Zero VAT on energy saving 'ancillary' works

phoenix__

Various energy saving things (solar panels, insulation...) currently attract zero VAT. This extends to ancillary things, such as batteries if installed at the same time as solar PV.

Does anyone know, if I was to get integrated solar panels rather than on-roof panels, does the replacement of roof battens/membrane, which are directly needed to support the integrated panels count as ancillary that would also be zero VAT. (From reading the VAT notice, I believe the answer is an easy yes).

The follow on, and less obvious question is, if at the same time as installing integrated solar panels, I was also to replace the rest of the roof (with regular roof tiles, and battens/membrane) could this be counted as ancillary and therefore also zero VAT? 

There would also be energy saving insulation being installed under all parts on the roof.

Grumpy_chap

I assume that if you have solar installed by a solar company, then they are all up to speed on the VAT status and the quotes are zero VAT by default where applicable.

Who installs the integrated type panels you mention?  Is that also by the solar companies, or would that need to be by a roofer?  It may well be that a roofer is not as familiar with possible VAT-exemption and, even if they are, may not wish to be involved with the admin of determining VAT-exemption so just process everything as "roofing".  That would mean that consideration of the extent of ancillary works that are exempt becomes moot.

phoenix__

I was looking at getting a new roof (roofer), and then having the panels installed (solar company).

The roofer is aware we were planning on getting solar, and has just mentioned they have done a integrated panel course, using BMI panels (which is a roofing manufacturer making panels) and will work with a mcs certified electrician to do the electrics if we wanted their service 

They admit it's a new area for them, and the initial quote for solar included vat - which led me to reading the guidance and the consideration that with integrated panels, maybe "the rest of the roof" could be considered ancillary.

So, it would be the roofer installing the panels, but they would sub-contract an electrician so I get one invoice for everything (which is another requirement to be zero VAT).

I've asked them the question, as I understand it, they can invoice at zero VAT as long as they are happy it's following the guidance.

A 20% saving on the new roof would be nice, although I still need to consider the actual panels they are proposing.