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So, you’re keen on having solar panels installed on your property. You already know about the environmental benefits, and you feel good about doing your bit for a greener future.
However, the question on your mind is whether solar panels can also put money back in your pocket through your home’s value. Sure, you expect cheaper energy bills, but what about when it comes to selling? Will solar panels make your property more appealing to buyers?
According to studies, solar panels have the ability to increase the value of your home and can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
In this article, you'll learn how solar panels affect home value, why growing buyer demand for energy‑efficient features matter, all to help you decide if it’s the right investment for your home.
Want to know what you’d pay for solar? Simply fill out the form below to receive your free, non-binding solar panel quote:
According to recent studies, solar panels have the ability to increase the value of your home. Research from Swansea University found that homes with solar panels sell for about 6% to 7% more than similar homes without them, which could mean thousands of pounds added to your property's sale price.
Another report by BOXT found that solar panels could add around 14% to the value of your home, with the exact amount depending on your location. This means solar panels are not just a way to save on energy bills but can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Supporting this, Solar Energy UK analysed more than five million property transactions across the UK and found that installing a solar PV system could increase your home's sale price by approximately £1,800 on average. This price uplift represents around 0.9% to 2% of the home's value and is roughly half the cost of installing the solar system itself, even before factoring in the energy bill savings you can achieve.
Ultimately, the studies show that solar panels have the ability to add value to your home and can potentially increase its sale price. While the exact amount varies depending on location, property and other factors, the general trend is solar panels are considered a valuable upgrade by buyers and could enhance your property's appeal.
| Name of Study | Property Price Increase from Solar Panels | Dataset Size / Scope | Key Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swansea University (2024) | Homes sell for about 6% to 7% more | Around 5 million UK properties | Price uplift of £14,000 to £16,000 on average home sale price, based on Zoopla & Land Registry data |
| BOXT Report | Around 14% increase, varies by location | UK government renewable data & energy price analysis | Highlights regional variation and financial savings from solar investments |
| Solar Energy UK (2022) | £1,800 average price increase (0.9% to 2% uplift) | Over 5.7 million UK sales | Price uplift equals roughly half the cost of panel installation; includes energy bill savings model |
Multiple research projects from organisations in the UK have analysed property sales data to quantify how much of a price boost solar installations can provide. Below are the studies along with each of their findings:
A major study by Solar Energy UK, carried out with input from independent experts, examined whether fitting solar panels actually makes homes more valuable. To do this, researchers looked at more than five million property sales recorded in the Land Registry and cross-referenced them against the Microgeneration Certification Scheme database, which tracks solar installations. This gave them a clear picture of how homes with solar compared to similar homes without it.
The findings were striking. On average, a home fitted with solar panels sold for £1,800 to £2,700 more than an equivalent property without them. That uplift is around 0.9% to 2% of the sale price, roughly half of what it costs to install the system in the first place.
Also, that’s before counting the ongoing savings on energy bills. For a typical household, solar panels could cut annual energy bills by about £330 according to the report, adding up to nearly £10,000 in savings over a 30 year lifespan. In the best cases, bill reductions could be more than £960 a year.
When you combine the boost in house value with the bill savings, the study found that a solar PV system could effectively pay for itself in around nine years, which is well within the average 17 years people stay in their home.
The research also stressed that solar makes even more financial sense as the UK moves toward electric vehicles and heating, where demand for low-cost renewable power will grow.
Ultimately, the message from the study was clear, installing solar panels is not just about cutting carbon emissions. It’s one of the few home improvements that can both save you money every year and increase the value of your property.
Here are the key findings from the study:
Analysis of over five million UK property sales showed that homes with solar panels sell for more than those without.
A typical solar PV system can increase a home’s sale price by £1,800–£2,700 (around 0.9% to 2% premium).
The uplift in value is worth about half the cost of installing a system.
Homes with solar panels can save around £330 per year on energy bills, potentially up to £960 per year in the best cases.
Over a system’s 30 year lifespan, savings add up to nearly £10,000.
Combining higher sale prices with bill savings means a system can pay for itself in about nine years.
Solar brings wider benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, selling surplus power back to the grid and futureproofing homes for electric vehicles and heat pumps.
