Triodos Bank will not lend to fossil fuel businesses, arms manufacturers, or companies whose activities contradict its environmental mission. In exchange for that selectivity, mission-aligned borrowers access rates that mainstream lenders do not offer. If your business generates, uses, or distributes renewable energy, Triodos is worth approaching first - and strong ESG metrics can materially reduce the rate you are offered.
Triodos Solar Finance Rates - October 2026
| Asset / Project Type | Product | Typical Term | Rate From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial solar (50kW+) | Hire Purchase | 5–15 years | 5.5% APR |
| Solar farm (project finance) | Bespoke project finance | 10–20 years | 6–8% APR |
| Battery storage (BESS) | Hire Purchase | 5–10 years | 5.9% APR |
| EV charging infrastructure | Hire Purchase | 5–7 years | 5.7% APR |
| Wind (small commercial) | Hire Purchase / Project | 5–15 years | Bespoke |
How Triodos Compares to Other Solar Lenders
Triodos Bank
5.5% APR Mission-aligned businesses. Strong ESG improves rate. 50kW+ commercial solar.
Lombard Green Finance
5.8% APR NatWest Group. Broader credit criteria. Green asset discount applied.
Close Brothers
6.0% APR Generalist but solar-competent. No ESG requirement. Wider credit criteria.
For businesses without strong ESG credentials, Lombard Green Finance or Close Brothers are more suitable. We will tell you honestly which lender is right for your profile - there is no benefit to us in recommending a lender whose criteria you do not meet.
Triodos ESG Criteria and What Improves Your Rate
ESG Factors That Reduce Your Rate
Triodos Bank uses a mission-alignment scoring framework. The following factors are assessed positively and can bring your rate toward the bottom of their range:
- Operating a green energy tariff (renewable electricity supply)
- B Corp certification or equivalent third-party ESG verification
- Solar as part of a wider net-zero transition plan (with evidence)
- Planning permission or grid connection letter in place
- Community benefit fund or cooperative structure
- Energy storage included (grid stability contribution)
Triodos requires that your business operates on a green energy tariff as a condition of solar finance. If you are not on a renewable tariff, switching before application materially improves your position.
Battery Storage Finance
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can be financed alongside solar or as a standalone upgrade to an existing installation. Triodos finances battery storage from 5.9% APR via hire purchase. The economics of battery storage have improved significantly - co-locating a battery with a commercial solar array typically increases the value of the installation, and Triodos's underwriters understand this payback model.
We can structure a combined solar and battery HP facility with a single monthly payment, based on the combined capital cost of both assets.