In recent years, solar energy has assumed an increasingly important role in the global energy landscape. As awareness of the environmental impact of traditional energy sources increases, more and more companies are exploring sustainable alternatives to meet their energy needs. One such alternative is photovoltaic leasing, an option that offers companies the chance to adopt solar energy without incurring significant upfront costs.

Indeed, one of the most widespread fears among entrepreneurs is that of having to spend a lot of money on the installation of a photovoltaic system on a company roof and having to wait a long time to see a return on this investment.

Photovoltaic leasing is a model that allows companies to install photovoltaic systems on their roofs without having to purchase the systems themselves. In practice, an energy service provider takes responsibility for the installation, maintenance and operation of the systems, while the host company provides the roof and benefits from the energy produced. In this article, we will take a closer look at how photovoltaic leasing works, who can benefit from it and what its financial implications are.

Who can benefit from photovoltaic leasing?

Photovoltaic rental can be beneficial for a variety of parties, including owners of commercial, industrial or residential properties with large unused roof areas. Companies with factories, warehouses, shopping centres or office buildings with suitable roofs can benefit from photovoltaic rental.

For example, a manufacturing company with a large roof could rent it to a solar energy provider to install a photovoltaic system and generate green energy. Similarly, a shopping centre could use photovoltaic rental to reduce energy costs and improve environmental sustainability, while providing a revenue opportunity for the property owner. Furthermore, companies operating in sustainability-sensitive sectors, such as hospitality or the food industry, could use PV rental as a strategy to improve their corporate image and attract environmentally sensitive customers.

Photovoltaic leasing can be a profitable and sustainable option for a wide range of players, contributing both to the reduction of energy costs and to the adoption of more sustainable business practices.

Why rely on photovoltaic rental

Relying on photovoltaic rental, as we have seen, can offer a number of advantages for both property owners and interested companies. Indeed, makes the most of unused resources, such as building roofs, by turning them into passive income sources. This approach offers an efficient solution for generating clean energy and reduce long-term energy costs, without requiring significant upfront investment on the part of the property owner. Furthermore, by promoting the adoption of renewable energy, photovoltaic rental contributes to the reduction of environmental impact and the adoption of more sustainable business practices, while enhancing the company's image and reputation.

How does roof rental for photovoltaic systems work?

The first step in the installation of a photovoltaic system on the roof of a hired company involves a’careful assessment of the characteristics of the roof itself. It is essential to verify the complete ownership of the building and the absence of liens or mortgages. In addition, the roof must be adequately sized, ideal are areas of at least 3/4000 square metres, and should be as free as possible from obstacles such as chimneys or skylights. An analysis of the slope and exposure of the roof is essential to maximise the efficiency of the installation, and may require the involvement of specialised technicians. This preliminary step ensures a solid basis for a successful photovoltaic installation and maximum utilisation of available resources.

The lease

A company rooftop photovoltaic rental agreement is an agreement between the building owner and the energy manager that provides for the transfer of the surface right to the rooftop for a period of generally between 20 and 30 years. During the conclusion of the contract, several aspects are defined, including the details of the installation of the photovoltaic system, the monthly rent and the payment method.

In general, the energy manager undertakes the installation of the photovoltaic system and assumes the associated costs and responsibilities. In return, the building owner receives financial compensation in the form of a monthly rent. This fee can be determined according to the nominal power of the system (expressed in kilowatts, kW) and the solar irradiation of the area in which the building is located.

At the end of the rental period, which may vary according to the length of the contract, the owner has two main options. He can request the removal of the photovoltaic system and the redevelopment of the roof, or he can opt for the acquisition of the system itself, which becomes his property.

How much is the rent for a photovoltaic system on a company roof

Before entering into a contract with an operator, all entrepreneurs want to know how much they will receive from their rental facility. The rental fee for a photovoltaic system installed on a company's roof can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the nominal power of the system, the size of the area available for installation, and the solar irradiation in the region where the building is located.

Differences between Italian regions

In northern Italy, where solar radiation may be lower than in other regions, the annual rent is generally between 10 and 15 euros per kilowatt (kW) of installed power. This price reflects the expected yield of the system in relation to local climatic conditions and the amount of solar energy available. Thus, for a company with a 100 kW photovoltaic system installed on its roof, the annual rent can vary between EUR 1,000 and EUR 1,500, depending on the price agreed with the energy manager and the specific conditions of the contract.

In central Italy, where the sunshine is usually higher than in the north, the rent tends to be slightly higher, at around 20-25 euro per kW. This higher cost can be justified by the increased energy production of the system due to the increased exposure to the sun.

In southern Italy, where solar radiation is particularly abundant, the rent can reach higher levels, being around 30-35 euro per kW. This price reflects the higher efficiency of the photovoltaic system in southern regions, where the sun is more present throughout the year, allowing higher energy production.

In each case, the rental fee is agreed during the conclusion of the contract, taking into account all these factors and the specific needs and conditions of the company owning the building. This rent is a way for the owner to obtain an economic benefit from renting out their roof for the installation of a photovoltaic system, while contributing to the transition to a more sustainable economy and the use of renewable energy.

Conclusions

Renting the roof for the installation of photovoltaic systems represents a tremendous opportunity for companies to optimise unused resources and embrace a more sustainable mindset. Thanks to its financial and environmental benefits, this approach is gaining increasing acceptance among companies eager to cut energy costs and strengthen their commitment to the environment. If you are interested in exploring this solution for your company, do not hesitate to contact Heiwit today for further information and advice tailored to your specific needs.