Source: The Value of Solar Property
A study led by researchers from Swansea University set out to measure the impact that solar panels have on home value. The research team examined about five million property sale listings from Zoopla, cross-referencing them with official Land Registry transaction data from 2012 to 2018, and then applied advanced machine learning techniques to compare homes with and without solar panels, while controlling for other differences such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and renovations.
What the researchers did was use 'causal machine learning' to isolate the true effect of solar panels on the price a property achieved. Their approach also went further than simple averages, ensuring that factors like location, property size and quality weren’t confusing the results. The study also checked its findings with more traditional valuation methods and matched pairs of similar homes, just to be thorough.
Their main finding was that in the UK housing market, homes with solar PV typically sell for a premium of 6% to 7% compared to similar homes without solar.
With the average home selling for around £230,000 in their sample, that’s an extra £14,000 to £16,000 in value. Even using more cautious methods, the lowest premium found was still 3.5%.
This positive effect showed up across most regions and price ranges, and while the size of the premium has dropped as solar has become more common, it remains substantial and robust. Ultimately, the bottom line is that adding solar panels not only cuts your energy bills, it also gives your property a clear boost in value.
Here are the key findings from the study:
In their sample, homes with solar panels sell for a 6.1% to 7.1% premium, compared to similar homes without panels.
This translates to an average extra £14,000 to £16,000 on the sale price for a typical UK home.
Even when traditional valuation methods are used, a minimum uplift of 3.5% was still found.
The price premium for solar panels is present across various regions and property types and remains clear even as solar has become more common.
The positive effect is robust, tested using multiple advanced machine learning and statistical techniques.
Having solar panels makes homes more attractive to buyers focused on energy efficiency and can potentially reduce energy bills, further boosting their overall appeal.
Source: Returns to solar panels in the housing market: A meta learner approach
A report by home improvement experts BOXT explored how renewable energy installations, particularly solar panels, are affecting home values and energy savings across the UK. They examined government data on renewable energy installations by local authorities, energy price rises and the impact on electricity bills in different regions.
The report also analysed how much solar panels can increase property values in cities around the UK.
The study found that installing solar panels can increase your home’s value by an average of 14%, with London properties potentially adding around £90,000 in value, and Manchester homes seeing an uplift of about £29,300.
Residents near England’s south coast, including cities like Brighton and Portsmouth, could save the most on their annual electricity bills with solar power. Interestingly, Scotland is leading the way in renewable installations, especially in areas like East Renfrewshire and Midlothian, supported by government solar grants and a target to generate 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030.
With energy prices having surged dramatically in recent years, gas bills doubling or more in parts of the UK, more homeowners are turning to solar panels to reduce their bills and increase the value of their homes.
The BOXT report highlights this growing trend, showing solar panels can not only help you save money every year but also enhance your property’s market appeal and future-proof your home in an era of rising energy costs and environmental awareness.
Here are the key findings from the study:
Installing solar panels can increase your property value by 14% on average.
In London, this could add around £90,000 to your home's value.
In Manchester, homes with solar panels could be worth approximately £29,300 more.
Residents near England’s south coast could save the most on their electricity bills by installing solar panels, with annual savings in places like Brighton estimated at over £300.
Scotland is leading the UK in renewable energy installations, with areas like East Renfrewshire seeing a 31.1% year-on-year increase in installations, supported by government grants and targets to generate 50% of energy from renewables by 2030.
Energy prices have risen sharply recently, with gas and electricity bills doubling or more in many regions between 2021 and 2022, fueling demand for renewables like solar panels.
Solar panels not only have the ability to cut your yearly energy bills but also make your home more attractive to eco-conscious buyers and help future-proof your property.
Source: BOXT Energy Report
Understanding exactly how much value solar panels may add to your home isn’t straightforward, as several factors influence the final impact. It's important to bear in mind that each installation is unique, and the way solar panels affect your property’s worth depends on various technical, financial and aesthetic considerations.
The following points highlight key elements to keep in mind that can help guide your expectations:
Age of the panels: The value solar panels may add to your home depends partly on how old they are. Newer panels with the latest technology tend to be more efficient and last longer, potentially making them more attractive to buyers. Older panels nearing the end of their lifespan might require replacement soon which could reduce the added value.
Size of the panels: The size of your solar panel system directly impacts how much electricity it can generate. Larger solar panel systems typically produce more power, helping you reduce reliance on the grid and save more on energy bills. A bigger solar panel size usually means greater energy output and higher potential value added to your home, while smaller systems might not deliver enough savings to impress prospective buyers.
