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Landlords: Claim £44k Solar & EV Reliefs — Or Miss Out & Risk £6,800 Fines
With analysis by Zoopla suggesting solar panels can add up to £16,368 to the average value of a home, on top of data showing 71% of UK renters currently consider a high EPC rating an important factor when choosing where to live, more and more of the UK’s 2.82 million private landlords are turning to solar panels as a smart way to increase property value and boost rental income.
As energy bills remain high, data shows that 92% of tenants will pay more for greener homes, meaning solar panels are becoming a more and more attractive option for landlords looking to grow investments and help cut tenants’ energy bills all whilst supporting the planet.
With multiple grant schemes, tax benefits as well as potential fines, George Penny, Solar Expert and Director at The Solar Co, warns of 6 common pitfalls landlords can fall into and outlines steps to take to access key government grants as well as avoid costly fines.
7 solar panel tips for landlords that could boost rental value, access grants and tax relief of up to £44,000 and avoid fines of up to £6,800
“Between July 2022 and February 2025 obligated energy suppliers have delivered 38,005 solar installations in England as part of the UK government’s ECO4 grant – a government scheme that aims to assist low-income and fuel-poor households, and landlords that rent their property to eligible residents can also benefit from these energy saving measures.
Although government solar incentives are not available to all citizens, tenants in England with an EPC rating of E-G and in receipt of means-tested benefits, may be eligible for free solar panel installations where electricity is used to heat their homes. With 3.5 million households in the UK on means tested benefits and 2021 census data showing one in ten households rely on electricity to heat their homes, up to 350,000 households may be missing out on government funded solar panel installations that may typically cost £7,000. Of these, 35% are likely to be renters – meaning up to 122,500 landlords may be able to access for funding towards solar panels on their rental property”.
For landlords operating furnished holiday lets (FHLs), despite the capital allowance tax relief ending in April 2025, landlords of such lets that installed solar panels in the 12 months up until April 2025 can still apply for tax relief that lets you deduct the cost of installation from your taxable profits.
In some cases, this could amount to up to 100% of the cost being offset in year one. Missing out on these allowances could mean landlords miss out on recovering up to the full cost of solar panels, missing out on up to £7000 in tax relief over the system’s lifetime. Always consult a tax adviser to check your eligibility.
With the rise in electric vehicle ownership, properties with EV charging access are becoming increasingly attractive to renters and buyers alike. Recent studies suggest that installing a home EV charger could boost property value by £3,000 to £5,000, yet many landlords aren’t making use of the generous government grants available to help cover the cost.
The EV Chargepoint Grant covers 75% of the cost of buying and installing a charger, up to £350 per socket, and is available to landlords for use in up to 200 residential and 100 commercial properties per year. For larger buildings, the EV Infrastructure Grant offers up to £30,000 towards wider installation work like cabling, ducting or posts, ideal for HMOs or multi-unit blocks where futureproofing for multiple chargers makes sense. Both grants are open until 31 March 2026, but early uptake is advised as demand increases.
Combining EV charge points with solar panels can unlock even greater savings and appeal, making your property stand out in a competitive market.
New landlord requirements mean all rental properties must be at least EPC E rated to be legally rented out, which will rise to EPC C by 2028 for existing rentals. For landlords looking to act now to boost property EPC ratings, solar panels can significantly boost a property’s EPC score whilst offering a money-generating solution to landlords through electricity exports.
Failing to meet EPC requirements could mean being unable to legally rent out your property, leaving it vacant or subject to fines of up to £5,000. Check your EPC rating now, and consider solar as a key upgrade to future-proof your portfolio.
An estimated 1.82 million leasehold homes, 38% of all leaseholds, are privately rented in the UK. For landlords letting leasehold flats or apartments, costly mistakes can arise from installing solar panels without proper checks.
Many leases restrict external alterations – especially to shared roofs or structural elements. Installing panels without written consent from the freeholder or managing agent may breach the lease, exposing landlords to legal disputes, enforcement action, or demands for removal.
If a court order is issued, landlords may be required to remove the panels and restore the roof, with removal alone costing up to £1,800 – plus any additional roof repair costs that may be required.
Once your solar system is installed, registering for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments allows you to earn money for any surplus energy exported to the grid. Depending on your provider, this could bring between £50–£500 annually.
SEG registration is only available to landlords who use MCS-certified installers, so make sure your contractor is properly accredited before starting work. Without SEG, you miss out on a steady income stream and reduce the overall profitability of your investment.
Many tenants are unfamiliar with how solar panels work and without guidance, may miss out on potential savings or raise avoidable complaints about energy bills.
Encouraging tenants to run appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during the day, or use smart plugs and timers can make a real difference. Shifting just 1–2 kWh of usage per day into solar hours could save £50–£150 per year on grid electricity, depending on tariff.
Providing a short solar user guide or installing smart meters with app access can prevent confusion, reduce admin and callouts, and boost tenant satisfaction, all while helping them unlock the financial benefits of greener living.
About George Penny
Based in Bromley, George Penny is the Director of The Solar Co. He has a passion for leading the UK’s transition to efficient and reliable renewable solutions for households and businesses alike.
About The Solar Co
The Solar Co is a leading UK-based renewable energy installer specialising in solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging solutions for residential, commercial, and new-build properties. Serving London and the South East, including areas like Bromley, Kent, and Croydon, the company is committed to helping customers reduce energy bills and carbon footprints through high-quality, MCS-certified installations.
With a focus on customer education and support, The Solar Co offers an interactive savings calculator, transparent consultations, and assistance with grant applications.
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