So far, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most important years in preparation for the upcoming changes in EPC and MEES for commercial landlords. With energy costs still high, the much-stricter imminent MEES regulations, and solar grants continuing their rollout across the UK, more and more businesses are turning to the installation of commercial solar panels as a way to improve EPC ratings and cut operation costs.
This guide explains why 2025 offers a unique opportunity to invest in solar panels for commercial buildings, how much EPC uplift you can expect, and how CCA Environmental supports landlords with MEES compliance, modelling, and installation planning.
Why 2025 Is a Turning Point for Commercial Solar PV
The UK government is pushing hard towards net-zero targets, with stricter expectations for non-domestic buildings, rising energy prices, and more commercial sites switching to renewable energy sources.
Key drivers in 2025
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- Expected confirmation of EPC B by 2030 for most commercial buildings.
- More pressure on landlords to avoid unlettable properties under MEES
- Better solar ROI due to falling hardware costs
- New funding rounds and tax incentives supporting solar
- Increased demand by tenants for low-carbon buildings
For many landlords, 2025 is considered to be a perfect window to upgrade the properties before stricter rules and higher costs land later in the decade.
Will Installing Solar PV Help Meet MEES Regulations?
Yes, among the most effective solutions to giving an immediate boost to EPC ratings for commercial use and achieving MEES compliance are solar panel installations.
Solar PV directly reduces a building’s demand for electricity, improving:
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- EPC scores
- Operational energy use
- Carbon emissions
- Running costs
CCA Environmental uses DSM to predict exactly how solar panels will impact your EPC score in advance of installation. This allows landlords to know in advance what the expected EPC uplift and return on investment will be before committing to a system.
MEES EPC Uplift With Solar Panels: What Landlords Can Expect
The improvements obtained in EPC differ by building type, roof suitability, and energy load. Commercial rooftop solar panels can uplift ratings, on average, by 1–3 EPC bands.
Factors that influence EPC uplift:
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- Current EPC rating (E, F, G buildings benefit the most)
- Roof orientation and shading
- Size and output of the PV system
- Building operations and energy profile
CCA Environmental undertakes comprehensive EPC modelling, producing an EPC Plus report that shows how solar PV will change your energy score and where additional upgrades may be needed.
How much EPC improvement from solar on a flat roof?
Flat roofs are ideal for commercial solar PV because panels can be tilted for optimum sun exposure
Typical uplift on a flat-roof commercial unit:
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- 10-25% improvement in energy performance
- 1–2 EPC band increase in many cases
- Higher performance if combined with LED lighting or HVAC upgrades
CCA Environmental assesses roof structure, orientation, and shading to recommend the right system size.
New MEES Rules 2025: What Landlords Need to Know
The government is likely to develop updates that push most commercial buildings toward:
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- Minimum EPC C by 2027
- Minimum EPC B by 2030
Buildings that do not meet these criteria may be categorized as “unlettable” under MEES.
Solar PV is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to achieve these standards without expensive fabric upgrades.
MEES Exemption Cost Cap for Landlords
Commercial landlords may apply for exemptions where:
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- All cost-effective measures within the cost cap have been completed
- Failure to achieve the required EPC rating of a building even after upgrades.
- Payback period exceeds the regulatory limits
Solar PV often removes the requirement for exemptions, as it can provide high EPC impact at lower upgrade costs.
CCA Environmental helps landlords review whether you qualify for:
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- MEES cost cap exemptions
- Temporary exemptions
- EPC B – Upgrade pathways
Solar Grants Available in 2025
Commercial properties may benefit from:
1. Capital allowances & tax relief
Solar PV can qualify for:
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- Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)
- Full expensing incentives
2. Local authority and regional green funding
Some councils give support for renewable installations in commercial buildings.
3. Carbon reduction grants and ESG financing
More banks and investors are rewarding those sites that install solar PV.
CCA Environmental can provide supporting documentation for grant applications, EPC improvements, and post-installation compliance.
Solar PV Modelling for EPC & MEES Compliance
A key reason companies choose CCA Environmental is the accuracy of our modelling.
We use:
This gives the landlord certainty regarding:
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- Expected EPC uplift
- System performance
- ROI and payback
- Compliance with forthcoming MEES legislation
Why Work With CCA Environmental
CCA Environmental supports landlords throughout the UK with:
✔ Solar PV modelling & EPC impact studies
Detailed assessment of how solar will improve your EPC rating.
✔ MEES Compliance Planning
Clear upgrade paths to EPC C and B deadlines.
✔ Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM)
Accurate predictions of solar output and building energy usage.
✔ Collaboration with Certified Commercial Solar Installers
We work with vetted partners to provide smooth, compliant installation.
✔ Final EPC Lodgement and Compliance Confirmation
We ensure that your new EPC and MEES documents are fully updated.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Do solar panels help improve EPC ratings?
Yes. Solar PV reduces the demand for electricity and can uplift EPC scores by 1–3 bands.
2. Can solar panels help a commercial building meet MEES?
Absolutely, Solar PV is one of the fastest ways to achieve MEES without major refurbishments.
3. How long does a commercial solar PV installation take?
Modelling and design take 1–2 weeks, while installation takes from a few days up to 2–3 weeks, depending on the size.
4. Do I need planning permission?
Most rooftop commercial systems fall under permitted development, but CCA Environmental will advise based on your site.
5. What EPC rating will I need by 2030?
Most commercial buildings are expected to need EPC B.
Conclusion
With the MEES changes looming and energy costs unpredictable, 2025 is the best time for landlords and businesses to invest in commercial solar power installation. Solar PV delivers strong EPC uplift, reduces energy bills, and prepares your building for EPC B standards. From start to finish, successful solar upgrades benefit from the modelling, guidance, and compliance support provided by CCA Environmental.