Find out which solar panel grants and funding are available in the UK and how to apply. Compare the new Warm Homes Plan, ECO4, and 0% VAT rate.
Choosing solar panels remains a worthwhile investment even for households that do not qualify for grants or financial assistance. Those considering the switch can compare solar panel quotations to explore available options.
Current support schemes include several forms of financial assistance. The Warm Homes: Local Grant provides grants worth up to £15,000 and serves as the main route to free solar panels for qualifying households. It is available to eligible households with an annual income below £36,000 who live in privately owned or rented homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating between D and G. The programme applies only in England, although comparable schemes operate in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Applications are currently open, with the scheme running until March 2028. ECO4 can provide funding covering up to 100% of installation costs for qualifying households receiving certain benefits and living in homes with EPC ratings from D to G. Applicants must either own their property or obtain permission from their landlord. People who are at risk of fuel poverty may also qualify through LA Flex. ECO4 is scheduled to end on 31 December 2026. A separate incentive allows all UK homeowners to benefit from 0% VAT on eligible installations, reducing overall costs by removing the standard 20% VAT charge. This tax relief is available now and continues until 31 March 2027. In addition, the government-backed Consumer Loan Scheme is expected to begin in 2027, offering low-interest loans to homeowners to help cover the upfront expense of installing solar panels.
The government recently unveiled the Warm Homes Plan, a £15 billion programme described as the "Rooftop Revolution." The initiative is intended to improve millions of homes by installing solar panels alongside insulation, battery storage, heat pumps, smart meters, and other energy-efficiency technologies.
Within this wider programme, there are two principal ways for households to receive financial support for solar installations.
The first is the Warm Homes: Local Grant, which is the main grant programme for eligible low-income households. It is designed to provide fully funded solar panels and battery storage systems for those who qualify.
The second option is a government-supported low-interest loan programme for solar panels. These loans will be available to homeowners who are not eligible for the free grant and are expected to launch in 2027. Their purpose is to remove the barrier of high upfront installation costs for people wishing to adopt solar energy.
For anyone unsure about how to begin the process of applying for solar panel grants, there are several important steps to follow.
The first step is checking the property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A home's EPC rating is often the starting point when applying for free solar panels, with funding generally requiring a rating of D or below.
Homeowners can verify their EPC through the UK government's EPC register. If a property has never received an EPC or its certificate has expired, a new assessment and certificate will be required before proceeding.
Applicants should also collect evidence demonstrating their eligibility, such as proof of benefit entitlement or low income, when applying for UK solar energy grants that are based on eligibility criteria.
Supporting documents may include recent benefit award letters, payslips, or bank statements. It is also important to note that households not receiving qualifying benefits could still become eligible for the Warm Homes: Local Grant through the LA Flex route.
Another key requirement is selecting an installer certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Most UK solar grant programmes require installation by an approved professional, and the same requirement applies to benefit from the 0% VAT incentive.
A list of approved installers can be found through the MCS website, allowing applicants to locate a certified installer in their local area.
Eligibility for battery storage depends on the specific support scheme or incentive involved and on the organisation delivering it. At present, solar panel batteries also qualify for the 0% VAT rate. Although the full details of the Warm Homes Plan have not yet been finalised, battery storage is expected to be included. Under the Warm Homes: Local Grant, battery installation can be funded if an assessor determines it is appropriate for the household. Under ECO4, battery availability depends on the supplier and the measures they provide.
Receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is recognised as a qualifying benefit under ECO4. As a result, eligible applicants whose properties meet the required EPC criteria could receive solar panels with 100% funding.
It is also worth remembering that households may still qualify for ECO4 through the LA Flex route even if they do not receive one of the specified qualifying benefits. This can include carers as well as larger families whose higher energy requirements place them at greater risk of fuel poverty.
Originally reported by Uswitch on Jul 13, 2026.
