Category: Compliance

Meeting MEES 2027 with a Solar PPA

How a solar PPA can lift your EPC rating to B by April 2030 — and the modelling required to prove it to the asset manager.

The MEES timeline

From April 2027, non-domestic let property in England and Wales must hit EPC C minimum. From April 2030, the floor steps to EPC B. Many commercial buildings currently sit at D/E — major retrofit required.

Why PPA delivers MEES uplift

Adding solar PV improves the EPC calculation — typically lifting a property by 1-2 letter grades depending on existing fabric and PV capacity.

How much PV you need

For a typical 5,000 m² UK office building rated EPC D, lifting to B usually requires:

• Solar PV equivalent to 30-50% of annual electricity demand
• LED lighting throughout (separate from PPA)
• Roof / cavity insulation upgrades where applicable
• Heat pump consideration (where heating is fossil-fuel)

Timeline back from April 2030

• Apr 2030: Compliance deadline
• Apr 2029: System commissioned, EPC re-issued
• Apr 2028: Heads-of-terms signed, build underway
• Oct 2027: Provider selection complete
• Apr 2027: RFP issued to providers
• Apr 2026: Roof condition + EPC baseline assessment

What landlords need to do now

• Run current EPC assessments — know your baseline
• Model PV potential per building
• Engage tenants — if cost is passed through service charge or rent
• Co-ordinate with planned LED + insulation retrofits