WYRE Forest homeowners are being warned about the legal pitfalls of investing in solar panels to cut their energy bills.

Sharon Lerry, a residential property expert, has issued the alert as she has seen an upturn in the number of households seeking her advice on whether to fork out thousands of pounds on panels and installation, over the past 12 months.

Many homeowners are concerned whether or not they need permission from the council or what impact the panels can have on their home insurance.

Miss Lerry, conveyancing manager at Kidderminster law firm mfg Solicitors, said: “Solar panels are a great investment and can help reduce energy costs in the long term.

“They can also improve a property’s value and are very popular with a projected 10 million homes in the UK expected to have panels installed by 2020.”

However, Miss Lerry warns that there are steps that homeowners need to take to make sure that they do not find themselves out of pocket.

She said homeowners should check their title deeds as consent might be needed from a third party, such as the original developer, prior to them being fitted.

Miss Lerry said: “Not only should homeowners ensure they aren’t in breach of restrictions in their title deeds, but it’s absolutely essential they check if their mortgage lender has any requirements.

“It is also key that any installer is part of the Competent Person Scheme and is accredited under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, if not, they may need to make a separate application to a local authority for Building Regulations Approval.”

She also warns of incidents where the companies who fit panels retain the ownership of them, but lease the roof space from the homeowner.

“The lease has to comply with the Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook and there has to be a guarantee to cover the responsibility of maintenance, or the homeowner will have problems re-mortgaging, or selling the property,” she said.

Her last piece of advice is that the home insurer must be informed that panels have been installed.

Miss Lerry added: “This is just a snapshot of the many issues I’ve been dealing with in the past year as more home owners try to stay on the right side of installation rules.

“The rule of thumb is simple, take advice before you risk making a sizable financial commitment.”

For more information from Sharon Lerry, who is offering a free initial telephone consultation with homeowners, email sharon.lerry@mfgsolicitors.com