How much do sustainability upgrades really cost for small businesses?
For many small business owners, sustainability upgrades such as solar panels, heat pumps or EV chargers can feel expensive or complicated. Costs aren’t always transparent and can vary widely depending on your building and energy use.
The reality? Many upgrades are now more affordable than expected - thanks to lower technology costs, government support and flexible finance options.
In this blog, we break down realistic costs of the most common sustainability upgrades - helping you see what could realistically work for your business - and how taking simple, smart steps can cut carbon, reduce energy costs and support long‑term growth.
EV charging with Pod
EV charging is often the most accessible first step into sustainability for small businesses. Pod makes it easier than ever to get started – offering reliable charging solutions. As electric vehicles grow in popularity, installing EV chargers can help cut fuel costs, take advantage of low‑cost electricity, reduce emissions, attract customers and support employees on your journey towards net zero.
Price Ranges:
1x 7kW Single socket:
Hardware - £800
Installation - Average £1,600*
Typical total: £2,500-£3,000
1x 22kW single socket:
Hardware - £900
Installation - Average £1,900*
Typical total: £3,000-£3,400
1x 7kW twin socket:
Hardware - £1,970
Installation - Average £4,000-£6,000*
Typical total: £6,500-£8,000
1x 22kW twin socket:
Hardware - £2,100
Installation - Average £5,000-£7,000*
Typical total: £7,000-£9,000
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
The Workplace Charging Scheme is a government‑backed initiative designed to help businesses install electric vehicle chargers. The scheme can cover up to 75% of installation costs (capped at £500 per socket) for up to 40 sockets per business - making EV charging more affordable for small businesses.
Thinking about EV? Learn more about EV charging for small businesses with Pod and see how an installation could work for you - from costs and funding to the right solution for your site. Click for the full guide here.
Solar panels with Contact Solar
Solar panels are one of the most popular sustainability upgrades for small businesses, thanks to their predictable savings and long system lifespans. They work by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity that can be used as its generated. Any unused energy can be stored in a battery or exported back to the grid - allowing businesses to earn extra income through the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee. With systems typically lasting 20–25 years or more, solar panels offer a strong return on investment while helping businesses cut energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Read more here.
Starting from £5,645, based on a 4kW system with no battery, solar panels can be a more affordable investment than many businesses expect. Additionally, new battery management installation starts from as little as £3,970.
Could solar be the right fit for your small business? If you’re interested in exploring how solar panels could work for you, you can start your solar journey by taking the first step and completing our short form.
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
Air source heat pumps are a low carbon system that use naturally occurring heat from outside air to warm your building and water. Even when temperatures are low, ASHPs operate efficiently, making them suitable for a wide range of property types and climates. While they represent a longer‑term investment, heat pumps can significantly reduce carbon emissions and help future‑proof your heating system - offering small businesses a sustainable, all‑in‑one alternative to traditional heating while supporting long‑term cost control and ESG goals.
Small business air source heat pump installation costs typically start from around £7,000, but this will vary significantly based on a range of requirements:
- System's capacity requirements
- Size and usage patterns of the building
- Complexity of the installation process
While initial investment can be higher than traditional systems, long-term savings are often achieved through lower running costs and reduced maintenance.*
Small businesses can also access financial support to help offset upfront costs.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Businesses installing a heat pump may be eligible for government support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme - which helps reduce upfront costs. Key eligibility criteria includes:
- Must own the property or have written landlord consent if leaseholder
- Property must be located in England or Wales
- Must have a valid EPC issued within the last 10 years
- New system must replace an existing fossil fuel heating system or electric boiler
- Installation must be carried out by a MCS-certified installer
- No minimum lease length is required, but eligibility depends on ownership or landlord agreement
This scheme can make the transition to low‑carbon heating more accessible for small businesses looking to future‑proof their property. Apply here.
Additional grants include the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, which can cover up to 70% of project costs and the Green Heat Network Fund, supporting the development of low‑carbon heat networks.
Heat pumps are best suited for businesses with high electric use, including:
- Hospitality venues - restaurants, cafés and pubs
- Care homes and residential properties
- Some pharmaceutical and metal manufacturers
Read our guide to find out everything you need to know about switching to a heat pump.
Quick guide – what’s most affordable?
If your small business… | Consider starting with… |
Wants low upfront cost | EV chargers |
Uses lots of daytime power | Solar |
Is planning long-term | Solar + ASHP |
Has sustainability targets | Solar or heat pumps |
Sustainability upgrades aren’t one-size-fits-all and they don’t have to happen all at once. Understanding realistic price ranges allows small businesses to make informed decisions that balance impact, cost and long-term value.
*Indicative ready reckoner - site conditions could result in a price outside this range. Based on a standard install: cabling up 30m, no work above 2m, soft-dig ground, no major complications. Grant support usually brings this towards the lower end.
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