Published: 29/05/2026 By Ashleigh Stokes
Mention of Solar quite often raises a few eyebrows and grunts, especially in the context of ground-mounted solar. However, the benefits of roof-mounted solar are still largely underestimated, as Graduate Rural Surveyor Ashleigh Stokes explains.Export tariffs are not particularly impressive, (although the rates do vary quite significantly depending on the provider), and therefore the most efficient solar systems are those that primarily offset the meter's electricity usage with only the smallest surplus being exported back to the grid. In reality, solar generation often outweighs electricity usage, typically when the sun is shining and there is minimal household use.
It is in these circumstances that the importance of batteries is highlighted. Batteries store surplus electricity which is generated until there is a demand for electricity which is not met from direct solar generation. This prevents electricity being drawn from the grid at a greater p/kWh and helps to reduce electricity bills even more.
A couple of years ago, Symonds & Sampson advised a client on the installation of a roof-mounted solar system. The system feeds a sewage treatment plant which treats sewage from nine properties, as well as feeding a tenanted property (electricity is sold to the tenant). Based off the system's performance in 2025, the client has been able to halve the amount of electricity being imported from the grid. The client still sells electricity to the tenant, and there is also a small sale of electricity to the grid. Having carefully reviewed the data from the solar system, and in order to improve it further, we are now installing an additional battery.
Another great benefit of roof-mounted solar is that they significantly improve a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). EPCs are currently a hot topic, as new rules for let properties outline that they must meet a minimum rating of C by 1st October 2030. From our experience with this so far, the two main options to dramatically increase a properties rating is by installing either roof-mounted solar (system size at least 4 kW), or a new heating system, of which, solar was the cheaper and less intrusive option.
For further information, please contact Ashleigh in our Wylye, Salisbury office on 01722 334323 or our experts in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office.
Environmental and Renewables
Rural Professional Services
