Across the UK, solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. But beyond the immediate savings, many property owners want to know whether solar panels actually add value to their home.
At Bolton Electrical Services, we’ve installed solar panel systems across Bolton and the North West for both domestic and commercial clients.
We’ve seen first-hand how the right solar setup can deliver long-term savings, greater independence, and improved property appeal.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether solar panels can increase the value of your home and why more buyers and investors are actively looking for properties with renewable energy features.
Do Solar Panels Increase the Value of Your Home?
The Link Between Energy Efficiency and Property Value
Energy efficiency is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s now a priority for many homebuyers. With energy prices at historic highs and environmental awareness on the rise, buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that offer lower running costs and better insulation against future price hikes.
Solar panels contribute to a higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which can directly impact the market value of a property.
In fact, a study published by GOV.UK found that homes in England with EPC ratings of A or B sold for up to 14% more than less efficient counterparts. Even outside of the EPC system, platforms like Rightmove have reported increased interest in homes with green features, particularly those fitted with solar energy systems.
When solar panels are installed and owned outright, they become a valuable asset that helps future homeowners save money from day one. Buyers are more likely to see long-term value in a property that already generates some of its own electricity, particularly in an uncertain energy market.
Buyer Demand for Sustainable Features
There’s been a clear shift in the housing market. More buyers are prioritising sustainability and making greener choices when it comes to property purchases.
From lower emissions to long-term savings, solar panels tick many of the boxes that today’s eco-conscious buyers are looking for.
Younger homeowners in particular are driving this demand. Many are motivated not just by cost savings but by a genuine desire to reduce their environmental impact.
When we speak with homeowners across Bolton and the North West, we’re seeing more people consider solar not just as an energy solution, but as a smart investment that makes their home more attractive to future buyers.
How Much Value Do Solar Panels Add to Your Home?
UK House Price Uplift Figures
We often get asked how much value solar panels can add to a property. While there’s no one-size-fits-all figure, many industry studies like this one from Swansea University (July 2024) suggest that solar panels can increase a home’s value by around 6.1-7.1% on average.
That might not sound like much at first, but on an average UK home, it could mean tens of thousands of pounds added to the asking price.
The actual uplift depends on several factors. Location plays a big role, with homes in areas where energy bills are higher typically seeing greater value from solar installations.
The size of the system also matters. A well-sized, professionally installed system with efficient panels and battery storage will naturally carry more value than an outdated or undersized setup.
As electricity prices continue to rise, the financial appeal of homes with built-in energy savings is becoming much more attractive. Buyers are not only looking at the upfront purchase price, but also at long-term affordability, and solar ticks both boxes.
Factors That Affect Value Uplift
We always encourage homeowners to consider the full picture when weighing up a solar investment. A few key factors will influence how much value your system adds.
Orientation is important. South-facing panels that get the most daylight are seen as more efficient. The condition of the system also counts. Well-maintained, high-efficiency panels installed by a professional team like ours are more appealing to buyers than older systems nearing the end of their lifespan.
Battery storage is another feature that can boost value. By storing excess electricity for later use, solar batteries help homeowners become even more energy independent, a big selling point in today’s market.
Lastly, if your home has a low EPC rating to begin with, installing solar panels can make a significant improvement. This not only makes the property more efficient, but also more attractive to buyers who want to avoid the costs of making these upgrades themselves.
Other Financial Benefits for Homeowners
Lower Monthly Bills for Buyers
From day one, solar panels help reduce a homeowner’s reliance on expensive grid electricity. For buyers, that’s a major advantage. They know that by moving into a solar-powered home, their energy bills could be significantly lower.
We often hear from clients who say the real difference comes in the first few months. When buyers realise how much they’re saving each month, it reinforces the value of the installation.
This is even more true for those who work from home during the day, who find they have even fewer costs associated with working.
Protection Against Rising Energy Prices
The energy market has become increasingly volatile in recent years. Installing solar panels gives homeowners more control over their electricity costs, no matter what happens with supplier tariffs or global energy trends.
We see solar as a form of energy insurance. With your own power source, you’re better protected against future price hikes. That kind of predictability can be a huge advantage when it comes to household budgeting and prospective buyers know it.
Eligibility for Government Incentives
The UK government continues to support renewable energy adoption through various schemes. At the moment, homeowners benefit from 0% VAT on domestic solar panel installations, which helps reduce the initial cost of getting started.
There are also other potential incentives depending on your circumstances and location, including options to export surplus electricity back to the grid. These schemes aren’t just good for current owners, they can also make your home more attractive to buyers who want to take advantage of the same financial benefits.
Do Solar Panels Add Value to Commercial Properties?
Boosting Sustainability Credentials
For commercial premises, the value of solar panels goes beyond energy savings. More businesses are under pressure to meet sustainability targets, improve ESG performance, and demonstrate their commitment to carbon reduction.
