Small and medium-sized businesses operating from business parks and industrial estates in Test Valley could receive help with the cost of installing solar panels, thanks to a new grant scheme from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).
TVBC has allocated £50,000 from its 2025–26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the initiative, which aims to help local businesses reduce energy bills and cut greenhouse gas emissions through the use of clean, renewable energy.
The grants form part of the council’s ongoing commitment to tackling climate change, following the refresh of its Climate Emergency Action Plan last year.
Under the scheme, eligible businesses can apply for a grant of 20% of project costs, up to a maximum of £5,000. The funding is available to landlords, leaseholders, and occupiers of commercial premises on business parks and estates across the borough. All solar PV installations must be completed by March 2026.
Councillor Alison Johnston, TVBC’s portfolio holder for Climate Emergency and Countryside, said:
“I’m delighted we can offer these grants as it is vital we support the businesses on our business parks as they take steps to reduce their emissions.
“These grants for solar panels are not just an investment in sustainability, they’re also an investment in our community’s future, and I would encourage eligible businesses to get in touch to see how we can help them.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, provided by the UK government, supports projects that improve business sites and promote clean energy across the country. The solar grant scheme recognises both the need to address climate change and the energy cost pressures that many business owners have faced in recent years.
For full details on eligibility and how to apply, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/solargrants.