How are solar panels taxed in the UK?

The way solar panel income is taxed in the UK varies based on installation and usage. If you have a domestic installation and are signed up to an export tariff (e.g. like the Smart Export Guarantee), you'll get paid for the surplus electricity you send back to the grid.

How much do solar panels cost to export?

Find out which energy companies have the best rates. The amount you can get paid for exporting energy from your solar panels varies from a paltry 1p to as much as 40p per kWh. That means that if you've got solar panels, choosing the best export tariff could earn you hundreds of pounds extra in payments every year.

Do I have to pay tax on solar panels?

Normally, you won't get charged VAT or income tax on this payment if you produce electricity primarily for your own home. However, for businesses and commercial properties, the money made from solar panels, including feed-in tariffs, might be subject to taxes.

Is there a zero-rate VAT on solar panels?

A zero-rate of VAT on the installation of energy-saving materials (ESMs), including solar panels, in residential accommodation, was introduced on 1 April 2022. At the time, it only applied to England, Scotland, and Wales. Following a new agreement between the UK and the EU, the zero-rating was also implemented in Northern Ireland on 1 May 2023.

Do you pay VAT on solar panels?

If you buy solar panels from one provider and have them installed by someone else, you'll be hit with a standard 20% VAT rate when buying them. Plus, any maintenance or repairs after installation will be at the standard VAT rate.

How do tariff rates for solar PV installations work?

The amount of generation which is deemed to be exported is set by the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero each year in their annual determinations. Tariff rates for Solar PV installations are uniquely split into Higher, Middle and Lower bands.