Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
A common question we get asked by potential customers is whether the long-term return on investment will outweigh the initial upfront cost of installing solar panels. There are a couple of main elements to consider here – firstly, how they can save you money year-on-year through lower monthly energy bills, and secondly in terms of how they could affect your home’s value when it’s time to sell.
It’s a smart question. For most of us, our home is our biggest asset, and we all look to try to maximise its value for when we decide to sell and move house. So it makes sense to consider whether solar can do more than just lower your electricity costs. Can it actually help you sell your home for more?
Why more UK homeowners are choosing solar
Solar panel installations are becoming more common across the UK – almost 200,000 projects have been completed in both 2023 and 2024.
This isn’t just because of rising energy costs. Many homeowners are choosing solar power as a way to gain energy independence, live more sustainably and take control of their long-term energy usage – reducing their reliance on the national grid.
Beyond the more obvious day-to-day savings, solar power can also affect how your property is valued. More buyers today are asking about energy performance and monthly running costs. Solar panels help tick these boxes and appeal to more buyers.
So, do solar panels really add value to your property?
The short answer is yes – solar panels can add value to your home. But, like most things when it comes to property, it depends on a few variables.
Several UK-based studies, including research from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, have shown that homes with solar panels tend to achieve higher sale prices. A study by the Eco Experts have estimated they can increase the value of your home by as much as 14%.
It’s important to note that the actual value increase of your home would depend on location, the type and style of panel and energy savings. It’s worth noting that the impact of solar panels on property value will vary depending on where you live. In sunnier regions like the South East or South West of England – solar is likely to be seen as more beneficial, as the panels are likely to produce more energy over the course of a year. Another tick for the sunny south coast.
How solar panels can impact your house sale
It’s not just the overall value of your home that solar panels can influence. Studies suggest that houses with solar panels are also likely to sell more quickly compared with homes that don’t.
This is because, in today’s world buyers are becoming increasingly interested in homes that are energy-efficient and cheaper to run in terms of monthly outgoings. Solar panels help send a message that a property is well-maintained and forward-thinking, as well as helping to reduce the property’s electricity bills.
It’s likely buyers may ask pertinent questions about panel installations – like whether the panels are owned or leased, how much they save you as sellers in real terms, and whether there’s any maintenance involved. The more information and proof in terms of documentation you can provide as a seller, the more value those panels are likely to add in the eyes of a potential buyer.
+ Case study: How solar helped one homeowner
In 2024, we completed an installation for Mr Bowden in Weymouth.
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- Installation: 10-panel Solar PV system with battery storage
- Monitoring Period: April 2024 – September 2025 (18 months)
- Annual Home Energy Consumption: 3,955 kWh
Ready to see how solar could work for your home?
Gain control of your energy usage, costs and environmental impact. Book a free home survey to find out more.
