Solar panels can increase home value

Solar Panels could add 3 to 4 percent to home value

We all know the benefits of having solar panels installed - electricity costs are slashed, you contribute your part in helping to reduce CO2 emissions and you know that, thanks to government rebates and programmes, you're guaranteed an income based on selling your electricity back to the grid for years to come.

But now an American survey has found evidence to suggest that it can add up to 3 or 4 per cent to value of your home too. If you think about it, it makes sense - when you sell your home those panels aren't going anywhere and having a guaranteed reduction on annual utility costs represents a very attractive proposition to potential buyers who may well, in such uncertain economic times, already be stretching their budget by purchasing your property.

Indeed, the survey's origin in America may well suggest that the effect on British prices may be even more profound. Utility prices are, generally, higher in the UK and taxes on non-environmentally friendly fuel sources are fairly punitive, as most of us know all too well. With the UK marketplace for solar panels having exploded in the last few months - it's been hard to escape it in the national press and on primetime television - it's fairly logical that buyers will see a solar panel installation as a real plus point when viewing a house.

So, if you're wanting to maximise the value of your home and ensure that your cash is working hard for you in the times when you most need it, consider adding a solar panel installation - it could end up saving you even more than you initially thought.

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