Solar Panels & Conveyancing - Expand Your Expertise

Introduction

There is an irresistible move in the direction of green energy and as a result the popularity of solar panels, usually on the roof of a property, has experienced huge increase.

However, as ever, such new technologies mean that you must expand your areas of expertise to avoid the client (and importantly the mortgage lender) suffering loss if the question is inadequately addressed in the conveyancing process.

For example, are the solar panels owned outright by the seller or is there a lease - if so, how will this affect the buyer, will it be acceptable to the lender and is the valuation and marketability of the property affected?

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• CML: ‘Technologies Installed on Residential Properties’
• CML/BSA guidance and minimum requirements regardingleases of roof space for fitting photovoltaic (solar) panels
• UK Finance minimum requirements generally
• The template letter for use by a solar panel provider in applying for lender’s consent to installation and the process for obtaining such consent
• Case studies of clients for whom the installation caused difficulties - pitfalls to avoid
• Dealing with the sale of a property with solar panels, questions for the seller client and estate agent and enquiries suggested for the buyer’s conveyancers to raise
• A typical lender’s ‘Solar Panel Pack for Legal Advisors’
• When things go wrong, neighbour disputes and who owns the panels - Borwick Solutions Ltd v Clear Water Fisheries Ltd Development [2019]
• Interaction with rights to light - injunction or damages for interference, prescriptive rights
• Planning permission, Building Regulation Approval and other enquiries
• The Smart Export Guarantee replacing “Feed in Tariffs”

This webinar was recorded on 28th April 2020