The Impact of Solar Panels on the Price and Saleability of Domestic Properties in Oxford

Studies into energy efficiency and micro-generation in the built environment tend to focus on the economic or environmental paybacks of installed technologies. However, as the opening quote suggests, features that reduce the energy consumption of a property may also play a role in influencing property value. To date research into whether and to what extent energy efficiency and micro-generation technologies, such as solar panels, affect the price and saleability of properties has been limited and the assumption amongst property professionals has been that these installations do not affect the price or saleability of properties (Home Sale Network 2009; RICS 2010). This paper addresses the topic by reporting the results of a study which examined property buyer responses to solar panels and explored the expectations of householders and estate agents surrounding solar panels and value in domestic properties in Oxford.