Custom Solar
Custom Solar is a UK specialist commercial solar PV developer designing, installing, and maintaining rooftop, ground-mount, carport, and battery-integrated systems for enterprise and public sector customers, now operating as a subsidiary within the Mitie Power & Grid decarbonisation platform.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersChesterfield, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Custom Solar does
Custom Solar Ltd is a UK specialist commercial and public sector solar photovoltaic (PV) developer, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chesterfield with a registered office at The Shard, London. The company designs, installs, commissions, and maintains commercial-scale rooftop, ground-mount, carport, and innovative solar PV systems (including vertical façade, thin-film, and floating arrays) with optional battery storage and EV charging integration, and has built a portfolio of over 300 commercial sites including the UK's largest rooftop solar installation (6.5 MWp at the Port of Hull).
The business operates a turnkey model spanning feasibility, financial analysis, design, installation, commissioning, and ongoing O&M delivered by in-house, professionally registered engineers, electricians, and project managers. Revenue is generated through project-based EPC contracts, recurring O&M subscriptions, and customer-financed structures including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs, 10–25 years), asset finance, and direct capital expenditure sales. Customers include ports (ABP, Portsmouth International Port), defence (BAE Systems, MOD), retail (Pets at Home), leisure (David Lloyd Leisure, Derbyshire County Cricket Club), manufacturing (Forterra, Arla Foods, Jotun Paints, IMK Group, Compleat Food Group), local government (Hampshire, Sutton, Fareham), emergency services (West Midlands Ambulance, Lincolnshire Police), and tourism/nonprofit (Eden Project).
Since June 2023, Custom Solar has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitie Group plc, operating as part of the Mitie Power & Grid alliance alongside G2 Energy, ESM Power, and Rock Power Connections, which extends its offering into HV grid connections and integrated decarbonisation services. For the 12 months ended 31 March 2022, the company reported £15m in revenue, £2m profit before tax, and £7m in gross assets; the Mitie transaction comprised an initial £8m payment with deferred payments up to £4.4m by end of FY25 linked to performance targets.
Custom Solar firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Custom Solar
- Legal name
- Custom Solar Ltd
- Website
- https://customsolar.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Custom Solar is a UK specialist commercial solar PV developer designing, installing, and maintaining rooftop, ground-mount, carport, and battery-integrated systems for enterprise and public sector customers, now operating as a subsidiary within the Mitie Power & Grid decarbonisation platform.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Custom Solar industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Solar PV Installation
- NAICS
- Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Roofing Contractors (23816)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Solar Mounting, Racking & Trackers (Fixed-Tilt, Single/Dual-Axis, Rooftop Mounts) (EUAMABAF), Solar Roofing & Roof-Mounted PV Systems (IMADAFAO), Solar Balance-of-System Components (Cables, Combiner Boxes, Switchgear, Transformers) (EUAMABAG)
Keywords
Where Custom Solar is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chesterfield
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Custom Solar business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Solar PV System Design and Installation: Design, development, and installation of commercial solar photovoltaic systems including rooftop, ground-mount, car port, and innovative solutions. Revenue is generated through project-based contracts with fees for consultancy, design, and installation services.
- Operation and Maintenance Services: Ongoing operation and maintenance services including asset management, remote system monitoring, system performance reporting, equipment and warranty monitoring, and annual service visits. Revenue is generated through service contracts.
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): PPA model where customers secure electricity from solar power with zero upfront costs. Customers are charged a fixed or index-linked rate for electricity generated over pre-agreed contract terms typically of 10, 15, 20, or 25 years.
- Asset Finance: Solar asset finance allows businesses to benefit from solar power without paying upfront costs. Regular installments are paid while savings generally outweigh repayments, enabling cash-positive business cases.
- Capital Expenditure (Direct Purchase): Direct purchase of solar PV systems for customers with available capital, typically achieving return on investment in under five years.
