Solar Panel Grants and Schemes

If you're thinking about installing solar PV, government grants and local schemes can help cover the cost of solar panel installation. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business, or part of a community group, there’s support available. See who qualifies, how to check, and what support might be available.

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Are There Any Grants Available for Solar Panels in the UK?

In 2026, government grants for solar panels are available across the UK.

If your home meets the eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for free or significantly reduced-cost solar panel installation.

But even if you’re not eligible, you still have a clear, supported path forward. Switch Together helps households across the UK access lower-cost solar installations, expert guidance, and in some areas, financing support — all in partnership with local councils.

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Grant Money for Solar Panels: How to Access It

  • Check your eligibility – Grants often depend on your household income, energy efficiency, or benefits received.

  • Apply through your local council or energy supplier - They can guide you through the process.

  • Combine with extra savings – Even if a grant doesn’t cover everything, Switch Together group-buying and regional support can reduce costs further.

Government Grants for Solar Panels (2026)

Where you live Main scheme Maximum support Income test?
England Warm Homes Local Grant Up to £15,000 Yes — £36,000 or less
Scotland Home Energy Scotland Up to £6,000 (grant + loan) Yes — £36,000 or less
Wales NEST Up to 100% of installation cost Yes — means-tested
Northern Ireland No domestic grant 0% VAT saving (up to £2,500) No

 

England — Warm Homes Local Grant

The Warm Homes Local Grant is the main government scheme for solar panels in 2026 in England.

Maximum grant Up to £15,000 per property for energy measures (including solar panels)
Who qualifies Private homeowners and private renters in England (landlord consent required for renters)
EPC rating D, E, F, or G
Income £36,000 or less per year
Also eligible Households in the most deprived postcodes (IMD deciles 1–2), even above the income threshold
How to apply Via your local council or gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always check the official government website.

Scotland — Home Energy Scotland

The Home Energy Scotland scheme is the main route for solar panel support in Scotland. It combines a grant with an optional interest-free loan, so you don't have to pay the full cost upfront.

   
Maximum support Up to £6,000 per property (£1,250 grant + up to £4,750 interest-free loan)
Who qualifies Homeowners and tenants in Scotland whose home is not connected to the main gas grid (oil, LPG, coal, or electric heating)
EPC rating D, E, F, or G — if you don't have an EPC, a free assessment can be arranged
Income £36,000 or less per year
Also eligible Households in Scotland's most deprived areas (SIMD deciles 1–3), even above the income threshold
How to apply Via homeenergyscotland.org or by calling 0808 808 2282 (free)

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always check the official Home Energy Scotland website.

Wales — NEST

The NEST scheme is funded and administered by the Welsh Government. For qualifying households, it can cover the full cost of solar panel installation — with nothing to pay.

   
Maximum support Up to 100% of installation cost for eligible households
Who qualifies Homeowners and private renters in Wales receiving means-tested benefits, or within the NEST income thresholds
EPC rating E or below (EPC D accepted if a household member has an eligible health condition such as a respiratory, circulatory, or mental health condition)
Income Varies by household size — for example, a single adult qualifies on up to £15,521/year; a couple with two children up to £38,456/year
How to apply Via gov.wales/nest or by calling 0808 808 2244 (free)

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always check the official Welsh Government website.

Northern Ireland

There is currently no dedicated government grant for domestic solar panel installations in Northern Ireland. However, two forms of support are still open to you.

   
0% VAT on solar panels Applies to all homeowners in Northern Ireland until 31 March 2027 — saving up to £2,500 depending on system size
Business and community support NISEP can cover up to 20% of solar installation costs for businesses, community groups, and social enterprises registered in Northern Ireland
How to apply (NISEP) Via the Utility Regulator — applications are assessed by the Energy Saving Trust

If You’re Not Eligible for Government Grants

Not every home qualifies for government funding — and that’s okay. You can still benefit from 0% VAT and reduce the cost of going solar by joining Switch Together.

Switch Together brings households together through group buying, helping you access competitive solar prices from trusted installers — without relying on grants. You get expert guidance, clear pricing, and the support of your community every step of the way.

Learn More

Business Solar Panel Grants

Businesses can benefit too. Grants and incentives often focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or specific sectors:

Other UK schemes include:

Check with your local council or industry body for eligibility and application guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Grants

For the most accurate, up-to-date guidance, always check the official government websites.

Can I apply if I already have solar panels?
Most grants are for new installations, and you generally can't claim for work that was already fully funded by a previous scheme.
If you already have solar panels, whether you can access further support depends on your home's current EPC rating. For the Warm Homes Local Grant, eligibility is based on a free home survey — an assessor recommends whichever measures will still make a meaningful difference to your energy rating. If your home is still rated D to G, battery storage may be recommended as an additional upgrade. If your existing panels have already brought your home to EPC band C or above, you'll no longer meet the scheme's eligibility criteria.
Do I need to repay my solar grant?

No — grants don't need to be repaid. The Warm Homes Local Grant, NEST (Wales), and Home Energy Scotland are all funded by the government and paid directly to the installer. You receive the upgrade at no cost and owe nothing afterwards.
The exception is the Consumer Loan Scheme expected from 2027. 

Can I combine the grant with other savings or offers?

Yes. You can usually combine government grants with additional savings, such as group-buying schemes like Switch Together. You can also use the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) alongside most grants.

 

Can landlords apply for solar grants?

Landlords whose tenants qualify for the Warm Homes Local Grant in England can receive free upgrades, including solar panels. The grant is paid to the landlord on condition that the tenant is not charged and rent is not increased.

What if I already applied for another grant?

You can apply to multiple grants, but you can’t use more than one grant for the same installation. If a measure has already been funded, you won’t be able to claim again for that work.

Do business solar panel grants exist in the UK?

Yes, business solar panel grants are available in the UK. They’re often aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or specific sectors, but there are several ways your business could benefit:

Local Authority and Regional Grants
Many local councils and regional agencies offer grants that can cover up to 50% of the cost for solar panel installations.

Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)
Claim 100% tax relief on the cost of solar panel installations, up to £1 million, helping you make upgrades more affordable.

Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF)
Large, energy-intensive businesses may be eligible for funding to support decarbonisation projects, including solar panels.

Several UK grants cover solar panel installations for small businesses, with support varying by region and eligibility. Key schemes include:

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Low Carbon Project

Provides grants covering up to 75% of eligible costs for commercial solar installations, with a deadline of 31 March 2026. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in eligible areas can apply, and funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.​​

Low Carbon Workspaces

Available in several counties (Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire), this initiative covers up to a third of investment costs, with awards ranging from £1,000 to £5,000.​

We recommend checking eligibility with your local council, industry bodies, or government portals. That way, you can see what support is available for your business and take the right steps to access it—helping your business save on energy costs while contributing to a greener future.

Did ECO4 end?
Yes — ECO4 stopped taking new referrals on 31 March 2026. It was extended to 31 December 2026 for remediation of existing installations only. No new applications are being accepted. The Warm Homes Local Grant is now the main scheme for low-income households.
Can I get free solar panels in 2026?
Yes, if you qualify for the Warm Homes Local Grant (England), NEST (Wales), or Home Energy Scotland (Scotland). These schemes fully fund eligible measures including solar panels for qualifying low-income households.