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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Local Planning Regulations and Incentives
  3. 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 Older systems with outdated technology or unclear documentation might be less appealing.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

Case Study 2: Modern Townhouse in Brighton, East Sussex

Case Study 3: Four-Bedroom Detached in Basingstoke, Hampshire

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.