Do Buyers Want Homes With Solar Panels and Batteries? Rightmove's 2026 Greener Homes Report Explained (Essex)

Nearly two-thirds of people planning a move would like their next home to generate most or all of its own energy, according to Rightmove's 2026 Greener Homes Report, published today. So do buyers really want homes with solar panels and batteries, and what should you think about if you live in Thurrock or elsewhere in Essex? This guide is accurate as of 22 October 2026. For advice on your own property, call CPW Electrical Solutions on 07545 571230.

What did Rightmove's Greener Homes Report find?

Rightmove's report draws on more than 17 million EPC certificates, almost 30 million property listings and a survey of 1,062 UK consumers carried out in August. The headline findings, as reported on 22 October 2026:

• 63% of home movers would ideally like their home to generate most or all of its own energy. Just 8% would prefer to stay fully reliant on the grid.

• 53% said recent energy price rises have increased their interest in solar panels and home battery storage.

• Since 2022, mentions of heat pumps in newly listed homes have risen 151%, and mentions of solar panels are up 94%.

• 87% said a home's ability to stay cool in summer matters when choosing where to live, and 45% said their current home does not cope well in hot weather.

• Searches for homes for sale with air conditioning rose 104% this summer compared with the same period last year.

Why are people more interested in solar and batteries?

Bills are the main reason. Mortgage Introducer notes that Ofgem's price cap rose 4% on 1 October to £1,723 a year for a typical household. Rightmove's Energy Bills Tracker estimates annual bills of £706 for an EPC A-rated home, against £2,337 across all homes and £6,379 for an EPC G-rated home.

Rightmove's property expert, Colleen Babcock, said several years of energy price volatility have encouraged more households to think about reducing their reliance on the grid.

Will solar panels add value to my home?

The report does not say that. It shows that homes advertised with solar panels have an average asking price of £412,901, and homes mentioning heat pumps £545,220, against a national average of £367,440. Rightmove says these features tend to be concentrated in higher-priced homes, so those figures do not prove that adding solar raises a home's value. What the survey does show is strong buyer interest. Your own savings depend on your roof, your usage and your tariff, so ask for a survey-based estimate rather than relying on headline figures.

What paperwork will a buyer ask for?

If you already have solar, a battery or an EV charger and plan to sell, a buyer's solicitor is likely to ask for the installation paperwork. Keep it together:

• The MCS certificate for solar panels or a heat pump.

• The electrical installation certificate and Building Regulations (Part P) notification for the electrical work.

• Confirmation that the network operator was notified about the system.

• Manuals, warranties and any monitoring app details.

If paperwork is missing, an electrical inspection and report can help show the installation's current condition. See our electrical testing and compliance page and our EICR page.

Does a battery keep my lights on in a power cut?

Not automatically. Many battery systems shut down during a power cut unless they are designed and installed with backup in mind. If backup matters to you, ask about it at the design stage. CPW is a certified Tesla Powerwall installer, and we can explain the backup options for your home. See our solar and battery page.

What about air conditioning and heat pumps?

With hotter summers, interest in cooling is rising. An air-to-air system can heat as well as cool, and a heat pump can replace a gas boiler. Both need a properly designed electrical supply. Find out more on our EV chargers, heat pumps and air conditioning page.

Is there help with the cost?

Rightmove found that 74% of movers think more should be done to help households improve energy efficiency, but only 5% of homeowners rank green improvements as a priority, with affordability a big barrier. We covered one option in our guide to the Warm Homes Loan.

FAQ

Do buyers prefer homes that generate their own energy?

In Rightmove's 2026 survey, 63% of movers said they would ideally like a home that generates most or all of its own energy.

Should I fit solar before selling?

Only if it makes sense for your home and your plans. The report shows buyer interest, not a guaranteed price rise. Get a survey and written quote first.

Do I need an MCS installer?

Use an MCS-certified installer for solar panels if you want to apply for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. CPW is MCS certified (NIC602214).

Can an EV charger work with solar?

Yes, with the right charger and set-up. Ask us when you request a quote.

Talk to us

CPW Electrical Solutions is a Thurrock-based electrical contractor, NICEIC Approved (607863000) and MCS certified (NIC602214), and a certified installer of Tesla Powerwall batteries and Tesla Wall Connector chargers. We work across Essex, including Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham and Upminster. See the areas we cover.

To talk about solar, a battery, an EV charger or air conditioning, call 07545 571230 (answered 7am to 7pm) or request a quote. We carry £2m public liability and £300k professional indemnity insurance.