Solar Panels Grants in the UK: Funding Explained (Guide 2024)
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Last updated: 16 September 2024

Solar Panels Grants in the UK: Funding Explained (Guide 2024)

Solar panel grants
  • Solar panel grants like the ECO4 scheme can help consumers get free solar panels in the UK.
  • Currently, there is 0% VAT on solar panels, batteries, and other renewable energy products, allowing for a discount of over £2,850 on the purchase of a 4kW system.
  • The Smart Export Guarantee potentially allows consumers to earn money by giving energy back to the grid, earning up to £45 to £80 on top of energy savings.
  • Solar panels can help reduce energy bills by up to £660 per year for an average-sized home.

Solar panels are a great environmentally friendly way to produce free electricity for your home. However, the question remains: are they worth buying in the UK in 2024? In this article, we’ll answer this question by going through the different government schemes available to you.

Aside from grants, another factor that can drastically save money is the installer you hire. To get the best solar panels for your household, you’ll need a reliable one. While finding an installer can ordinarily take days of strenuous research, our service can simplify your search and save you the headache of having to call several companies by yourself.

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What solar panel funding is available in the UK?

Solar panel funding in the UK

There are several government grants for solar panels in the UK, promoting energy efficient upgrades, renewable power, and helping decrease carbon emissions. The EU’s Renewable Energy Directive set out for all member countries to reach a 32% renewables target before 2030. The UK has been working towards that goal, as the focus is to move forward by introducing more schemes and incentives in the renewable energy sector.

This tendency was accompanied by a decrease in the cost of solar panels. Thus, getting cheap solar panels doesn't necessarily have to mean getting low-quality panels anymore. Though there aren’t any grants in the traditional sense, there are opportunities for solar panel funding in the UK. Currently, the only scheme open to new applications is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Overall, there are six notable solar incentives for solar panels in the UK that will be covered in this guide:

Solar Panel Grants in the UK
UK Solar GrantsRun TimePotential SavingsEligibility
0% VATApril 1st 2022 – March 2027£2,850 (4kW solar panels + battery)All UK buyers
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4)April 1st 2022 – March 2026Partially or fully FREE solar panel possibilityLow-income households
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)January 1st 2020 – (indefinite)Additional £45 to £80 (£520 to £1,360 total energy savings)Any solar panel owner
Home Energy Scotland Grant and LoanJune 2023 - June 2024£6,000 (£1,250 grant + £4,750 optional loan)Means-tested for low income or home energy performance
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)September 2023 - March 2025Up to £10,000, dependent on region or property typeHomes with energy performance rating of D to G
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)April 2023 - April 2025Regionally dependentCompanies and institutions looking to decarbonise
Warm Homes Nest SchemeIndefiniteFREE solar panel possibilityHomeowners in Wales
*Available solar panel grants in the UK as of September 2024

While some of the government initiatives are completely free solar panel grants, others are loans or reductions in VAT that count as solar panel government schemes. Find out more by watching the video below: 

Solar Panel Grants 2024 - What Are the Options in the UK?

Is there a free solar panels government scheme in the UK?

Yes! You can get free solar panels through some particular grants and schemes in the UK. While other grants offer funding towards new solar panels, or the opportunity to make money back through an export tariff, certain schemes specifically offer full coverage on new solar panels. Below we've provided a brief overview, later we will go into more detail: 

The application process and eligibility criteria for each of these are different, so let’s go over each policy.

0% VAT on solar panels & batteries

0% VAT for Energy-Saving Materials

Starting April 2022, homes in the UK can now benefit from zero VAT on the materials and installation of energy-efficient measures. To help households reduce energy bills and increase energy efficiency, the UK government announced a reduction of the current 5% VAT relief on energy-saving measures (e.g. solar panels, heat pumps) to 0%.

