Can I claim solar costs against tax?

For qualifying furnished holiday lets: solar installation is capital expenditure. You may be able to claim capital allowances (Annual Investment Allowance). Consult your accountant for your specific situation.

What size system for a holiday cottage?

Typical 2-3 bed holiday cottage: 3-4kW system (8-10 panels). Cost: £5,000-£7,000. Saves £300-£600/yr depending on occupancy rates.

Do guests need to know about the solar panels?

It's a selling point! Mention it in your listing: 'eco-friendly cottage with solar-powered electricity'. Include a simple guide showing guests how to maximise self-consumption (run dishwasher/washing machine during the day).

What about periods when the property is empty?

When unoccupied: solar exports to the grid earning SEG payments (4.5-15p/kWh). With a battery: it stores solar for when guests arrive. Either way, the panels never stop generating value.

Solar for Holiday Lets UK

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 18 March 2026|guide

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Solar holiday let — Holiday lets benefit from solar: peak bookings match peak solar output.

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Are solar panels worth it for a holiday let?

Solar panels for holiday lets are an excellent investment: (1) SEASONAL MATCH — peak bookings (summer) = peak solar output. Guests use electricity during the sunniest months. (2) SAVINGS — £300-£600/yr on electricity costs (depending on occupancy and system size). (3) ECO APPEAL — 'eco-friendly holiday cottage with solar panels' attracts environmentally conscious guests and commands premium rates. (4) EPC IMPROVEMENT — holiday lets need minimum EPC E (may rise to C). Solar boosts EPC by 1-2 bands. (5) TAX BENEFITS — solar installation costs are capital expenditure (deductible against furnished holiday let profits over time). (6) BATTERY OPTIONAL — with high occupancy, most solar is self-consumed without a battery. A battery helps during shoulder season (spring/autumn) gaps between bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Home Heating Systems

Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.

heat pump running costs in the UK

Heat pumps use electricity at 300-400% efficiency, making them ideal partners for solar.

heat pump installation process

Heat pump installation typically takes 2-3 days and is best planned alongside solar.

From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide