Can plug-in solar panels improve a landlord’s EPC rating?

Plug-in solar panels outside a Nottingham landlord’s property beside an EPC C sign.
Readers Question by Readers Question
8:57 AM, 28th August 2026, 2 weeks ago 12
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EPCLandlord NewsLandlords Questions

Hello all. I am a landlord with many properties in Nottingham. I am going through the process of getting the EPC ratings to a C before the 2030 deadline. I have looked at the plug-in solar panels which are becoming available soon.

Have any of the readers of Property118 found out if and how they impact an EPC score, how many KW are needed/EPC points , does landlord/tenant ownership matter and what is the situation regarding a feed in tariff?

I am keen to fit these, but I don’t want to spend thousands of pounds across my portfolio, only to find out that they are excluded from consideration re EPC’s.

Like many energy efficiency improvements, these are often advertised as having a payback timeline, but nobody in authority seems to understand or care, that all of the energy cost benefit goes to the tenant, whilst the installation costs are borne by the landlord (inflating rents far beyond the proposed savings).

This seems like a good EPC solution, but anti-landlord terms are sometimes hidden in legislation nowadays.

Hopefully someone can help.

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Comments

  • East Midlands Energy Efficiency East Midlands Energy Efficiency Read Full Bio

    Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 17

    8:28 AM, 28th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    Plug in solar panels are currently treated as portable electric appliances and, as such, are entirely excluded from the EPC assessment.

    EPCs are asset ratings based on the building. Plug in solar is not currently considered a permanent fixture as it could, at least theoretically, be moved between properties.

    As such, plug in solar will not help improve your EPC rating.

    2 Report Comment Reply
  • youngslets@gmail.com [email protected]

    Member Since August 2026 - Comments: 1

    8:50 AM, 28th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    If its not a permant fixture it will not be accepted as a single property improvement because it could simply be removed after an EPC had been conducted.

    Report Comment Reply
  • Judith Wordsworth Judith Wordsworth Read Full Bio

    Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1581 - Articles: 1

    10:42 AM, 28th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    Also possible if the tenant doesn’t pay for professional installation and amendment to the property’s EICR could this installation be classified as a Hazard under HSSE and Grade 1 hazard fines imposed on the landlord by the Local Authority?

    Report Comment Reply
  • NewYorkie NewYorkie Read Full Bio

    Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1733 - Articles: 3

    12:08 PM, 28th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    No feed in tariff. They don’t connect to the grid. They work only when the Sun shines and the electricity they produce must be used immediately because they can’t connect to batteries. Next question, where would you put them? Sited in a front garden (if there is one) would be a great attraction to feral youths! Total waste of money.

    1 Report Comment Reply
  • Barry Smith Barry Smith

    Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 4

    11:22 PM, 28th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    If the original person that posted this wants to email me, i also have a few properties & have been getting Victorian properties up to a EPC C, not a problem.
    But I noticed something about it all, are you allowed to email me directly ?

    Report Comment Reply
  • Colin McNulty Colin McNulty

    Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 163

    7:06 AM, 29th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    Reply to the comment left by Barry Smith at 28/08/2026 – 23:22
    That’s a cryptic comment Barry. How much are you charging? It’s hard to email you if you don’t provide an email address.

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  • Matthew Jude Matthew Jude

    Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 31

    10:50 AM, 29th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    Reply to the comment left by Barry Smith at 28/08/2026 – 23:22
    Hi Barry. I am always interested in ways to raise my EPC levels on older properties. If you contact properly 118 they can pass on my contact details or pass yours to me. I would be happy for them to do that. Matthew.

    Report Comment Reply
  • Raz Raz

    Member Since December 2019 - Comments: 1

    1:24 PM, 29th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    Reply to the comment left by Barry Smith at 28/08/2026 – 23:22
    Hi Barry, many thanks for your reply. What is easiest way to bring EPC to C for a detached property built in 1850? My email address is [email protected]

    Rgds
    Rajiv

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  • Simon Kinzley Simon Kinzley Read Full Bio

    Member Since November 2025 - Comments: 23

    11:56 PM, 29th August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    I wouldn’t provide panels as presented in this photo. I would worry they’d get nicked.

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  • Martin Martin Read Full Bio

    Member Since July 2015 - Comments: 39

    9:05 AM, 31st August 2026, About 2 weeks ago

    Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 12:08
    Excess electricity from plug-in solar panels flows automatically back into the National Grid when your generation exceeds your home’s current use, but you typically cannot get paid or receive export credits for this surplus

    Report Comment Reply
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