The Airbnb Energy Upgrade: How Hosts Are Using Solar and Heat Pumps to Boost Bookings
Date added: Tue 17 Jun 2025
The Airbnb Energy Upgrade: How Hosts Are Using Solar and Heat Pumps to Boost Bookings
As eco-conscious travel continues to grow, Airbnb hosts across the UK are discovering that renewable upgrades such as solar panels and heat pumps can do far more than reduce energy bills. These green technologies are becoming powerful marketing tools, enhancing guest appeal, increasing bookings and adding long-term value to properties. In a competitive short-term rental market, a sustainable stay isn’t just a bonus—it’s often a deciding factor.
The Green Guest Trend: Sustainable Stays Are In Demand
Today’s travellers, especially younger demographics like Millennials and Gen Z, expect more than charming interiors and scenic locations; they are actively seeking out accommodation that reflects their environmental values. Airbnb’s own search data confirms this shift, with filters such as “sustainable stays,” “solar-powered homes,” and “eco-friendly Airbnbs” among the platform’s most used. For hosts, this trend presents a clear opportunity to stand out in a saturated landscape. Properties that advertise sustainable upgrades like solar power, battery storage and air source heat pumps are proving to be both value-adding and booking-boosting investments for holiday let owners.
Host Advantages: Save Money, Earn More
Beyond the marketing value, implementing sustainable technologies provide practical benefits that make hosting more cost-effective. Solar PV systems enable hosts to take advantage of clean, renewable energy, especially during peak seasons when occupancy and energy use are highest. When paired with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), any surplus electricity generated can be sold back to the grid—creating an additional income stream. Meanwhile, heat pumps offer reliable, energy-efficient heating that’s ideal for year-round rentals. These systems are especially effective during colder months, reducing the cost of keeping guests comfortable through the off-season. For many hosts, this efficiency not only provides protection against rising energy tariffs but also contributes to a lower carbon footprint, which is something that many guests are beginning to prioritise when choosing where to stay.
For hosts operating properties in rural or off-grid areas, particularly across Scotland, solar PV coupled with battery storage offers further energy independence and reliability. Rather than relying solely on the national grid, these systems can generate and store their own electricity, keeping things running smoothly even during outages. This resilience is a major asset in remote locations, where power cuts can impact guest satisfaction and lead to cancellations.
Property Perks: Boost Value, Ratings and Comfort
Investing in green energy upgrades can significantly enhance the long-term value of a property. Across the UK, estate agents increasingly report that homes with renewable technologies are more desirable to buyers and often command higher sale prices. Installations such as solar panels and heat pumps can improve a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, boosting appeal to both renters and investors. Over the course of ownership, these systems also lower running costs and provide more stable, predictable energy expenses.
However, true sustainability goes beyond the technology itself—it’s about creating a holistic, environmentally conscious guest experience. In partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Wildlife Fund, Airbnb has developed a beginner’s guide to sustainable hosting. The guide offers practical, high-impact steps for reducing a property's environmental footprint, such as installing LED lighting, using low-flow fixtures, offering organic textiles, and providing eco-friendly, locally sourced toiletries. You can explore the full guide via the link below.
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/resources/hosting-homes/a/a-beginners-guide-to-sustainable-hosting-344
Equally important is the comfort and air quality these technologies bring to guests. Heat pumps provide balanced, consistent warmth without the sudden spikes and drops associated with traditional systems. This creates a calmer, more comfortable indoor environment and avoids issues like dry air or overheating, which are common complaints in rental reviews. In homes with good insulation and thoughtful design, guests will notice the difference in both temperature stability and overall air freshness.
Future-Proofing for EVs and Smart Tech
Another advantage that forward-thinking hosts are now exploring is future-proofing their properties for the next wave of smart energy trends. As electric vehicles become more popular, travellers increasingly look for accommodation with EV charging options. Installing solar panels with a battery storage system allows for overnight EV charging using self-generated electricity, reducing grid dependency and offering guests a truly self-sufficient experience. Systems can also be designed to accommodate future upgrades like smart hot water tanks, intelligent thermostats, or demand-based heating schedules; all of which can be managed remotely and tailored to each booking.
At The Natural Energy Company, we specialise in designing smart, tailored energy systems for holiday lets, second homes and remote properties. We understand that short-term rentals have unique needs: fast turnaround times, minimal aesthetic disruption and a clear return on investment. That’s why we offer bespoke consultations, ensuring each system is designed around usage patterns, location-specific energy demands and long-term performance goals. Our expert team is well-versed in the requirements of Scottish housing stock, from off-grid cabins to listed buildings and can advise on solutions that are both compliant and discreet. Every installation is backed by a commitment to aftercare and support, so you can be confident your investment will continue delivering results season after season.
Renewable upgrades like solar and heat pumps are no longer niche, they’re fast becoming the standard for future-ready accommodation. For guests, they offer comfort and ethical alignment. For hosts, they provide real savings, long-term value and a clear competitive edge. Whether you want to boost your occupancy rates, enhance your eco credentials, or protect against rising bills, now is the time to explore what renewable energy can do for your rental property.
Ready to turn your holiday let into a guest favourite? Talk to us about installing smart solar or heat pumps on your property—your guests (and the planet) will thank you.