Battery or not: Having a battery storage system alongside your solar panels lets you store excess electricity for use when the sun isn’t shining, like at night. This increases your home’s energy independence and can potentially boost the appeal and value of your property compared to solar setups without a battery.
Quality of the panels: The overall quality of the solar panels and installation plays a big role. High-quality, well-installed systems from reputable brands will often perform better and last longer, making them a stronger selling point. Poor quality equipment or sloppy installation could put buyers off and lower the value added.
Location and direction of the panels: Where your panels are placed on the roof affects how much sun they get. Panels facing south or southwest generally receive the most sunlight, producing more electricity and potentially adding more value. Shaded roofs or panels pointing less favourably will deliver less energy and potentially less value boost.
Geographic location: Solar panels in sunnier parts of the UK could add more value due to higher energy production. Areas like southern England generally see better returns on solar than places with less sunshine or colder, cloudier climates, though long-term energy savings still add value.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): With the SEG, you can sell excess electricity generated back to the grid, creating an extra income stream. Having this option could enhance your home’s value since it improves the overall financial benefits of a solar panel system, potentially making it more appealing to buyers.
Aesthetic Appeal: The aesthetic impact of solar panels is a factor to consider. Some buyers might find panels unattractive or worry they’ll detract from the home’s appearance, which could reduce buyer interest and the value solar panels add. Proper placement and modern, low-profile designs might help mitigate this issue.
Solar panels help save on energy bills
Potential to earn 'extra' money from the SEG
New owners avoid the upfront installation costs
Solar panels are seen as home upgrades
Improve home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score
There are many reasons why solar panels could be more attractive to potential buyers. Though, it largely comes down to how much solar power can save you on energy bills and how solar panels can also improve your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score, which measures your home’s energy efficiency.
Firstly, by producing your own electricity, solar panels help you cut down significantly on your energy bills. This ongoing saving is a huge advantage that appeals to many buyers who want to lower their household expenses.
Also, with schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee, you can earn money back by selling any surplus electricity you generate to the grid, making solar panels not just a cost saver but a potential income source.
In addition, when you buy a home with solar panels already installed, you avoid the upfront solar costs of setting up a system yourself, which can be quite expensive.
Plus, solar panels are widely regarded as a valuable home upgrade, much like renovating a kitchen or adding new windows, increasing your home’s overall worth.
Lastly, a huge factor is the improvement in your property’s EPC score due to solar panels, which further attracts buyers who prefer energy-efficient homes, helping your house stand out in the market and potentially sell faster. In fact, according to Money Super Market, improving a property from an EPC band G to band A can increase its value by up to 14%.
Solar panels are absolutely worth it if your goal is to lower your electricity bills, reduce your reliance on the grid and shrink your carbon footprint. Over time, the savings on energy costs and potential earnings from selling surplus electricity can offset the initial installation cost and make a real difference to your household budget.
However, it's important to keep in mind that whether solar panels are right for you will depend on how much energy you use, your budget for the upfront investment and many other factors.
If you want to save money, become more eco-friendly and protect yourself from rising energy prices, solar panels are likely to be a smart long-term choice. However, if your only reason for installing solar panels is to increase your home's value, they may not be the right investment, as property price rises from solar aren't guaranteed. It's best to view any boost in property value as an added benefit rather than the main reason to go solar.
If you're interested in finding out whether solar panels are worth it for your home, you can explore our detailed guide for more information. You can also request a free solar quote and chat with one of our solar experts, who can answer your questions and help you make a decision.
Solar panels reduce your electricity bills by generating free power from the sun. This long-term cost saving makes your home attractive to buyers looking to lower household expenses, thereby potentially increasing your property's value.
If a potential buyer is energy-conscious and looking to save on household costs, your home with solar panels may sell quicker. Ultimately, it depends on what is important to the buyer.
Yes, solar panels can boost your home's EPC score, which measures how energy efficient it is. A higher EPC rating is attractive to buyers and can potentially raise your property’s market value.
Not necessarily. While solar panels have the potential to add value to a home, it's not guaranteed, as many factors influence their impact. Ultimately, you should consider installing solar panels if your primary goals are to reduce your energy bills and support the environment. Increasing your home's value should not be the sole reason for investing in solar.