In March 2027, the VAT-free period will end, and the rate will return to 5%. If you want to get a head start before it ends, you can begin by comparing solar panel prices to save you the most money. The video below provides a brief overview of the financial incentives on offer:

Benefits of 0% VAT

According to the UK Government, a typical household with a rooftop solar panel array will save more than £2,850 for the average 2-3 bedroom house (4kW system + battery) in total installation costs, compared to the original 20% VAT.

0% VAT savings
System sizeSavings (compared to 20% VAT)
3kW£1,500 – £2,300
4kW£2,600 - £3,100
5kW£3,300 - £3,700
6kW£3,900 - £4,100

Additionally, our estimates show potential savings of up to £660 in annual energy expenses for average-size homes. This can decrease the break-even point of such a system by 4 to 5 years, i.e., down from roughly 8 to 10 years.

The 0% VAT also applies to other energy-saving materials, besides solar panels, such as heat pumps, biomass boilers, insulation, and more.

Eligibility

The zero VAT rules also welcome the permanent removal of specific eligibility criteria that previously applied to the 5% reduced rate. You can read about this on the government’s website for the full details.
To be eligible, your home and new installation need to meet some specific requirements to benefit from a 0% VAT rate:

  • Must include both the installation and product that need to be done together
  • You can also install other goods/services (e.g. insulation) at the same time, but the primary bulk of the work must be for the energy-saving materials

How to apply for 0% VAT

If the installation and energy-saving material qualifies, then the 0% VAT will be automatically applied by your installer. Hence, there’s no need to complete any application process. To find a trustworthy installer who can provide you with the best services, you can also try our completely free service and we’ll provide you with the best prices from professionals in your area.

Instead of spending hours calling multiple installers and comparing prices all by yourself, you can instead fill out a simple, 30-second form and we’ll get you 4 free, non-binding quotes from the most reliable ones in your region. Click the button below to get started.

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Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

Smart Export Guarantee scheme

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) came into effect on 1 January 2020 and is currently active. It enables small-scale, low-carbon electricity generators to receive payments for any surplus electricity they export back to the grid.

Although this is not a direct government grant, all licensed suppliers must now offer an export tariff to their customers. Those suppliers with over 150,000 customers are obligated to offer a tariff, while those with fewer can partake voluntarily.

This incentive makes solar panels a great green home improvement project.

Benefits of Smart Export Guarantee

As an SEG Generator, you can shop around for different companies to see who offers the best price per kWh that is exported. You can determine the contract length and rate they offer. 

Generally, the rate will range between 1p and 20p per kWh. With the highest available tariff, you could reduce your payback time from 9 to 7 years. 

Because you can choose any SEG Licensee, even one that’s different from your electricity supplier, shopping around for the best rate will get you the best deal.

Based on a 1 – 20p per kWh rate, with the average rate being about 5.5p. Here is an example table using various household sizes and the average rate:

Solar panel saving with Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
House sizeHousehold electricity consumptionSolar panel system sizeAnnual savings without SEGAverage annual savings with SEG
Small; 1-2 bedrooms1,800kWh3kW£440£520
Medium; 2-3 bedrooms2,700kWh4kW£660£735
Medium; 2-3 bedrooms2,700kWh5kW£660£830
Large; 4-5 bedrooms4,100kWh6kW£1,005£1,360
GreenMatch

Keep in mind that rates vary and, with the right energy supplier, homes potentially earn even more than the numbers outlined above.

Eligibility

All homeowners with regular solar panel systems are eligible under the SEG (up to 5 MW capacity, which would be 1,000 times bigger than a domestic 1kW system). In addition, the house must be fitted with a smart meter to measure the exports. Some energy suppliers also offer only special rates for energy exported from specific solar batteries. This will determine whether the overall solar battery storage price, together with the solar system, will go down.

