Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are set to become more detailed, more influential and more important for homeowners and landlords across the UK.
In a recent partial policy response, the UK Government confirmed significant reforms to how EPCs are measured and when they are required. These changes are designed to give a clearer picture of how a home actually performs – and they strongly favour properties that generate and store their own clean electricity.
For homeowners in the South East, this is very good news. Solar PV and battery storage are now more relevant to EPC performance than ever before.
EPCs Are Changing – Here’s What Matters for Homeowners
Historically, EPCs relied on a single headline rating, which often failed to reflect real world energy use or the benefits of modern technology. Under the reformed EPC framework for domestic properties, certificates will now assess homes using multiple headline metrics, including:
- Energy cost
- Fabric performance
- Heating system performance
- Smart readiness
- A secondary metric for overall energy demand
This shift means EPCs will no longer focus on just one score, but instead show how and why a home performs well – or poorly.
Why Solar PV Improves EPC Scores Across Multiple Metrics
Installing a solar PV system positively influences several of the new EPC indicators at the same time:
Lower Energy Cost Metric
Solar panels reduce the amount of electricity a household needs to buy from the grid. This directly improves the energy cost metric, one of the new EPC headline measures. With energy prices remaining volatile, EPC assessors will increasingly recognise the long term value of on-site generation.
Reduced Energy Demand
One of the secondary EPC metrics will reflect modelled delivered energy demand. A correctly designed solar PV system will offset daytime electricity use, reduce total imported energy and improve the property’s overall energy demand score. This is particularly valuable in the South East, where solar generation levels are among the highest in the UK.
Future Proofing Heating Performance
As the UK continues its transition away from gas boilers, homes that already generate electricity on-site are better positioned for heat pumps, electric heating systems and smart load management. Solar PV supports improved heating system performance, even if a heat pump is installed later.
How Battery Storage Strengthens EPC Performance Further
Battery storage is increasingly important under the reformed EPC framework. One of the new EPC headline metrics assesses how well a home can:
- Manage energy intelligently
- Store electricity
- Shift usage away from peak grid periods
Battery storage scores highly in this category by:
- Capturing excess solar generation
- Delivering stored power when demand is highest
- Enabling compatibility with smart tariffs and energy management systems
Higher Self-Consumption = Better EPC Outcomes
EPC assessments favour homes that use more of the energy they generate. A battery allows homeowner to use solar energy around the clock, reducing grid dependency. This strengthens both the energy cost and energy demand metrics and demonstrates a stronger overall system efficiency.
EPC Timing Rules Are Tightening – Act Early
Under the proposed reforms:
- EPCs will need to be in place before an property is marketed for sale or rent
- Short term lets and HMOs will fall under tighter EPC requirements
- EPCs will still last 10 years, but expectations around performance are rising
Installing solar PV and battery storage before an EPC assessment ensures the improvements are fully captured and reflected in the certificate.
Why EPC Reform Matters for South East Homeowners
Whether you are planning to sell or rent out a property, improving your long term energy efficiency or future proofing against regulatory changes, solar PV and battery storage are among the most effective upgrades you can make to improve EPC performance under the new rules.
They do not just improve a single score, they strengthen multiple EPC metrics simultaneously, while also delivering real world savings and energy security.
SolarTherm UK: Designing EPC Ready Solar Systems
At SolarTherm UK we design solar PV and battery storage systems with EPC performance in mind. We use local South East generation data and personalised measurements for your property and usage to create a solar PV and battery storage solution that will generate long term results and be compliant for future stricter regulation.
The result? Reduced energy costs, improved EPC ratings and an increase in property attractiveness to buyers and tenants.
Thinking About Improving Your EPC Rating?
Solar PV and battery storage are no longer optional extras – they are becoming core components of a high performing, future ready home.
If you would like to find how solar PV can increase your EPC and save you money, contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
FAQs
Do solar panels improve an EPC rating?
Yes. Solar PV reduces a home’s reliance on grid electricity, which improves EPC metrics linked to energy cost, energy demand, and overall efficiency.
Does battery storage help EPC scores as well?
Yes. Battery storage improves EPC outcomes by increasing solar self-consumption, supporting smart energy use, and strengthening the new “smart readiness” metric.
Will solar and batteries matter more under the new EPC rules?
Yes. The reformed EPC framework introduced by the UK Government places greater emphasis on real energy performance, smart systems, and long-term running costs—areas where solar and batteries perform strongly.
Should I install solar before getting an EPC?
Absolutely. Installing solar PV and battery storage before an EPC assessment ensures the improvements are fully captured and reflected in your certificate.
Can solar help landlords meet EPC requirements?
Yes. Solar PV and battery storage can play a key role in improving EPC performance and supporting compliance with current and future rental regulations.
