For many buyers, running costs now matter as much as square footage. A home that makes some of its own electricity is cheaper to live in, and that shows up in two places: the energy bills a buyer can expect, and the home's Energy Performance Certificate.Why the EPC mattersSolar PV is one of the measures that can lift an EPC rating. A higher rating makes a home more attractive to buyers and to lenders, some of whom now offer better mortgage rates on more efficient homes.Owned, not leasedPanels you own outright are an asset that passes with the house. Leased panels or roof-rental schemes can complicate a sale, so it's worth checking the paperwork on any home you're buying.Keep your paperworkYour MCS certificate, warranty documents and generation records all help a buyer see exactly what they're getting. We hand all of these over at the end of every installation.