans of £500-£25,000 at 6% fixed interest. Can fund training and initial certification costs. Apply at startuploans.co.uk.
CITB grants: If you’re already registered with CITB, training grants may cover part of your solar qualification costs. Check current CITB grant rates.
Local Enterprise Partnerships: Some LEPs offer grants for clean energy businesses. Check your regional LEP website.
Conclusion
Starting your own trades business is one of the most financially and personally rewarding things a skilled tradesperson can do. The foundations – the right structure, the right insurance, the right systems – take a few weeks to set up properly, but getting them right from the start saves significant time and money further down the line. For further guidance, visit Start Up Loans: government scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install solar commercially while going through MCS certification?
You can do electrical work on solar installations as a qualified electrician, but you can’t certify the installations as MCS until your certification is complete. Some installers operate under another MCS installer’s number during this period – check MCS rules on this carefully, as it must be properly structured.How long before a solar business is profitable from a low-capital start?
Typically 6-12 months if you’re working under another MCS installer while getting certified, then trading independently. The cash flow from the first few independent installations, combined with staged certification costs, makes this achievable without significant debt.What if I can’t afford MCS certification upfront?
The Start Up Loan scheme is specifically designed for situations like this. A £3,000 loan at 6% over 3 years costs approximately £90/month – affordable once you’re generating solar revenue.Related reading:
