Solar Panel Schemes UK
There’s a lot of information out there about solar panel funding, and not all of it is accurate or up to date. Here is the honest overview of every UK solar panel scheme currently available in the UK, so you know exactly what’s out there before you check your eligibility.
Whether you’re on a low income, a homeowner looking for the best deal, or somewhere in between, there could be a route to getting solar panels installed for less than you’d expect.
Why Solar Panels Are Worth It
Installing solar panels is one of the most effective ways to cut your energy bills long term. Once your system is up and running, you can expect to reduce your annual electricity bill by 60% to 80% by generating your own power during daylight hours.
On top of that, you become less reliant on the national grid, which matters when energy prices keep rising. Many homeowners also earn money back through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for any surplus electricity you export. Solar panels typically last 25 years or more, require very little maintenance, and can improve your home’s EPC rating, which is useful if you ever come to sell.
Government Solar Panel Schemes UK: What’s Active Right Now
There are several solar panel schemes UK homeowners may be able to access. Here’s what’s currently available as of June 2026:
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) & LA Flex ECO4 is the government’s primary route for fully funded solar panel installations. It’s aimed at low-income households receiving qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, in properties with an EPC rating of E, F, or G. The scheme was extended and now runs until 31 December 2026. Funding can cover up to 100% of installation costs. Places are limited, and the scheme is on a countdown to closure, so if you think you might qualify, it’s worth checking sooner rather than later.
Warm Homes: Local Grant Running from April 2025 to April 2029, this scheme offers eligible low-income homeowners and tenants, particularly those receiving means-tested benefits, up to £30,000 towards home energy improvements, including solar panels. Properties need an EPC rating of D–G. Funding is distributed through local authorities, so availability varies by area.
Warm Homes Fund A government-backed scheme that will offer low and 0% interest loans to help homeowners cover the cost of solar panels and battery storage, regardless of income. Full rollout dates are still to be confirmed.
Warm Homes Nest Scheme (Wales) For households in Wales receiving means-tested benefits or on a low income, this scheme can cover up to 100% of solar installation costs. It’s ongoing with no fixed end date.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Open to all solar panel owners (systems up to 5MW), the SEG pays you between 20 and 40 pence per kWh for surplus electricity you send back to the grid. There are currently 12 mandatory SEG licensees in the UK; rates vary, so it’s worth comparing before you commit to a tariff.
0% VAT on Solar Panel Installations Since April 2022, residential solar installations have been zero-rated for VAT. This applies to all homeowners and runs until April 2027, saving around £1,900 on a typical 4.5kW system.
Don’t Just Look at Government Schemes
Government funding gets a lot of attention, but the truth is that most homeowners don’t qualify for it. The eligibility criteria can be strict, availability is limited, and many applications are turned down.
Solar Panel Funding Grants
That’s exactly why we created our own privately funded grant, to provide a consistent option for homeowners who fall through the gaps of government funding. Unlike public schemes, our grant isn’t tied to changing budgets or local authority postcode lotteries. It exists to help homeowners who want to go solar but haven’t been able to access support through any other route.
We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot with over 7,000 reviews, and we’d love to help you find out what you could qualify for.
What Does Solar Cost Without a Grant?
A standard domestic solar panel system in the UK typically costs between £5,000 and £13,000, depending on system size and installation complexity. Most homeowners see a payback period of between 7 and 12 years through bill savings and SEG income, and with a lifespan of 25+ years, that leaves a long stretch of significantly lower energy costs.
If the upfront cost feels out of reach, it’s still worth checking your eligibility. You may qualify for fully funded installation, partial funding, or a low-interest finance option through our network of trusted installers.
Can Renters Get Solar Panels?
Most solar panel funding, including our own grant, is only available to homeowners. Renters generally can’t apply independently, as landlord permission is required and property ownership is a condition of most schemes. If you’re a tenant and interested in solar, the most practical first step is to raise it with your landlord.
Before You Apply: Things Worth Knowing
Doing a little preparation before you check your eligibility will help things move faster. It’s useful to have the following to hand:
- Your annual electricity usage (in kWh, found on your energy bills)
- Your current tariff and energy provider
- How much usable roof space do you have
- Which direction your roof faces
- Your roof material
- Whether your household uses more electricity during the day or evening
It’s also worth comparing all your options, both government and private, before making a decision. The right route depends on your circumstances, and we’ll help you understand what’s available to you when you run your check.
Could You Qualify for Fully Funded Solar?
Run your free eligibility check now. It takes less than 60 seconds, and we’ll let you know which funding options you could qualify for, whether that’s our own grant, a government scheme, or a finance option suited to your situation.
Why Choose Solar?
Lower electricity bills – Generate your own power during daylight hours and reduce what you pay to your energy supplier.
Greater energy independence – Rely less on the national grid and protect yourself from future price rises.
Improve your EPC rating – Solar panels can increase your property’s energy efficiency rating and appeal to buyers.
Reduce your carbon footprint – Every unit of solar energy generated is one less unit drawn from fossil fuels.
Long-term, low-maintenance investment – Most systems last 25+ years and require very little upkeep once installed.
Increase your home’s value – Properties with solar installations can command higher sale prices and attract buyers faster in today’s energy-conscious market.