How to pay tax on photovoltaic panels

Do you pay VAT on solar panels?

If you buy solar panels from one provider and have them installed by someone else, you'll be hit with a standard 20% VAT rate when buying them. Plus, any maintenance or repairs after installation will be at the standard VAT rate.

What is the VAT rate on solar panels?

The 0% VAT rate on solar panels will last until the 1st of April 2027. After that, VAT on solar panels will increase to 5% – meaning it won’t go back to the 20% rate. You won’t need to meet the pre-April 2022 criteria to qualify for the reduced rate either. The 5% VAT rate will apply to solar panels being installed on any residential property.

Do I have to pay tax on solar panels?

Normally, you won't get charged VAT or income tax on this payment if you produce electricity primarily for your own home. However, for businesses and commercial properties, the money made from solar panels, including feed-in tariffs, might be subject to taxes.

Are solar panels tax deductible in the UK?

According to the UK government's list of Energy Saving Measures (ESMs), most solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on residential properties in Scotland, England and Wales (plus Northern Ireland, as of 1 May 2023) are exempt from VAT, meaning there’s no VAT included in the purchase and installation costs.

Can a business claim VAT on solar installations?

Claiming VAT and Community Initiatives Businesses engaging in solar installations may have the opportunity to reclaim the VAT paid on both equipment and installation costs as input tax. This process involves meticulous record-keeping to track the VAT incurred, ensuring businesses can maximise their financial benefits.

Can VAT be reduced on solar panels?

For example, Austria just recently reduced VAT to 0% on residential solar panel installations in January 2024. According to the latest data from Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), over 1.4 million solar panel systems have been installed across the UK, up from 1.2 million in 2022.