Buying a house with existing solar panels is generally a positive thing — you’re getting a built-in electricity generator that could save you £700–£1,200 per year. But there are important checks to make before exchange of contracts. The biggest risk is discovering the panels aren’t owned outright or aren’t properly certified. Here’s your complete buyer’s checklist.
The Solar Panel Ownership Question
Between approximately 2009 and 2016, many UK solar installations were funded through “rent-a-roof” schemes where a third-party company (such as the now-defunct HomeSun, or A Shade Greener) installed panels free of charge but retained ownership. In exchange, they received the Feed-in Tariff payments (worth up to 43p/kWh in early years). The homeowner typically got free electricity from the panels but no FiT income.
These schemes involved 25-year leases that transfer with the property. If you’re buying a house with panels installed between 2009 and 2016, you must check ownership. Signs of a leased system include: the vendor paid nothing for installation, there’s a lease agreement in the title deeds, or the panels are registered to a company other than the vendor.
| Solar Panel Type | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Owned outright | MCS certificate, inverter warranty, DNO notification |
| Leased (rent-a-roof) | Lease terms, remaining lease length, company still trading, assignment conditions |
| Free installation scheme | Whether FiT has transferred and whether panels can be assigned |
Key Documents to Request
Your conveyancing solicitor should request the following from the vendor:
-
MCS Installation Certificate: The Microgeneration Certification Scheme certificate confirms the system was installed by an accredited installer. Without it, you cannot register for the Smart Export Guarantee. Check at mcscertified.com.
-
RECC/HIES Membership: The installer should have been a member of a consumer code (Renewable Energy Consumer Code or Home Insulation and Energy Systems). Membership provides consumer protection.
-
Panel Manufacturer Warranties: Product warranty (10–15 years) and performance warranty (25 years). Warranties should be transferable to new owners.
-
Inverter Warranty and Age: A string inverter more than 8–10 years old may need replacement soon. Budget accordingly if the inverter is ageing.
-
DNO Notification: G98 or G99 approval from the Distribution Network Operator. Required for grid connection; absence could mean the system was never properly commissioned.
-
Any Lease or Charge on Title: Your solicitor should check for any registered charge against the property relating to solar panel financing.
-
Feed-in Tariff Registration (if applicable): If installed before March 2019 and FiT was claimed, check whether FiT payments are registered to the property address or the installer.
Property Value Impact
Research from Zoopla and Rightmove consistently shows solar panels add value:
| Property Value | Estimated Solar Premium | Source |
|---|---|---|
| £200,000 | £3,000–£5,000 (1.5–2.5%) | Rightmove study |
| £350,000 | £5,000–£9,000 (1.5–2.5%) | Rightmove study |
| £500,000 | £7,000–£13,000 (1.5–2.5%) | Rightmove study |
An improved EPC rating also matters increasingly for mortgage purposes — many lenders offer green mortgages with lower rates for A or B-rated properties.
Mortgage Lender Considerations
Most major UK mortgage lenders are comfortable with owned solar panels. However, leased panels can complicate mortgages — some lenders refuse to lend on properties with third-party solar leases because the lease represents a charge on the property. If the panels are leased, check that your proposed lender accepts this before exchange.
SEG Registration After Purchase
Once you complete, you’ll need to register the solar system in your own name with an SEG supplier. Contact Octopus, British Gas, EDF, or another SEG provider with your MCS certificate and smart meter MPAN. This should be straightforward; allow 2–4 weeks for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if the solar installer has gone out of business?
A: This is common — many early solar companies have since closed. The panel and inverter warranties are with the manufacturer, not the installer, so they remain valid. The MCS certificate is still valid. For future maintenance and repairs, any MCS-accredited solar company can service the system.
Q: How do I find out if panels are leased?
A: Ask your solicitor to check the title register for any charges or lease agreements relating to the panels. Also ask the vendor directly and request written confirmation. The presence of a smart export tariff in the vendor’s name (not a company’s) is a good sign of outright ownership.
Q: Can I remove leased solar panels I inherit with a property?
A: Only with the agreement of the lease company, and often at significant cost. Read the lease terms carefully — early termination fees can be substantial. In most cases you’re better off continuing the lease and registering for a SEG tariff if you qualify.
Q: Should I negotiate a lower purchase price because the inverter is old?
A: Yes — a string inverter older than 10 years has a near-term replacement cost of £500–£1,000. This is a legitimate negotiating point. Get an estimate from a local solar installer before making your offer.
Q: What EPC rating should a house with solar panels have?
A: A house with solar panels typically achieves an EPC rating of B or occasionally A, depending on insulation levels and heating system. If the EPC still shows C or below despite solar panels, there may be an issue with the EPC assessment or the panels may not have been properly recorded.