- Acquisition by Mitie Group: Custom Solar was acquired by Mitie Group plc for initial payment of £8m with deferred payments up to £4.4m by end of FY25, representing strategic acquisition revenue in context of company history.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) - Zero upfront cost solar installation |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Asset Finance - Installment-based solar ownership |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Capital Expenditure - Direct system purchase |
| Subscription | Annual | Operation and Maintenance - Ongoing support services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Custom Solar product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Custom Solar designs, installs, and maintains commercial and public sector solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including rooftop, ground-mount, carport, and innovative formats (vertical, thin-film, floating). The company offers a full turnkey service from feasibility and financial analysis through design, installation, commissioning, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance, supported by multiple financing options (PPA, asset finance, capex). The company has delivered over 300 commercial solar sites across the UK, including the UK's largest rooftop solar installation (6.5 MWp) at the Port of Hull.
Product overview
Custom Solar operates as a specialist commercial solar PV developer offering an integrated suite of services. The core offering consists of Solar PV Systems available in multiple form factors (rooftop, ground-mount, carports, and innovative floating/vertical installations). Supporting this are module services including Consulting, Design, Installation & Commissioning, and Maintenance & Monitoring forming a full turnkey approach. Add-on capabilities include Battery Storage Solutions, EV Charging Stations, and flexible Finance Solutions (PPA, asset finance, capital expenditure). The company serves commercial and public sector clients including Associated British Ports, Amazon, David Lloyd Leisure, Pets at Home, BAE Systems, and government agencies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Commercial Solar PV Systems Commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems designed, installed, and maintained for businesses and public sector organizations. Includes rooftop, ground-mount, solar carport, and innovative installation formats such as vertically mounted PV arrays for building facades, thin-film technology for weight-restricted buildings, and floating solar PV installations.
- Battery Storage Solutions Energy storage systems that allow businesses to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use later, ideal for 24/7 operations, demand-response services, and price arbitrage across peak and off-peak periods.
- Solar Carports Solar canopy structures providing renewable energy generation alongside shelter from adverse weather for parking areas. Includes integrated EV charging capabilities and is delivered via dedicated civil engineers and a specialist projects team.
- EV Charging Stations Electric vehicle charging points integrated with solar PV systems to provide renewable energy for EV fleets, employee vehicles, and visitor charging.
- Operation and Maintenance Services Ongoing operation and maintenance services including asset management, remote online system monitoring, system performance reporting, equipment and warranty monitoring, annual service visits, PV inspections, module cleaning, and expert fault identification and analysis through a dedicated O&M team.
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) finance offering where customers secure electricity from solar power with zero upfront costs. Customers are charged a fixed or index-linked rate for electricity generated over pre-agreed contract terms typically of 10, 15, 20, or 25 years.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduce energy expenses by up to 36% (IMK Group case study)
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Custom Solar
Customer profileNamed customers23 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Custom Solar technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Custom Solar partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- G2 EnergycoreTogether with G2 Energy, ESM Power, and Rock Power Connections, Custom Solar forms Mitie Power & Grid. This team combines deep domain knowledge, specialist experience, and national network of resources to help customers reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and secure energy supplies for a decarbonised future.
- ESM PowercorePart of Mitie Power & Grid alliance along with G2 Energy, Rock Power Connections, and Custom Solar to deliver integrated power and grid solutions for decarbonization.
- Rock Power ConnectionscorePart of Mitie Power & Grid alliance specializing in high voltage electricity grid connections and electrical infrastructure upgrades. Combined with Custom Solar's solar expertise for end-to-end renewable solutions.
- Zestec Renewable EnergymajorZestec worked in partnership with Custom Solar to deliver the Eden Project solar installation using Zestec's PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) model. Zestec procures Custom Solar as installation partner for PPA-funded projects.
- ArcadismajorProvided intermediary management and governance for David Lloyd Leisure multi-site solar rollout program. Ensured transparency and accountability for all stakeholders throughout the project.
- Bernard Sims AssociatesminorPrincipal designer for David Lloyd Leisure multi-site solar PV rollout, contributing design expertise to the program.
- Everyone ActivemajorLeisure center operator partnering with councils for solar installations. Custom Solar installed solar at Westcroft Leisure Centre for Sutton Council and at Fareham Leisure Centre for Fareham Borough Council, both operated by Everyone Active.
