Landlords across the UK are under increasing pressure to improve EPC rating for landlords ahead of the proposed 2030 requirement for rental properties to achieve EPC band C. With energy standards tightening and tenant expectations rising, investing in smart, energy-efficient upgrades is no longer optional. Acting early not only supports compliance but can also enhance property value, reduce long-term running costs, and improve tenant appeal.
Two of the most popular retrofit options are solar panels and air source heat pumps, both offering long performance and sustainability, but we recommend you carry out a personal independent assessment to determine which works are best for you.
How Solar Panels Help Improve EPC Rating for Landlords
Solar systems absorb sunlight and generate electricity. The system converts this electricity for use in the home. If the property produces excess energy, owners can export it to the grid and generate renewable power.
Solar power directly boosts EC scores by cutting carbon emissions and reducing energy costs. A well-designed PV system can raise a property’s SAP score by 6-10 points, equivalent to one or two EPC bands.
Property Suitability:
- Best suited for south-facing roofs with a 30–50° pitch
- East/West roofs are also effective; north-facing roofs are less viable.
- Avoid shaded areas to maintain output and efficiency.
Both tenants and landlords’ benefit: tenants enjoy lower bills (where arrangements allow), while landlords gain higher EPC ratings and improved property value.
Always use MCS-certified installers to ensure eligibility for schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee and guarantee installation quality.
Air Source Heat Pumps to Improve EPC Rating for Landlords
An air source heat pump works much like a fridge but in reverse, extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors to warm the home and provide hot water. This process is efficient even in cold weather, offering reliable, low-carbon heating year-round.
EPC Benefits
Replacing older gas or oil boilers with a heat pump can significantly boost EPC ratings, thanks to improved system efficiency and reduced emissions. These systems work particularly well in:
- Well insulated homes that retain heat effectively
- Properties off the mains gas grid
- Retrofits where other energy-saving measures (like insulation or double glazing) are also planned
Grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can reduce upfront costs, and further support may be available through council-backed schemes.
As with solar, quality matters. Make sure you book an independent assessment to see which is right for your property and ensure TrustMark or MCS accredited professionals complete the installation to maintain performance and warranty standards.
Landlords planning long-term improvements should consider how each upgrade contributes to overall compliance. Both solar panels and air source heat pumps can significantly improve EPC rating for landlords, particularly when combined with insulation and other energy-saving measures.
Choosing the Best Way to Improve EPC Rating for Landlords
| Aspect | Solar Panels | Heat Pumps |
| Best For | Properties with good roof space to generate on-site electricity | Improving heating efficiency in well-insulated homes |
| Primary Function | Generate renewable electricity for appliances and lighting | Extract heat from air to provide heating and hot water |
| Impact on Energy Bills | Reduces electricity bills by offsetting grid usage | Reduces heating bills through high system efficiency |
| EPC Impact | Raises EPC by lowering carbon emissions | Improves EPC by replacing fossil fuel heating |
| Suitability | South or well-oriented roofs with minimal shading | Well-insulated, off-gas homes or properties undergoing retrofits |
| Installation Complexity | Moderate; MCS-certified installer needed | More complex; requires specialist heating engineers |
| Complementarity | Can power a heat pump with clean electricity | Can run efficiently using solar-generated power |
| Typical Life Expectancy | 25–30 years | Around 20 years |
| Upfront Cost | Moderate | Higher (but eligible for grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme) |
How to fund EPC upgrades
Renewable technologies can be an investment, but funding support is growing.
- Lendology offers Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loans which could help landlords and homeowners spread the cost of upgrades responsibly.
- Government schemes like ECO, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and Warm Homes Grant can provide partial or full funding depending on eligibility and EPC rating.
- Local councils often have additional energy efficiency grants, particularly for properties rated EPC D or below.
Real Home Improvement Stories
Across the South West, landlords and homeowners have already upgraded their homes with help from Lendology loans, installing solar panels, insulation, and efficient heating systems.
Mr F, a homeowner in Bath, wanted to make his home greener and more energy efficient. With support from Lendology, he installed solar thermal panels, a smart water tank, and internal and external wall insulation. A combination which significantly improved his property’s comfort and reduced its carbon footprint.
His story highlights how council-backed Renewable Energy Loans can help homeowners bridge the financial gap to achieve long-term energy savings and sustainability goals. Please click here to read more.
Representative Example (4% Fixed Interest Rate, Representative 4.2% APR).
Borrow £5,000 over 60 months, £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction against your property at the Land Registry. The £20.00 fee is only payable if a loan is agreed by Lendology and you decide to proceed with a loan. We do not charge interest on the fee. A Title Restriction means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future.
Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction.
Future Proof Your Property
Solar panels and heat pumps aren’t just eco-friendly extras; they’re key tools for futureproofing rental homes. As energy regulations tighten, these upgrades will set compliant, desirable properties apart.
Now is the time for landlords to explore their options, seek advice, and take proactive steps towards energy-efficient, sustainable homes.
Thinking about adding solar panels or a heat pump to your rental property?
Explore our Energy Efficiency or Renewable Energy loans to see how we could help you take the next step.
