For private rental properties

Solar Panels for Landlords

UK landlords face tightening MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) — EPC C minimum from 2030 for new tenancies. Solar fits the gap and cuts running costs in HMOs and bill-included tenancies. We work with portfolio landlords across the M6 corridor.

Why solar works here

The sector advantage

  • Lifts EPC rating one to two bands — gets you ahead of MEES
  • Capital allowances apply to landlord-owned solar (10% writing-down allowance)
  • In bills-included HMOs, solar typically saves £700–£1,400/year per property
  • ECO4 funded solar available for tenants on means-tested benefits — landlord pays nothing
  • Increases sale value 4–6% per Halifax/Nationwide research
System sizing

System sizes & payback

Customer Size Annual saving Payback
2-bed flat (single tenant) 2.5 kWp £280/year 14–17 years
3-bed terrace HMO (3 sharers) 4 kWp £700–£900/year 9–12 years
5-bed HMO (bills inc) 6 kWp £1,400/year 7–9 years
Block of 6 flats (communal) 10 kWp £3,200/year 5–7 years
Sector specifics

What's different in this sector

MEES timeline

EPC C minimum proposed for new tenancies from 2028 (existing tenancies 2030). Solar typically lifts a D-rated property to C; an E to D or low C.

Capital allowance tax relief

Solar on a let property qualifies for 10% writing-down allowance against rental income. Effective tax saving for higher-rate landlords typically 4% of capex per year.

HMO bills-included

Where landlord pays the bill, solar payback is fastest — 7–9 years. We've fitted 60+ HMO solar systems across Greater Manchester.

Tenant ECO4 stacking

If your tenant is on means-tested benefits, the property may qualify for ECO4 funded solar at zero cost to you. We handle the application.

Recent installs

Real projects, real numbers

32 kWp total

Manchester portfolio (8 properties)

£11,000/year combined saving, 6.4 yr payback, EPC lifts D→C on all 8

6 kWp + iBoost+

5-bed HMO Fallowfield

£1,420/year saving, hot water free Apr–Sep

10 kWp communal

Stockport block of 6 flats

£3,200/year landlord saving on communal lighting + lift

Frequently asked

Common questions

Do I need tenant consent?
For owner-occupier landlords (HMOs you live in): no. For let-only properties: technically you don't need tenant permission since you own the freehold and roof, but most install agreements include 2 weeks scaffolding which is courteous to flag.
Will my tenants benefit?
Yes — daytime solar generation reduces their import costs (or yours if bills-included). They get free / cheaper electricity at peak generation hours.
Can I claim VAT back?
Solar is currently 0% VAT for residential properties through 2027 — no VAT to claim. For commercial properties or limited company landlords, normal VAT recovery applies.

Get a sector-specific quote

Free survey, full PV*SOL feasibility, AIA tax modelling. We work with portfolio landlords, farms, schools, hotels, and distribution centres across the M6 corridor.

Call us