- Leisure EnergyminorCustom Solar hopes to continue working with Leisure Energy following successful solar installation at Fareham Leisure Centre, supporting further decarbonisation targets.
- Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)majorDIO partnered with Custom Solar and British Army for ground-mounted solar PV array installation at Weeton Barracks. DIO procures solar solutions as part of MOD's wider plan to improve efficiency of its large estate.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Custom Solar competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Lightsource bp: One of the largest UK and European solar developers with utility-scale and commercial solar projects. Directly comparable as a UK-headquartered solar developer pursuing similar decarbonization mandates for commercial and public sector clients.
- British Solar Renewables: UK-based solar developer and EPC delivering utility-scale and commercial rooftop installations. Comparable business model focused on UK solar PV development, design, construction and asset management.
- Joju Solar: UK specialist installer of commercial and community solar PV plus battery storage and EV charging. Closely comparable niche focus on commercial rooftops, public sector frameworks, and integrated behind-the-meter solutions.
- Foresight Solar: Operates UK solar assets and develops new commercial and utility-scale projects. Comparable UK-focused solar developer with project development and asset management capabilities overlapping Custom Solar's EPC and O&M offering.
- Conrad Energy: UK independent power producer and solar developer focused on commercial, industrial, and public sector installations with flexible PPA financing. Closely comparable commercial solar PPA-driven business model.
Broad incumbents
- Statkraft (Solar Century): Acquired UK solar pioneer Solar Century in 2020 and operates globally as a major renewable energy generator. Comparable as a UK commercial solar EPC with broader international scale and grid-scale portfolio.
- EDF Renewables UK: Subsidiary of EDF developing renewable projects including solar across the UK. Comparable as a large incumbent bidding into the same public sector and commercial decarbonization tenders as Custom Solar.
- SSE Energy Solutions: UK utility's distributed energy and decarbonization division offering solar, battery, EV and energy management services to commercial clients. Comparable in commercial and public sector decarbonization solutions but with broader portfolio.
- Centrica Business Solutions: UK commercial energy services arm of Centrica offering solar PV, battery storage, EV charging and energy efficiency solutions to enterprise clients. Comparable target customer base and integrated decarbonization portfolio.
Others
- Mitie Group plc: Parent company of Custom Solar since 2023 acquisition; broader facilities management and decarbonization services provider. Relevant as the integrating platform and adjacent decarbonization competitor through its Mitie Power & Grid alliance.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Custom Solar social profiles
Digital presenceCustom Solar compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance9 records
Custom Solar financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Custom Solar leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Custom Solar funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Custom Solar M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Custom Solar
What does Custom Solar do?
Custom Solar designs, installs, and maintains commercial and public sector solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including rooftop, ground-mount, carport, and innovative formats (vertical, thin-film, floating). The company offers a full turnkey service from feasibility and financial analysis through design, installation, commissioning, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance, supported by multiple financing options (PPA, asset finance, capex). The company has delivered over 300 commercial solar sites across the UK, including the UK's largest rooftop solar installation (6.5 MWp) at the Port of Hull.
Is Custom Solar a public or private company?
Custom Solar is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Custom Solar founded?
Custom Solar was founded in 2011. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Custom Solar based?
Custom Solar is headquartered in Chesterfield, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Custom Solar make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Solar PV System Design and Installation is the primary driver. The others are operation and Maintenance Services, power Purchase Agreement (PPA), asset Finance, capital Expenditure (Direct Purchase) and acquisition by Mitie Group.
Who are Custom Solar's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Lightsource bp, British Solar Renewables, Joju Solar, Foresight Solar and Conrad Energy. Broad incumbents are Statkraft (Solar Century), EDF Renewables UK, SSE Energy Solutions and Centrica Business Solutions. Mitie Group plc is listed as an others.
Does Custom Solar have an API?
No public API is recorded for Custom Solar.
What industry is Custom Solar in?
Custom Solar's product category is Commercial Solar PV Installation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMABAB, Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System), with a secondary code of EUAMABAF, Solar Mounting, Racking & Trackers (Fixed-Tilt, Single/Dual-Axis, Rooftop Mounts). Its NAICS code is 221114.