Can I Get Solar Panels If I Rent in Milton Keynes?
Updated: May 2026 · By Depth of Light Ltd, Milton Keynes
The honest answer: yes, and the rules are now firmly in your favour. Two changes in the last 18 months — the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and BS 7671 Amendment 4 (April 2026) — together mean a tenant in Milton Keynes can legally request, and install, balcony or plug-in solar panels. Here's what you need to know.
What's changed
Two pieces of legislation, both very recent:
- Renters' Rights Act 2025 — introduced a "right to request" clause. Landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse a tenant's request to install reversible energy efficiency measures.
- BS 7671 Amendment 4 (April 2026) — formally legalised balcony and plug-in solar in the UK, up to 800W per property, hardwired by a registered electrician.
Together: you have a legal right to request, and now there's a clear legal install route to actually do it.
What can your landlord refuse?
Not much — but there are reasonable grounds:
- The building is listed or in a conservation area where planning permission would be needed
- The structural work would damage the property in a non-reversible way
- The installation would breach the freeholder's terms (relevant for flats)
- The system wouldn't be removable when you leave
What they cannot refuse: a removable hardwired install on a balcony, terrace or wall that doesn't structurally damage the property and meets BS 7671. A typical balcony solar installation ticks all those boxes.
How to make the request
- Get a written specification — we provide one as part of every balcony solar survey, including what's installed, how it connects, what comes off when you leave
- Confirm reversibility — written confirmation from the installer that the install can be removed and the property restored
- Submit the request to your landlord in writing — keep a record of the date
- Allow 28 days for response — standard reasonable response time
- If refused unreasonably — the Tenant's Voice service or Citizens Advice can help escalate
What it costs
- Single panel (~400W) hardwired install: from £800, MCS certified, fully reversible
- Twin panel (~800W, max permitted): from £1,400
- 0% VAT applies on professional installs (until March 2027)
- Removable when you move — the panels and inverter come with you (you'll need a new install at your next property, but the equipment is reusable)
What you'll save
An 800W system in Milton Keynes generates roughly 700-800 kWh per year. If you use most of it at home (likely if you're home some daytimes), that's £170-£200 saved annually at current rates. Payback typically 6-9 years — but the equipment moves with you, so the saving continues across multiple properties.
Why use a professional even if DIY kits become legal later?
Even after July 2026, when DIY plug-and-play kits are expected to become permitted, professional install offers:
- MCS certification (DIY kits won't qualify)
- Insurance compliance — most home insurers require professional install
- 0% VAT relief
- Smart Export Guarantee eligibility (requires MCS)
- Twin-panel 800W setup (DIY likely capped at 400W)
Next step
Book a free balcony solar survey — we visit, check your balcony or external wall, confirm what's possible, and provide written documentation you can give your landlord. See our balcony solar service page.
Get a Renters' Solar Quote
Free survey across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire — MCS & NAPIT certified.