As energy efficiency becomes a key concern for homeowners and landlords, renewable energy solutions are increasingly popular. Not only do these systems reduce environmental impact, but they can also improve your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which is crucial for property value, compliance, and running costs.
Understanding which green upgrades deliver the biggest impact on your EPC score is essential before investing. For a professional EPC assessment and advice tailored to your property, you can book with EPCrate.
Why Renewable Energy Affects EPC Ratings
EPC ratings measure a property’s energy efficiency and CO₂ emissions. Renewable energy technologies contribute by:
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions
Lowering energy consumption from non-renewable sources
Enhancing the overall energy efficiency score
Common renewable solutions include solar panels, heat pumps, and solar water heating, each with different impacts on your EPC.
1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
How they work:
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight, which can power your home and reduce reliance on the grid.
Impact on EPC:
Lowers estimated annual energy consumption
Reduces carbon emissions
Can increase EPC rating by 1–2 bands depending on system size and household usage
Considerations:
Roof orientation and shading affect efficiency
Quality and installation standards matter
Professional EPC assessors can calculate the precise impact:
👉 EPC Services – London Assessors
2. Solar Water Heating Systems
How they work:
Solar thermal panels capture sunlight to heat water, reducing reliance on conventional boilers or immersion heaters.
Impact on EPC:
Decreases energy required for hot water
Can improve EPC rating, especially in older homes with inefficient water systems
Installation tips:
Ensure tanks and pipework are insulated
Combine with existing heating systems for maximum efficiency
3. Heat Pumps (Air Source or Ground Source)
How they work:
Heat pumps extract energy from the air, ground, or water to heat your home efficiently.
Impact on EPC:
Significantly reduces energy consumption for heating
Produces lower carbon emissions than fossil-fuel boilers
Can boost EPC ratings for older properties with inefficient heating
Note: Professional installation is crucial for system efficiency and EPC credit.
4. Biomass Boilers
How they work:
Burn wood pellets, chips, or logs as an alternative to gas or oil boilers.
Impact on EPC:
Lower CO₂ emissions
Improves energy efficiency ratings for heating
Recommended for larger properties with space for fuel storage
Tip: Keep detailed installation and maintenance records to maximise EPC points.
5. Small-Scale Wind Turbines
How they work:
Convert wind energy into electricity for domestic use.
Impact on EPC:
Can reduce grid electricity consumption
EPC scoring impact is limited unless combined with other efficiency measures
Best suited for rural or exposed locations
Factors That Determine EPC Improvement
While renewable energy can improve ratings, impact depends on property characteristics:
Property Size and Layout – Larger properties may benefit more from heat pumps or solar PV.
Existing Energy Systems – Replacing inefficient boilers has a greater effect than adding solar to an already efficient home.
Insulation and Draught-Proofing – Renewable energy works best in a well-insulated property.
System Quality and Maintenance – Poorly installed or maintained systems may not improve EPC scores.
For older properties, assessors often recommend combining renewable energy with insulation upgrades for maximum rating improvement.
Cost vs EPC Benefit
Investing in renewable energy should balance installation costs, energy savings, and EPC improvement:
Solar PV panels: Medium cost, moderate EPC gain
Heat pumps: High cost, high EPC gain
Solar water heating: Low to medium cost, moderate gain
Biomass boilers: Medium cost, moderate gain
Small wind turbines: Variable cost, limited EPC gain
Professional assessment helps identify which upgrade gives the best return on investment:
👉 EPCrate Pricing & Services
Professional EPC Assessment: Why It Matters
A certified EPC assessor will:
Evaluate your property’s current energy efficiency
Recommend high-impact renewable and energy-saving upgrades
Issue a compliant EPC certificate for selling, renting, or legal purposes
Book a professional EPC assessment with EPCrate to see how renewable energy could improve your score:
👉 Contact EPC Experts
Final Thoughts
Renewable energy can be a powerful tool to improve EPC ratings while reducing carbon footprint and energy costs. The most effective upgrades depend on property type, age, and current systems.
Email :info@epcrate.co.uk
Phone:020 34884142
