0% VAT
On all solar & battery systems
SEG
Earn from surplus electricity
MCS
Certified installation
1–2 days
Typical installation time
The Business Case
Why solar makes financial sense for holiday lets
Cornwall's holiday let electricity bills are punishing. Peak summer occupancy means guests running dishwashers, hot tubs, electric showers, and multiple device chargers simultaneously — bills of £300–£500 per month in high season are common for larger properties.
Solar panels directly offset this. A well-sized system on a Cornwall roof can generate the majority of a holiday let's summer electricity demand, turning a major overhead into a near-zero cost. Outside occupancy periods, surplus solar electricity earns you money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
The return on investment for holiday lets is typically faster than for owner-occupied homes because:
- Electricity consumption during peak season is higher — more solar to offset
- You can advertise solar and EV charging as guest amenities, justifying premium pricing
- A higher EPC rating can reduce letting agent fees, insurance premiums, and void periods
- 0% VAT applies to the full installation cost
Most Cornwall holiday let solar projects pay back within 5–8 years, with 25+ years of ongoing savings and income.
Typical figures for a 4-bed Cornwall holiday let
System size
Depending on roof area & orientation
5–8 kWp solar
Annual generation
Cornwall avg. solar irradiance: 1,080+ kWh/m²/yr
4,500–7,500 kWh
Estimated bill saving
Based on typical holiday let consumption patterns
£900–£1,600/yr
SEG income (surplus)
At current best rates with battery storage
£80–£200/yr
System cost (inc. VAT 0%)
Supply and installation, fully MCS certified
£7,000–£11,000
Typical payback
Before 20+ years of ongoing benefit
5–8 years
Figures are indicative. We provide a property-specific assessment and fixed-price quote after the free survey.
What We Install
The full holiday let renewable package
Install one system or all three together — the combination maximises savings, self-consumption, and guest appeal.
Solar Panels
JA Solar panels on a cornish roof will generate the majority of your summer electricity needs. Powering lights, fridges, hot tubs, and guest devices from the sun.
- 0% VAT on supply & installation
- MCS certified — qualifies for SEG
- Improves EPC rating
Battery Storage
Store daytime solar generation and use it in the evenings when guests are most active. Maximise self-consumption and reduce your reliance on grid electricity.
- Foxstar and Tesla Powerwall
- 0% VAT when installed with solar
- Earn via battery arbitrage strategies
EV Charger
Cornwall sees some of the highest EV ownership rates in the UK. Guests actively filter for properties with EV charging. A 7kW smart charger makes your property more bookable and can justify a premium nightly rate.
- Adds to guest amenities listing
- Smart charging from solar surplus
- Installed same visit as solar
Guest Appeal
Attract eco-conscious guests and justify premium pricing
Airbnb and other booking platforms now allow hosts to highlight sustainability features. Guests specifically filter for "solar powered", "EV charger", and "eco-friendly" properties — particularly in Cornwall, where visitors tend to be environmentally aware and are increasingly arriving in electric vehicles.
Properties with solar and EV charging typically see:
- Higher booking rates — guests filtering for eco features see your listing first
- Premium nightly rates — £10–£30 per night premium is common for properties with EV charging in Cornwall
- Better reviews — guests appreciate lower utility consumption and the ability to charge their EV overnight on solar
- Year-round demand — eco-focused guests travel in shoulder season too, reducing void periods
Combined with the direct bill savings, the investment case for holiday let solar is compelling.
MCS Certified Installation
Required for Smart Export Guarantee payments and expected by letting platforms and insurers.
0% VAT on All Systems
Solar panels, battery storage, and associated equipment installed at holiday lets qualify for the 0% VAT rate.
Smart Export Guarantee
Earn money on surplus solar electricity exported to the grid. We register your system for SEG as part of installation.
Solar-Powered EV Charging
Pair a smart EV charger with solar and guests can charge their vehicles on electricity you generated — a genuinely compelling offering.
Limited Availability
Planning for this season?
Installation slots fill quickly ahead of the summer season. The earlier you book your free survey, the more flexibility we have to fit around your booking calendar.
Common questions from holiday let owners
01 Do I need planning permission for solar panels on a holiday let?
02 Can I claim the 0% VAT rate on solar for a rental property?
03 Does MCS certification matter for a rental property?
04 Will solar panels increase my holiday let's EPC rating?
05 How long does installation take for a holiday let?
06 Can I add an EV charger to the same project?
Related guides
Guide
Smart Export Guarantee Rates 2026
How to earn money from surplus solar electricity
Strategy
Battery Arbitrage: The Advanced SEG Strategy
How to earn £300–£700/yr from your battery
Service
Solar Panel Installation
How we design and install your solar system
Service
EV Charger Installation
Smart EV chargers for homes and holiday lets