As a landlord, HMO owner, or property investor, you’ll know that rental properties come with plenty of opportunities and challenges. One of the biggest considerations is the cost of energy bills. With many HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) including energy bills in the rent, rising electricity prices can quickly eat into your profits.
That’s where solar panels for landlords and HMO owners can make a huge difference. By generating your own clean electricity, you can drastically reduce overheads, increase property appeal, and future proof your investment against unpredictable energy markets. When combined with battery storage, solar power offers even greater savings and energy independence.
At Three Counties, we provide tailored solutions for property investors across, offering solar panels only, battery storage only, or a combined system designed specifically to meet your rental property’s needs.
Cut Energy Costs for HMOs and Rental Properties
For HMO landlords, energy bills can often outweigh other major expenses like licensing, management fees, or tenant find costs. Installing solar panels on your property can significantly reduce these bills, helping you save up to £200 per month, depending on your system size and how much your tenants use.
With battery storage for landlords, these savings can be maximised further. By storing energy generated during the day, you can use it during peak evening hours when tariffs are at their highest. This not only keeps costs down but also ensures a reliable energy supply for your tenants.
In a rental market where landlords can struggle to maintain strong yields, solar energy for HMOs provides a clear and measurable advantage.
Flexible Solar & Battery Storage Packages
Every landlord and property investor has different goals, which is why Three Counties offers bespoke packages that give you complete flexibility:
Solar Panels Only: Generate your own electricity and reduce reliance on the grid.
Battery Storage Only: Store energy efficiently to use during peak times. This is also an excellent upgrade if you already have solar panels installed.
Combined Solar Panels & Batteries: The best of both worlds, maximising your long term savings and providing greater energy independence.
This flexible approach ensures your solar system integrates seamlessly into your property while giving you control over costs and consumption.
Increase Property Value & Tenant Appeal
Rental properties equipped with solar panels are increasingly attractive to tenants. With energy costs a top concern, lower bills can set your property apart from the competition.
Solar equipped HMOs are also more appealing to long term tenants. Many renters, especially young professionals and families, are actively looking for affordable and sustainable living. By providing this, you not only reduce costly void periods but also cut back on agency fees for regular tenant replacement as you can help increase the length your tenants will stay in your property, which in turn will help improve how they treat your property and potentially reduce your maintenance costs.
For property investors, solar panels can boost long term returns by increasing property value while making your portfolio more competitive in a market that is becoming more ecoconscious every year.
Return on your Investment
While landlords often think of solar as a long term investment, it can actually pay for itself surprisingly quickly. Depending on your system, solar panels for HMOs and rental properties can deliver a return on investment in as little as 4 years.
Beyond the direct cost savings, solar power makes your HMO more attractive to tenants who are not only budget conscious but also environmentally aware. Many are willing to pay higher rents for the benefits of lower energy bills and sustainable living.
By installing solar, you secure consistent returns, predictable running costs, and an asset that continues to deliver value for decades.
Eco Friendly & Sustainable Energy
Today’s tenants and investors are increasingly focused on sustainability. HMOs and rental properties powered by solar panels demonstrate a clear commitment to the environment.
By switching to renewable energy for landlords, you reduce your property’s carbon footprint, lower reliance on fossil fuels, and align your portfolio with modern green standards. This is an excellent way to strengthen your reputation as a forward thinking property investor while supporting a greener future.
Low Maintenance, Predictable Energy
Our modern solar panel and battery storage systems are designed with landlords in mind. With minimal maintenance required, you can rely on long term stability and performance without additional stress.
For landlords who include utilities in rent, the benefit of predictable energy costs is particularly valuable. Instead of unpredictable spikes in bills, you’ll have consistent, manageable outgoings, making financial planning for your rental property far more reliable.
Potential Additional Revenue
In addition to saving money, solar panels for landlords can also create new income opportunities. Surplus energy generated by your system may be sold back to the grid under export tariffs.
Although rates will vary depending on your energy provider, returns typically range between 1p and 25p per kWh. Some suppliers even offer higher rates during peak demand periods. A combined solar and battery storage system gives you even greater flexibility, allowing you to decide when to use stored energy and when to export it.
While the revenue may not be the main reason to install solar, it’s an attractive additional benefit that strengthens your overall investment strategy.
