Do solar panels add value to UK homes? What the data suggests

◆What the Research Says

UK-specific data on solar's impact on property prices is limited compared to the US, but the evidence that exists points in one direction: solar homes sell for more and sell faster.

• A 2021 Zoopla study found homes with solar panels achieved a sale price premium of up to £30,000 in some parts of the UK, though average uplifts were more modest at £3,000–£7,000.
• Rightmove data shows properties marketed with mentions of solar panels attract significantly higher click-through rates — buyers are actively searching for energy-efficient homes.
• The Nationwide Building Society has included energy efficiency ratings in its mortgage valuations since 2022, meaning a better EPC (which solar panels contribute to) can directly support the asking price in surveyors' eyes.
• Research by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero found that homes moving from EPC band D to C or above typically sell for 1–5% more in most UK markets.

◆The EPC Effect: The Most Reliable Route to Added Value

Energy Performance Certificates are the most tangible, measurable way solar panels add value. Solar panels directly improve a home's EPC rating by reducing the home's estimated energy consumption. The impact depends on system size and the property's existing rating:

System Size	Typical EPC Band Before	Typical EPC Band After	Estimated Value Uplift
3–4 kW	E / F	D	1–2%
4–6 kW	D	C	2–4%
4–6 kW + battery	D	B / C	3–6%

Based on average three-bedroom semi-detached value of ~£290,000 in East Sussex (Feb 2026). EPC uplift estimates based on SAP assessment calculations.

From 2025, mortgage lenders are increasingly scrutinising EPC ratings when approving higher loan-to-value mortgages. A home that achieves EPC C or above is not only worth more — it may attract a wider pool of buyers who can secure better mortgage terms.

◆Why Solar Helps You Sell Faster

In a competitive market, the practical appeal of lower running costs is a genuine differentiator. With average electricity bills running at £1,800–£2,400 per year for a typical household, a solar system demonstrably saving £600–£900 per year is a compelling point in a sales listing.

Estate agents in East Sussex consistently report that solar panels appear favourably in listings and rarely generate negative buyer reactions (the exception being older, visually obtrusive systems). Modern black panel installations on clean rooflines are widely seen as desirable.

◆When Solar Panels Don't Add Value

Solar doesn't always uplift value. Cases where it can be neutral or even a complication:

• Rent-a-roof / leased systems: If panels were installed under a free solar scheme in the 2010s, they may be owned by a third party under a roof lease. Buyers' conveyancers will flag this — it can complicate and sometimes delay sales. Always check whether you own your system outright.
• Poor installation quality: Panels installed without MCS certification, with damaged wiring, or by unregistered installers can fail a homebuyer survey and create liability issues.
• Outdated or undersized systems: A 1.5 kW system installed in 2010 may no longer be seen as a meaningful benefit by buyers — consider upgrading before selling.
• Missing documentation: If the MCS certificate, DNO notification, Part P certificate, and warranty documents cannot be produced, buyers' solicitors will raise enquiries. This can be resolved but delays completion.

◆What "Clean Documentation" Means — and Why It Matters

An MCS-certified installation generates a specific set of documents that should be handed to any buyer. Think of this as a "solar passport" for the property. A complete pack includes:

• MCS Installation Certificate: Confirms the system was installed to Microgeneration Certification Scheme standards by a certified installer. Essential for Smart Export Guarantee eligibility and a key due diligence document in conveyancing.
• DNO G98/G99 Notification: Confirms the system was notified to the Distribution Network Operator (UK Power Networks in East Sussex) as required by law.
• Part P (Electrical) Certificate: Confirms the electrical installation is notifiable under Building Regulations and has been inspected.
• Inverter and panel warranties: Most panels carry 25-year product warranties; inverters are typically 10–12 years. Pass these to the buyer.
• Monitoring login: If the system includes app-based monitoring (most modern systems do), transfer the account login or set up a new account for the buyer.

When buyers' solicitors raise solar enquiries — which they routinely do — a complete, organised pack resolves every question quickly. Missing documents cause delays, renegotiations, or, in rare cases, buyers pulling out.

◆Regional Variation: Does Location Matter?

Yes. Solar adds more value in areas where:

• Energy costs are high (which affects all of the UK equally now, post-2022)
• Buyers are environmentally conscious (South East England indices show above-average EPC upgrade uptake)
• There is strong housing demand (competitive markets mean efficiency upgrades are noticed)

East Sussex sits favourably on all three metrics. Eastbourne, Lewes, and Brighton all show strong buyer demand for efficient homes, and the South East has some of the highest solar irradiance in the UK, making system output — and the demonstrable savings — more compelling than in northern England.

◆Battery Storage: Does It Add Further Value?

Battery storage is increasingly appearing in estate agents' listings alongside solar as a paired premium feature. Early data suggests battery systems add £2,000–£5,000 to perceived value in competitive markets, particularly where buyers are EV owners or value backup power resilience.

The combination of solar + battery, well documented and properly installed, is arguably the strongest energy upgrade story you can tell a buyer in 2026.

◆Practical Steps to Protect and Maximise Your Investment

1. Ensure MCS certification: If you're unsure whether your installer was MCS-registered, check the MCS Certificate Database at mcscertified.com using your postcode.
2. Organise your documents now: Don't wait until you're selling to find the paperwork. Collate everything into a folder (physical or digital) labelled clearly.
3. Get a new EPC: If your EPC was issued before the solar installation, a new assessment (around £60–£100) will capture the improvement and give you an updated certificate to show buyers.
4. Monitor and record savings: Screenshot your app's generation and savings data annually. Showing a buyer three years of real savings data is far more compelling than a projected figure.
5. Consider adding battery storage before selling: If your solar system is paired with an older or no battery, adding a modern battery before listing could strengthen both the EPC rating and the sale narrative.

Thinking about solar with an eye on future resale? Our team installs MCS-certified systems with full documentation from day one, so your solar investment is as clean on paper as it is on the roof. Get a free quote today.