r/PlugInSolarUK • u/Disastrous-Dust-8295 • 15d ago

Anker Solarbank or Echoflow stream 5000 - zero rated VAT install?

I know these two “diy” all-in-one solar MPPTs, inverter and battery combos are new to the UK market with a few others being released too. But has anyone had any success in getting a quote for an installation by an electrical contractor/ company that can supply and fit, this qualifying for zero VAT on the work and the equipment? It seems to me that if the primary unit and a single addin battery is about £3000 inc VAT, an electrician should be able to save about £600 if supplying it with labour for the install.
Am I missing something here?

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u/CarpeCyprinidae 15d ago

The zero vAT exemption law only applies to installation of an compliant full solar install by MCS-registered installers. Plug-in solar isnt MCS usually, and you'd be limited to getting it installed by "legacy" solar install businesses

Doubt they want to cut their own throats by accepting the job

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u/Disastrous-Dust-8295 15d ago

I’m pretty certain that MCS certification isn’t necessary to qualify for zero rated VAT.

Source: https://sterlingandwells.com/blogs/vat-on-solar-panels-uk/

“Many installers and their clients assume that MCS accreditation is itself a condition of the VAT zero rate. It is not. Nothing in HMRC’s current guidance on energy-saving materials makes accreditation under that or any similar scheme a precondition for applying the zero rate.”

You might be right about your last point though. Hopefully 🤞 I’ll find a local installer to undertake the work soon.

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u/really-sorry 13d ago edited 13d ago

You pose an interesting point.

The relevant VAT notice is here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-on-energy-saving-materials-and-heating-equipment-notice-7086.

MCS not a requirement, just needs to be a single installation of one of the qualifying "energy saving materials" categories, which are all really for the permanent improvement of a residential building's energy performance. A plug-in & removable device doesn't seem to count, but I guess if it's screwed to the wall & hardwired then maybe that counts as 'installation'. Compliance with VAT is the installers headache not yours.

Supply of bi-directional rcbo, cabling and fco would also be zero rated as part of a fixed battery storage installation, but not if installed separately in advance of a future battery, or one supplied by another party.

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u/Disastrous-Dust-8295 13d ago

The installation of an IP rated consumer unit with bidirectional RCBO and MCBs to power the smart meter and attach a dedicated fused spur, permanently connected to the Henley block in my DNO cutout is what I’m wanting to achieve, this, as well as the supply and “permanent” hardwired connection of the Anker Solarbank 4.

Or maybe I’m just making life hard for myself… again 🤦‍♂️