A solar-powered building helps them do exactly that. Whether it’s an investor looking for a greener portfolio, or a tenant aiming to meet CSR commitments, commercial properties with solar systems are naturally more appealing.
We’ve worked with clients across the North West who’ve gained a competitive edge simply by showcasing their renewable credentials.
Reducing Overheads and Operational Risk
Lowering operating costs is another major draw. Commercial solar panels can help reduce utility bills, smooth out cash flow, and reduce exposure to energy market volatility.
When battery storage is included, the benefits increase even further. Businesses get access to stored power during high-tariff periods, and some can even continue operations during outages, reducing downtime and protecting productivity.
In a commercial lease or property sale, those features can add real, measurable value.
Will Solar Panels Still Add Value if You Lease or Rent?
Ownership vs Leasehold Considerations
When it comes to increasing property value, ownership matters. If you’ve purchased your solar panel system outright, it’s considered part of the property and can directly contribute to a higher valuation.
Buyers see the benefit straight away, they know they’re getting a home with reduced energy bills and no added financial ties.
Leased systems work a little differently. Some older installations, particularly those under the old Feed-in Tariff scheme, were fitted with the panels owned by a third party. While the homeowner benefited from cheaper electricity, the installer collected the tariff payments.
In these cases, the panels might not add the same level of value because there’s a lease agreement to transfer or negotiate. Some buyers and lenders may also be cautious if the lease complicates ownership.
That said, the majority of modern systems are now purchased outright. We always advise our customers to weigh the long-term benefits of owning the system themselves, especially if increasing home value is a priority.
Why Buyers and Valuers May Value Solar Panels Differently
The Role of Surveyors and Estate Agents
The value that solar panels add to a home can sometimes be a matter of perspective. While buyers often see the long-term savings and appeal, surveyors and estate agents rely on specific valuation models.
An improved EPC rating can certainly have a positive effect on valuation, and many buyers now actively search for homes with higher energy efficiency scores.
Not all estate agents, however, are familiar with the benefits of solar or how to factor them into a listing. That’s starting to change as awareness of renewable energy grows, and as more homes feature panels as standard.
We’ve seen homeowners achieve stronger sale prices simply by working with agents who understand how to market solar as a key feature, not just a side benefit.
Ways to Make the Value of Your System Clear
One of the best ways to demonstrate the value of your solar panel system is to keep good documentation. We recommend keeping a record of your system’s performance, including how much energy you’ve generated, how much you’ve saved, and any earnings from export tariffs. This information can be very persuasive when talking to potential buyers or estate agents.
It also helps to have all the paperwork ready. Warranties, system specs, installation certificates, and maintenance history. These documents give buyers confidence in the system’s quality and longevity.
When they can clearly see the return on investment, they’re far more likely to view your solar panels as an asset that adds real, tangible value to the home.
Installing Solar Panels with Bolton Electrical Services
Trusted Solar Panel Installation in Bolton and the North West
We’ve spent decades earning the trust of homeowners and businesses across Bolton and the North West. Our team takes pride in delivering high-quality, no-fuss installations backed by a 100% customer satisfaction rate.
We understand that switching to solar might feel like a big step, so we make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
From the first conversation to the final clean-up, we handle everything. Our full-service approach means you can relax knowing we’ll take care of consultation, planning, permissions, and installation — all delivered by a friendly, experienced team who know how to get the job done properly.
Residential and Commercial Systems with Ongoing Support
Whether you’re looking to reduce your household bills or improve your commercial property’s energy efficiency, we’ll tailor the right solar panel system for you.
It all starts with a free consultation and site assessment, where we take time to understand your energy goals and design a solution that suits your property and budget.
We also offer optional battery storage to give you even more control over your energy use. With battery systems, you can store solar power for when you need it most, unlock more savings, and reduce your reliance on the grid.
And once your system is up and running, our ongoing support and maintenance options keep everything working efficiently for years to come.
Solar Panels and Home Value FAQs
Does solar panels increase house value in the UK?
Yes. In most cases, solar panels increase the value of a home by improving its energy efficiency and making it more attractive to buyers who want lower running costs and a greener lifestyle.
How much value do solar panels add to your home?
The value added can vary, depending on your location, the size of the system, and current energy prices. However, research in the UK suggests they can increase property value by around 7.1% percent.
Do solar panels make it easier to sell your house?
Absolutely. More buyers are actively searching for homes with sustainable features. A solar panel system can help your listing stand out and give buyers confidence that they’ll save money over time.
Are solar panels worth it if I plan to sell my home soon?
Even if you’re planning to sell within the next few years, a solar panel system can still make your home more appealing. You may see a better return on investment through a higher sale price and faster sale.
What happens to my solar panels when I sell my house?
If you own the system outright, it will usually be included as part of the sale. Ownership and any ongoing benefits, such as Feed-in Tariff payments, can often be transferred to the new homeowner.
