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01 · Ask
Heat pump, solar, battery or all?
Different priorities, different ROI. Describe the house, the bills and the budget — the AI tells you what stacks up.
A guide to solar lease & mortgage.
Existing solar lease on a property you're buying or selling — what mortgage lenders want and how to resolve.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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Hire a renewables installer. MCS or no grant.
Read the brief on MCS, BUS grants, heat-loss surveys and right-sizing — then let Three local installers quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
BUS £7,500 heat pump grant, SEG export tariffs, MCS certification, EPC requirements, radiator upgrades. Know the rules.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 installer quotes
Three local installers quote on the same spec — heat-loss, sizing, grants, warranty — so the cheapest isn't accidentally the unfunded.
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Get renewables quotes Ready when you are
Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.
Top tips
Hiring a renewable energy, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Use MCS-certified installers only.
BUS, ECO4, SEG payments all require MCS-certified installation. Any installer without MCS means no grants and no SEG export tariff.
Get a heat-loss survey for heat pumps.
Heat pumps must be properly sized to your house heat loss. Insist on a Heat Loss Calculation (MCS-recognised) — never a 'kW per m²' shortcut.
Check radiator compatibility.
Heat pumps run at lower flow temps (35–55°C vs 70°C for gas). Most existing rads are undersized. Cost: £200–£500 per upgraded rad — get this on the quote.
Don't oversize solar PV.
Generation beyond what you export earns 5–15p/kWh (SEG). Generation you use saves 30p+. Right-sized to consumption beats massive arrays for ROI.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Air source heat pump (install)Pre-grant
£8k–£14k
Ground source heat pump
£18k–£35k
Solar PV 4kW system
£6k–£9k
Battery storage (5kWh)
£3.5k–£6.5k
Solar thermal (hot water)
£4k–£7.5k
EV charger (Type 2, 7kW)
£800–£1.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Renewable Energy briefing.
Infographic
Renewable Energy quick-view
Video guide
Renewable Energy explained
Solar lease (rent-a-roof) contracts can block UK mortgages and sales. 2010-2015 FiT-era schemes. Lender unease over 20-25 year roof access lease. Expect to pay £0–£3,500 for UK solar lease buy-out or legal navigation.
What Does the Work Involve?
Identify lease provider (A Shade Greener, Solar Plants UK, ISIS, MyPlanet, etc.). Check lender's solar lease policy (most now accept). Buy-out option price quote. Solicitor reviews lease terms. Buyer mortgage application with lease disclosed.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar lease buy-out | 0 | 3,500 | Varies by years remaining |
| Lease assignment to buyer | 0 | 500 | Provider admin fee |
| Conveyancing solicitor review | 100 | 500 | Plus normal conveyancing |
| Mortgage broker specialist | 250 | 800 | Lender selection |
| Title indemnity insurance | 50 | 300 | One-off if defect |
| FiT income annually | 0 | 0 | Goes to lease provider |
| Electricity bill saving (free electricity day) | 200 | 500 | Per year |
UK Regulations
Council of Mortgage Lenders (UK Finance) Solar Lease Guidance 2014. Most lenders now accept compliant leases. Lender-specific policies vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lenders accept?
Nationwide, Halifax, NatWest, Santander, Lloyds typically yes if compliant. Specialist lenders for non-compliant.
Buy-out worth it?
Take FiT income for remainder of 25-year term plus simplifies sale. ROI depends on years remaining.
Lease assignment process?
Provider admin form. Buyer signs over. £0-£500 admin fee. Solicitor reviews terms.
Removed without paying?
Breach of contract. Penalties up to £20,000+. Don't remove without negotiation.
FiT vs SEG ownership?
Lease holds FiT. You get free daytime electricity only. New panels: you keep SEG.
Best legal route?
Specialist solar lease solicitor. Get lease audit before listing. Pre-empts buyer issues.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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