Is investing in solar going to make your property skyrocket in value? Here we explore the reality and what you can potentially expect.
So, do solar panels increase your home value?
You’re bloody well right they do.
But why?
And exactly how much value do they add to a property?
They add value for 3 reasons, explored in varying detail below.
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Key Points:
Solar panels will reduce your reliance on the National Grid (Imagine dropping your keys down that).
They will also help you to save money on your electricity bills.
Estimates suggest that having solar installed can increase the value of your property by between £20,000 and £40,000.
Actual figures will depend on factors including property location, solar system age, quality and energy reduction potential.
You can start designing your solar system here with our free tool.
Do Solar Panels Increase the Value Of Your Home?
Various reports and research have indicated that solar panels do increase the value of your property, yet the exact amount depends on the study you refer to.
Additionally, the amount will depend on the location of your property since certain areas receive more sunlight exposure, in which case the financial rewards will be greater.
For example, a recent report by the estate agent website Zillow found that solar panels increase property value by around 4%, which in the UK would translate to around £10,000 based on the average property value.
Another study by University College London also found that 33% of people surveyed said they would be more likely to choose a property that has a solar system installed.
In the table below you can see how much of an increase you can expect based on various city locations in the UK:
City | The Average Value Of Property |
| Average Added Value From Solar Panels |
London | £686,321 |
| £90,000 |
Bristol | £322,444 |
| £45,142 |
Edinburgh | £286,397 |
| £40,095 |
Leicester | £225,552 |
| £31,577 |
Manchester | £209,134 |
| £29,278 |
Sheffield | £207,832 |
| £29,096 |
Birmingham | £205,445 |
| £28,762 |
Leeds | £203,256 |
| £28,455 |
Glasgow | £181,134 |
| £25,358 |
Liverpool | £167,031 |
| £23,384 |
Data source: EffectiveHome.co.uk, last updated August 2023.
Why Do Solar Panels Increase the Value Of Your Home?
But why exactly does getting solar panels installed increase property value?
There are three major factors involved, which we will now discuss in detail:
#1 Literal Value
With most quality solar PV installations costing between £8,000 - £20,000 (number of panels depending), there is an obvious literal (£ sterling) value to be added to a property sale.
A home is the sum of all its parts. Those parts, you pay for.
Log in the bog on moving day? You paid for it.
Heatable solar customers often describe the experience as so enthralling, that they move house immediately after panel installation to experience the thrill again.
Outside of this, it’s unlikely that the solar panel value on a house you’re buying or selling will translate exactly to its original value (including installation).
As with new boilers, warranties can be passed on but naturally – if you’re buying a 12-year-old solar panel installation, its warranty, performance – and thus value – will degrade.
Typically, expect a solar panel array to add 50-70% of its installation cost to the value or sale of your property.
Also, factor in the quality of the panels and their installation. If the panels a straight from a Casio calculator and fitted by Wallace & Gromit with a Wensleydale warranty – expect that to downgrade your house value as a new buyer rapidly rips them off.
Related solar guides:
#2 Perceived Value
Anything is worth what somebody is prepared to pay for it.
Look at Harry Maguire or HS2.
A well-installed, quality solar PV array installation can look way more attractive than you would imagine.
But it isn’t sex appeal that’s adding perceived value.
It’s the perception of who a new homeowner envisions themselves to be.
Bill reductions aside, many people are going green with solar to become less reliant on the utility companies' ‘dirty energy’ – something you only want from the person you’re having an affair with.
Being green is trendy.
You might not care about the impending doom of the planet, but it’s increasingly cool to appear as you do.
This means everyone from crack den owners to minted farmers wants a visible solar array on their home – irrespective of how many diesel Range Rovers they own.
Don’t keep up with The Joneses – buy their house.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
#3 Hugely Reduced Home Bills
A new home means new bills.
Those new bills are very often bigger. On top of your increased council tax and your bigger mortgage.
God life’s pointless, isn’t it?
Proper solar panel equipment that’s been well installed, will – with almost no caveats outside of weather – genuinely, instantly, and quite often drastically reduce your electricity bills.
With electricity costs soaring to 3 times that of even yummy Russian gas, any solar home dweller is due to save a tasty sum.
Average electricity bill costs in the UK are around £800 annually.
Throw in the never-ending technology that spies on us, electric cars and the air conditioning that will keep us chilled whilst the world burns – that’s a cost that’s only going to increase.
Heatable solar panel customers are seeing up to a 92% reduction in their electricity grid dependency.
That’s £700 a year beefing up your holiday plans. Hello, airport lounges.
When considering solar energy, it’s important to understand solar panel sizes and how they impact installation and energy output, as well as to stay informed with the latest solar statistics on the growing adoption of renewable energy in the UK. Additionally, you might be eligible for solar panel grants that can help reduce installation costs, making solar more affordable. To ensure your system runs efficiently, proper cleaning of solar panels is key, while weighing up the pros and cons of solar power can help you make a well-informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your home.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
Get a Quote for Solar Today
Without boasting you should get your solar installed with us, here's why:
Thousands of Happy Customers: We boast an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, outperforming the market leader.
Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.
MCS Accredited: Our accreditation by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures high-quality standards.
Exclusive Panels: We offer REA Fusion solar panels, available only through Heatable.
Consumer Protection: As members of the HIES consumer code, we provide 2-year deposit protection.
Flexible Payment Options: Choose from multiple payment methods, including finance options.
Fixed Price Guarantee: Enjoy transparency with no hidden costs.
Save Your Quote: You can save your quote and decide later.
Bespoke Design Tool: Draw your own conclusion (literally) on whether solar is worth it for you, here.