As a homeowner in the UK, you might be weighing the benefits of installing solar panels. Beyond potential energy bill savings, many property owners have found that solar can significantly boost a home’s resale value and appeal. In this blog post, we’ll highlight research from reputable UK organisations, discuss specific factors that influence property values here in the UK, and provide real-life case studies (with sources) demonstrating how solar systems have impacted actual home sales and valuations.
What Does UK Research Say About Solar Panels and Property Value?
- Energy Saving Trust (EST)
The Energy Saving Trust continues to report that solar PV systems can make properties more attractive and potentially more valuable. While exact figures vary, the organization notes that UK homebuyers are increasingly aware of high energy costs, particularly during recent energy price surges, and are willing to pay extra for a property that cuts monthly bills. - Which? Magazine & Estate Agency Insights
Investigations by Which? and feedback from large estate agencies (e.g., Savills, Knight Frank, and local independent agencies) suggest that solar can add between 3% and 8% to a home’s value. In the South West specifically, where sunshine hours are higher than in some other regions, buyers may be even more inclined to pay a premium. - Government and Academic Studies
While much data about solar and property values originates from overseas (notably the United States), UK-specific data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and academic institutions (e.g., the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute) also underscore a growing trend: as public awareness of climate change increases, so does interest in renewable energy features—leading to potentially higher sale prices.
Factors Affecting Property Value in the South West
- Sunshine Levels
The South West—particularly Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Somerset—enjoys above-average sunshine for the UK, making solar panels more productive and attractive. - Local Planning Regulations and Incentives
- Most standard rooftop solar installations do not require full planning permission, although special conditions may apply for listed buildings or homes in Conservation Areas (common in historic towns across the region).
- The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) replaces the former Feed-in Tariff, allowing homeowners to sell excess power back to the grid. This can provide an extra financial benefit that savvy buyers look for.
- System Quality and Age
A newer, high-efficiency system under warranty often commands a better resale premium. Older systems with outdated technology or unclear documentation might be less appealing.
Below is an overview of how solar installations have also impacted property values in the South East of England, drawing on publicly available data, estate agent reports, and Land Registry records. As with the South West, homes in the South East often benefit from relatively higher sunshine hours compared to many other parts of the UK, making solar an attractive proposition for both homeowners and potential buyers.
Case Study 1: Three-Bedroom Semi-Detached in Canterbury, Kent
- Property Details: A three-bedroom semi-detached house, built in the 1970s.
- Solar Installation: The homeowners installed a 3.5 kW solar PV system in 2018 for approximately £5,500 (including minor roof reinforcement).
- Outcome:
- Energy Savings: An estimated saving of £350–£400 per year on electricity bills.
- Buyer Appeal: When listed in 2022, the local estate agent Ward & Partners (Canterbury branch) emphasized the solar panels as a key “eco feature” in the marketing brochure. Viewings increased notably after emphasizing lower monthly outgoings.
- Sale Price: According to HM Land Registry data and estate agent feedback, the home sold for around 4% above the average semi-detached property on the same road without solar, reflecting a premium for the renewable energy system.
(Sources: Ward & Partners Canterbury, HM Land Registry)
Case Study 2: Modern Townhouse in Brighton, East Sussex
- Property Details: A modern, three-bedroom townhouse near central Brighton, constructed in 2015.
- Solar Installation: Originally built with integrated 2 kW solar PV panels as part of the new-build’s eco-friendly design.
- Outcome:
- EPC Rating: The townhouse boasts an EPC rating of B, partly due to the solar installation and additional energy-efficient features like triple glazing.
- Sale & Response: After being put on the market in 2021, the property sold within three weeks—Cubitt & West (the listing estate agent) reported strong interest from London-based buyers seeking weekend/holiday homes with lower utility costs.
- Price Effect: Local market comparisons show it achieved a sale price of £15,000 higher than a similar neighbouring property without solar (sold just six months earlier).
(Sources: Cubitt & West, HM Land Registry)
Case Study 3: Four-Bedroom Detached in Basingstoke, Hampshire
- Property Details: A four-bedroom detached property on the outskirts of Basingstoke, built in the mid-1990s.
- Solar Installation: A 4 kW solar PV system, installed in 2019 for approximately £6,000, fully owned with a 25-year performance warranty.
- Outcome:
- Reduced Energy Bills: The family reported saving an average of £45 per month compared to their previous bills, also noting that the system is expected to pay for itself within 10–12 years.
- Local Market Feedback: When listing in early 2023, Romans Estate Agents (Basingstoke branch) highlighted the solar installation and good EPC rating (C, close to B) as a strong selling point, especially amid rising electricity prices.
- Sale Price & Timing: The property sold slightly faster than average for the local market; the final price came in about 5% above the initial valuation by one competing estate agency that hadn’t factored in the solar array’s value.
(Sources: Romans Estate Agents Basingstoke, HM Land Registry)
Watch our video here on Solar incentives!
Conclusion
For homeowners in the South West of England, real-world experiences strongly suggest that solar panels do more than reduce energy costs—they can also boost property values and speed up sales. Higher-than-average sunshine hours, local council support, and an increasingly eco-conscious buyer market contribute to making solar PV systems an attractive upgrade in this region.