You've moved in, the roof has solar panels, and perhaps nobody explained how they work. You don't need to become an expert. Start with these six checks.
1. Find out who owns the panels
Check whether the panels were included in your house purchase or are owned by a third party under a roof lease or other agreement. Your conveyancing solicitor can help you understand the sale documents and any obligations.
2. Find the paperwork
Look for the original installer's details, system specification, inverter manual, warranty documents and any MCS certificate (if applicable). Also look for existing Feed-in Tariff (FIT) or export agreements.
If the documents are missing, try your conveyancer, the seller or the original installer. Don't pay for replacement paperwork before checking what's already available.
3. Check whether the panels are generating
Find your inverter — the equipment that converts solar electricity into electricity your home can use. Its screen or monitoring app may show how much power the system is producing.
Check in daylight and remember that cloudy weather, winter and shading can reduce output. A low reading alone doesn't prove there's a fault.
4. Check your export payments
If your system exports spare electricity to the grid, you may be eligible for payments. Two schemes matter:
- Feed-in Tariff (FIT): This scheme closed to new applicants in 2019, but an existing qualifying installation may still receive payments. Ask the previous owner or FIT licensee about transferring the arrangement.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Eligible generators can apply to participating suppliers for payments based on metered exports. Rates and terms vary, so compare offers.
Important: You cannot receive both FIT export payments and SEG payments for the same exported electricity. Check your current arrangement before changing anything.
5. Check warranties and insurance
Find out how old the panels, inverter and any battery are. Warranties may differ for each component, and transfer rules vary. Check whether your buildings insurance covers the installation and whether there are maintenance obligations.
There's no need to buy a service contract automatically. If you're uncertain about safety or performance, consider an inspection by a suitably qualified solar professional.
6. Use more of the electricity you already make
When practical and safe, run suitable appliances while the panels are generating. This may reduce the electricity you need to buy from the grid. The financial benefit depends on your import tariff and what you receive for exports.
Before buying a battery or an expensive upgrade, find out how much your system generates, when your household uses electricity and what export payments you receive.
Your first-week checklist
This checklist works on your device but does not save your answers or send us personal information.
Independent sources
- Energy Saving Trust: buying a house with solar panels
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee
- Ofgem: Feed-in Tariffs for generators
General guidance for UK homeowners; some schemes apply to Great Britain rather than Northern Ireland. Check the terms for your property and supplier. For legal questions about ownership, consult your conveyancer. Updated 4 November 2026.