Solar Panels and Divorce

Who keeps the solar panels in a divorce?

Solar panels are legal FIXTURES — they stay with the property regardless of who paid for them. In a divorce: (1) Whoever keeps the house keeps the panels and all their benefits (energy savings, SEG income). (2) The panels' CURRENT VALUE (depreciated from installation cost) is factored into the overall asset division. (3) If the house is sold: both parties share the proceeds including any solar premium on the property value. Approximate depreciation: panels lose 3-5% of value per year. A £8,000 system after 5 years: £6,000-£6,800 current value. The ongoing energy savings (£580-£1,100/yr) are NOT typically capitalised in divorce settlements — they're treated like ongoing utility savings, not an income stream.