With energy prices rising and sustainability high on the national agenda, more homeowners are asking: do solar panels improve your EPC rating? The answer is yes — installing solar panels can significantly boost your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, helping you save money, increase property value, and make your home more energy efficient.
In this guide, we’ll explain how EPC ratings work, how solar panels improve them, and why making the switch to solar energy can be one of the best investments for your property.
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What Is an EPC Rating?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures how energy efficient your property is, rating it from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Every property in the UK needs an EPC when it’s sold, rented, or built.
The certificate is based on several factors, including:
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The amount of energy your home uses
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How efficient your heating, lighting, and insulation are
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Your property’s carbon emissions
The higher your EPC rating, the more efficient and environmentally friendly your home is — which typically means lower energy bills.
How Solar Panels Improve EPC Ratings
Solar panels improve your EPC rating by reducing the amount of electricity your property needs to draw from the grid and lowering carbon emissions. Since EPC assessments account for both energy efficiency and environmental impact, generating renewable electricity directly improves your score.
Here’s how:
1. Reduced Grid Energy Use
Solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight, allowing you to power appliances and lighting without relying solely on grid energy. This improved efficiency is reflected in a better EPC rating.
2. Lower Carbon Emissions
EPC scores include a carbon output calculation. Solar energy produces zero emissions, meaning less CO₂ per unit of electricity consumed — a key factor in moving up EPC bands.
3. Reduced Energy Costs
Because EPCs also take household energy costs into account, lower bills from solar power lead to an improved score. Homes that are cheaper to run are rated more efficient overall.
How Much Can Solar Panels Improve Your EPC Rating?
While results vary depending on your property, solar system size, and energy usage, most UK homes see their EPC rating improve by one or two bands after installing solar panels.
For example:
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A D-rated property could rise to a C or even B rating.
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A C-rated home might move into the B or A category with the addition of solar panels and battery storage.
These improvements can make a big difference in both energy savings and property value. According to research by property experts, homes with higher EPC ratings can command up to 10% higher market values — and attract more buyers.
Benefits of a Higher EPC Rating
Improving your EPC rating with solar panels provides a range of long-term advantages for both homeowners and landlords:
1. Increased Property Value
A better EPC rating makes your home more desirable on the market. Buyers are actively looking for energy-efficient homes that promise lower running costs — and solar panels are a proven way to achieve this.
2. Lower Energy Bills
With solar panels installed, you can generate your own electricity and reduce reliance on expensive grid energy. Many households save £600–£800 per year, with even greater savings when paired with battery storage.
3. Compliance with Future Regulations
UK energy standards are tightening, particularly for rental properties. Installing solar panels now can help future-proof your property against upcoming EPC regulations.
4. Access to Green Mortgage Incentives
Lenders increasingly reward energy-efficient homes with green mortgage products — offering lower interest rates or cashback incentives. Improving your EPC score with solar power could make you eligible.
Boosting EPC Ratings with Solar Battery Storage
Adding solar battery storage enhances your EPC rating even further.
While solar panels generate electricity during the day, a battery allows you to store unused energy for later use — for example, during evenings or cloudy periods. This increases your home’s self-sufficiency, reduces energy wastage, and improves your EPC score by maximising renewable energy use.
A combined solar PV and battery system also reduces dependency on the grid by up to 80%, offering greater energy independence and even more predictable savings.
How to Check Your Current EPC Rating
You can easily find your property’s current EPC rating on the official UK government website.
If your home is rated D or lower, installing solar panels could make a major difference — not just in efficiency, but in long-term savings and property value.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
As of 2025, the average cost of solar panels in the UK has become more affordable than ever. A typical 4kW solar system — ideal for most family homes — costs between £6,000 and £8,000, including installation.
Although the upfront cost may seem high, solar panels can last 25 years or more, providing decades of clean, low-cost energy. Many systems pay for themselves within 6–9 years, depending on usage and export earnings from excess energy.
Why Improving Your EPC Rating Matters
With the government aiming for Net Zero by 2050, energy-efficient homes are not only better for the planet but also a smart financial choice.
A higher EPC rating means:
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Lower bills
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A more comfortable home
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Higher resale value
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Easier mortgage approval
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Greater appeal to eco-conscious buyers
And solar panels are one of the quickest, most effective ways to achieve all of this.
Ready to Improve Your EPC Rating with Solar Panels?
At SolarPanels.co.uk, we make going solar simple. Our MCS-accredited installers provide professional solar panel design, installation, and maintenance across the UK.
Whether you want to boost your EPC rating, cut energy costs, or make your home more sustainable, we’re here to help.
👉 Get your free solar quote today and see how solar panels can transform your home’s energy performance and value.