Can You Get Equity Release with Solar Panels? (2026)
Owned solar panels are generally fine for equity release. Leased panels are more problematic. Here's what lenders look for and how to proceed if you have panels on your roof.
Yes — if the solar panels are owned outright. Owned solar panels are generally acceptable for equity release and may even increase property value. However, leased panels (where a third party owns the panels and leases your roof) can be problematic. Some lenders will not accept properties with leased solar panels.
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Owned solar panels
If you purchased your solar panels outright (or they were included in the property when you bought it), they are generally not a problem for equity release. In fact, they may be viewed positively:
- No third-party interest: The panels are your property. There is no lease agreement, no third-party rights, and no encumbrance on the roof.
- Potential value increase: Solar panels can reduce energy bills, which some buyers view as attractive. The valuer may factor this into the property value.
- No ongoing obligations: You are not tied to a lease or maintenance contract with a third party.
The valuer will note the panels in their report, but this is usually a formality. The lender is unlikely to impose any conditions.
Leased solar panels: the problem
Leased solar panels are where a third-party company installed the panels on your roof at no upfront cost, and you pay a monthly lease fee or the company keeps the feed-in tariff income. The company retains ownership of the panels.
The problem for equity release is that the lease agreement creates a third-party interest in your property:
- The lease is typically registered against the property title
- The leasing company has rights to access your roof for maintenance
- The lease may run for 20–25 years
- The lease passes to new owners if you sell the property
Some equity release providers view this as an unacceptable encumbrance. The lender wants a clean, unencumbered title. A roof lease can complicate this.
| Provider Approach | Typical Response |
|---|---|
| Conservative providers | Will not accept leased panels under any circumstances |
| Flexible providers | May accept if the lease is reviewed and deemed acceptable |
| Specialist providers | May have specific criteria for solar panel leases |
Rent-a-roof schemes
'Rent-a-roof' schemes were popular in the 2010s. A company installed panels for free; in exchange, they kept the feed-in tariff income for 20–25 years. You benefited from reduced electricity bills.
These schemes are particularly problematic for equity release because:
- The lease is typically 25 years — longer than many equity release plans
- The leasing company has extensive rights over your roof
- The lease may include restrictions on alterations to the property
- Some leases have onerous terms that make the property difficult to sell
If you are in a rent-a-roof scheme, your options are:
- Buy out the lease. This removes the encumbrance but may cost £5,000–£15,000.
- Find a flexible provider. Some providers will accept the property if the lease is reviewed by their legal team and deemed acceptable.
- Wait until the lease ends. Not practical if you need equity release now.
Buying out a solar panel lease
If your solar panel lease is preventing equity release, buying out the lease may be the solution:
- Contact the leasing company and request a buyout quote.
- Review the lease terms — some leases have early termination penalties.
- Negotiate the buyout price. The leasing company may be willing to reduce the price to secure an early exit.
- Pay the buyout and remove the lease from the property title.
- Reapply for equity release with a clean title.
The cost of buying out a lease varies widely — from £3,000 to £20,000 depending on the remaining term, the feed-in tariff value, and the leasing company's terms. Some equity release providers will allow you to use part of the released funds to pay for the buyout, though this adds complexity.
How panels affect property valuation
Solar panels can affect property valuation in different ways:
| Panel Type | Valuation Impact | Equity Release Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Owned panels (new, efficient) | May add £5,000–£10,000 to value | Positive — no issues |
| Owned panels (old, inefficient) | Neutral or slight negative | Neutral — no issues |
| Leased panels (good lease terms) | Neutral | May be accepted by flexible providers |
| Leased panels (onerous terms) | May reduce value | Likely declined by most providers |
| Rent-a-roof scheme | May reduce value | Problematic — may need lease buyout |
The valuer will assess the panels as part of the standard property valuation. They will note the type, age, condition, and any lease agreements. The lender uses this information to decide whether to proceed.
Check your property's eligibility
Solar panels are rarely a barrier. Enter your details to see if your property qualifies for equity release.
People Also Ask
Only if they are leased and the lease is onerous. Owned panels are almost never a problem.
It depends on the provider. Some will decline; others may accept if the lease is reviewed. A whole-of-market adviser can find the most suitable provider.
Typically £3,000–£20,000 depending on the remaining term, feed-in tariff value, and the leasing company's terms.
Yes. You must disclose all property features, including solar panels. Hiding them will cause delays and could result in a declined application.
The valuer will note the panels in their report but will not typically conduct a detailed technical inspection. They are primarily concerned with ownership and lease arrangements.
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Reviewed by Chris, CII-qualified equity release specialist · Last reviewed July 2026