0% finance available, go solar with no upfront costs!
Installing solar panels helps landlords meet 2030 EPC C requirements while generating significant returns. Systems cost £4,500-£10,000 with 10-year paybacks, add 6-10 EPC points, and qualify for grants including 0% VAT and export payments.
The clock is ticking for UK landlords. By 2030, all rental properties must achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above. Currently, the legal minimum standard is EPC E. With over half of private rental homes falling below the future standard, landlords face a critical challenge. Solar PV offers a powerful solution to boost EPC ratings while providing long-term benefits for both property owners and tenants.
Currently, it’s unlawful to let most domestic properties with an EPC rating below E in England and Wales under the 2015 MEES Regulations, with limited exemptions. Local authorities can impose financial penalties for non-compliance.
Looking ahead, the UK Government has consulted on raising the Private Rented Sector minimum to EPC C. The timeline follows a phased approach:
The challenge is significant. England’s PRS comprises approximately 5.1 million homes, with an estimated 55% currently below EPC C. Fuel poverty affects around 24% of private rented households, the highest rate among all housing tenures.
Under the proposed changes, penalties for non-compliance could increase dramatically from the current £5,000 maximum to £30,000 per property per breach. This represents a serious financial risk for landlords who fail to act.
The government has also proposed a £15,000 per-property cost cap, meaning landlords would only be required to make improvements up to this threshold. If a property cannot reach EPC C within this budget, an exemption may be registered.
Solar photovoltaic systems offer landlords a powerful tool to boost EPC ratings. The EPC methodology (SAP) directly rewards measures that reduce annual energy use and emissions. Solar PV fits perfectly into this framework.
A well-designed solar PV system typically adds 6-10 points to a property’s SAP score. This could be the difference between a stubborn D rating and achieving the required C.
The effectiveness varies based on several factors:
| Factor | Impact on EPC Improvement |
|---|---|
| System size | Larger systems (3-5kWp) provide greater improvements |
| Property heating type | Electrically heated properties see larger gains |
| Existing efficiency | Properties with good insulation maximise benefits |
| Orientation | South-facing, unshaded roofs yield the best results |
Solar PV delivers particularly strong results when paired with good fabric measures like insulation and efficient heating controls. For properties hovering just below the C threshold, solar can provide that final push needed for compliance.
Government modelling specifically includes solar PV in the package of cost-effective measures for upgrading rental properties to meet the new standards.
Understanding the financial aspects of solar investment helps landlords make informed decisions. Current installation costs have decreased from their 2022-23 peaks.
| System Size | Typical Cost Range | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 3kW | £4,500 - £6,000 | 2-3 bedroom house |
| 4kW | £6,000 - £8,000 | 3-4 bedroom house |
| 6kW | £8,000 - £10,000 | Larger property |
A standard 3.6kW solar system on a south-facing roof can generate approximately 3,400 kWh of electricity annually. With current electricity prices around 26p/kWh, this translates to significant savings.
Let’s break down a typical scenario:
With energy prices expected to rise over time, actual paybacks could be faster. Plus, solar panels typically last 25+ years, providing over a decade of pure profit after the initial investment is recouped.
For landlords whose tenants pay the electricity bills, several approaches can ensure you also benefit:
These approaches are increasingly common in the professional rental sector, recognising that energy-efficient homes command better returns.
Several financial incentives can help offset your solar investment:
Our professional solar installations ensure you maximise available incentives while meeting all compliance requirements for EPC improvements.
Solar PV offers landlords a powerful tool to meet the 2030 EPC C requirements while improving property values and rental appeal. With current incentives, dropping installation costs, and rising energy prices, the business case is compelling. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches and prices potentially rise. Contact us today for a solar quote that maps your exact path to compliance.
Landlords must ensure rental properties reach EPC band C by 2030, with new tenancies requiring compliance by 2028. The current minimum standard is EPC E. Proposed regulations include a £15,000 cost cap and penalties up to £30,000 for non-compliance.
The proposed deadlines are April 2028 for new tenancies and April 2030 for all existing tenancies. These dates follow the government consultation completed in 2025, though final confirmation is pending.
Solar PV typically adds 5-15 points to an EPC score, potentially increasing the rating by one full band. The improvement is greatest for electrically-heated properties or homes with high electricity usage, especially when combined with good insulation.
Yes. Landlords can benefit from 0% VAT on solar installations until March 2027, Smart Export Guarantee payments, and potentially ECO4 funding if tenants meet eligibility criteria. Additional schemes like the Great British Insulation Scheme may also help with complementary measures.
Yes. Research indicates solar panels can increase property values by approximately 4-6%. They also enhance rental appeal through reduced bills, making properties more attractive to environmentally-conscious tenants and potentially supporting higher rents or reducing vacancy periods.