EPC Band query

jimpix12

Hi all, I have moved into a new build that is rated EPC Band C, only a few points shy of band B.

With Solar PV installed, the EPC states that I'd need to get 2.5 kwph to achieve Band B - or a rating of 90, which is only 2 points shy of that elusive Band A rating... i.e. should I go all the way?. If I were to get PV I'd go for a higher output, probably 3.5 kwph.

Can anyone advise about any anecdotals on home values on Band A properties? According to what I've read less than 1% of homes are Band A. I know that PV Panels have a small-to-none-existant effect on house prices but what about EPC bands? Trying to achieve Band A is something I'm interested in, cost-permitting.

rogerblack

I vaguely remember comments from estate agents 'nobody ever asks'.
I don't know if this has changed.
I would be truly astonished if it adds 3000ish onto your property price.

Martyn1981

spunko2010 wrote: »

Hi all, I have moved into a new build that is rated EPC Band C, only a few points shy of band B.

With Solar PV installed, the EPC states that I'd need to get 2.5 kwph to achieve Band B - or a rating of 90, which is only 2 points shy of that elusive Band A rating... i.e. should I go all the way?. If I were to get PV I'd go for a higher output, probably 3.5 kwph.

Can anyone advise about any anecdotals on home values on Band A properties? According to what I've read less than 1% of homes are Band A. I know that PV Panels have a small-to-none-existant effect on house prices but what about EPC bands? Trying to achieve Band A is something I'm interested in, cost-permitting.

Hiya. I think it's quite admirable to aim for as low an energy rating as you can. Appreciate that it all costs, but hopefully you'll have many years of payback.

However, as far as house values go, I doubt the EPC banding makes much of a difference. I'm sure people would prefer lower, but getting most to appreciate any value in it - unlikely. We may find that such issues gradually sneak onto buyers radar more and more, as I believe they now do when shopping for appliances, but today, sadly, many will fail to appreciate the long term savings. So it may not be reflected properly, yet!

Regarding system size, given the large amount of fixed costs, labour, paperwork, scaffolding, cabling, rails etc etc, it would certainly be worth going as large as you can happily afford, in order to achieve a lower price / kWp, and hence a higher return.

Best of luck.

Mart.

WestonDave

My advice would be to have a bit of a play on the Energy Saving Trust website. I was quite surprised how little difference solar PV makes to the EPC, but then if the EPC is about energy efficiency, in theory you could have solar PV but be using a lot of energy (partly because its free!). I think when I looked it was unlikely solar PV would push me from a borderline C/D without to a B with, so on the same basis I'd be surprised if you got into an A from a C just by installing solar PV even if its a full 4kwp system.

As for being a selling point, I guess that depends on how well its installed. Some people won't like the look of panels on the roof so it will be a negative for them, and if you've got horrible trunking around the place to run the cables again it will be a mark down. On the other hand if you've got them on the back of the house, with everything wired in conveniently so its almost forgettable, I can see some people seeing it as a plus, although that might just mean it sells quicker for the same price rather than getting a higher price.

Itismehonest

Some of the most expensive properties in the country have fairly low EPC ratings. For instance, someone wanting a period property takes little or no interest in it's EPC.

jimpix12

Thanks guys. RE: westondave I can never get the energy saving trust's online EPC calulcator to show anything higher than a Band D, even though mine is C.

Also according to the notes on my EPC certificate, installing a 2.5kwph system will take the property well into Band B - I was thinking about this earlier, does anyone know how they arrived at the 2.5 kpwh figure, or is that standard? I wonder if it's what they'd figure I'd need to generate all my electricity, seems unlikely though. I was looking at a 3.5 kwph system and the sales person from a local solar company said he wasn't exactly sure on my consumption needs and that I should produce a leccy bill (1 person, 3 bed detached).

jimpix12

Itismehonest wrote: »

Some of the most expensive properties in the country have fairly low EPC ratings. For instance, someone wanting a period property takes little or no interest in it's EPC.

True, but my home is brand new, so it's unlikely to attract any interest from that area of the market.

Itismehonest

True.
This thread may still be of interest...... although the period property side is often referred to.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3895957

Of particular interest, I think, may be the part which finds that any increase in price would have to fully reflect savings in energy use etc.