Best SEG tariff rates 
Energy supplierTariff (p/kWh)Potential annual savings (£)Customer Only
Octopus Energy (Intelligent Octopus)30.31£819.1Yes
Octopus Energy (Flux)21£747Yes
Good Energy (Exclusive)20£740Yes
So Energy (So Bright)20£740Yes
OVO Energy (Exclusive)20£740Yes
E.ON (Next Export)16.5£715.50Yes
Good Energy (Solar)15£705Yes
ScottishPower (SmartGen)12£684No
British Gas (Flex)6.4£644.80No
Rebel Energy (SEG)6£642No
These numbers are based on a 4kW solar panel system for the average 2-3 bedroom house, which consumes 2,700 kWh of electricity.

For a comprehensive list of tariff rates, check out our Best SEG Tariff in the UK page. 

It's also worth keeping in mind that the SEG applies to MCS-certified installations. Therefore, it does not apply to DIY solar panels in the UK, unless they have been properly assessed or installed by an MCS-certified technician.

How to Apply for Smart Export Guarantee

To be an SEG Generator, you will need to shop around for an SEG Licensee (an electricity supplier authorised to offer an SEG tariff) and apply directly to them. All SEG Licensees are obliged to offer an SEG tariff to all eligible generators. However, each one will have its specific application process that you will need to follow up on.

Before you can start applying for SEG tariffs, you need to first lock in an energy-efficient and tailormade panel that’s suited to your home’s needs. This will ensure you are saving at the start itself since you don’t want to apply grants to panels that are sub-par or not a fit for your home.

If a solar funding scheme or grant has piqued your interest, you’ll need a professional to see if it applies to you.

ECO4 Scheme

ECO4 Scheme

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) replaced ECO3 on 1st April 2022 and will run until March 2026. The government has allocated 4 billion pounds– it spreads 1 billion across 4 years– to improve the energy ratings of UK homes and reduce carbon emissions. ECO4 is distinct from ECO3 in that more people will have the chance to qualify because of LA Flex or flexible eligibility.

The scheme came into effect on 27 July 2022, but ECO4 can be applied to eligible measures installed from 1 April 2022 to March 2026.

Through the ECO4 Scheme, the government allocated £4 billion towards the installation of solar panels and heat pumps across the UK (excluding Northern Ireland). The government is also letting councils decide what the eligibility criteria will be depending on the needs and specific circumstances of people in the area.

Benefits of ECO4 Scheme

ECO4 allows low-income households the opportunity to replace their inefficient heating system with a more efficient and environmentally friendly system, such as solar PV panels. The ECO4 scheme can potentially help procure entirely free solar panels, depending on the qualifying factors of your home.

The ECO4 is estimated to upgrade approximately 450,000 homes, mostly to EPC band C. Qualified households will reduce the average household energy bills by around £290. But for the least efficient homes, this could save as much as £1,600 annually.

Eligibility

The ECO4 scheme is open to low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households receiving benefits so that they can reduce upfront solar panel costs. Eligibility for this scheme does not depend on how old your property is, but is primarily determined by the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of your existing energy systems.

To be eligible for solar PV panels, your home needs to meet these specific requirements:

  • Have an income of less than £31,000.
  • Currently have an inefficient heating system within the D-G energy efficiency band.
  • Own your home and live in it, or live in private rented accommodation (requires permission from the landlord).
  • Receiving government benefits (e.g. child benefits or income support).
  • All-electric homes (on and off-gas) where biomass boilers or District Heat Network have been ruled out.

If you are currently not receiving benefits but are considered low-income, you may still qualify for ECO4 under the ECO4 LA Flex.

LA Flex gives councils the flexibility to determine eligibility criteria in their region — criteria are no longer limited to availing benefits or even based on income and will be tailored to the circumstances of people in the area (e.g., age, number of occupants, number of children, condition of the house, etc.). This means that more people in the UK will be able to get solar panel grants.

How to Apply for ECO4 Scheme

If you’re interested in the ECO4 scheme and want to apply for it, all you need to do is contact a participating energy supply. Companies that provide ECO4 measures include:

  • British Gas
  • Bulb
  • EDF Energy
  • Eon
  • Octopus Energy (including Co-Op Energy)
  • Outfox the Market
  • Ovo Energy (including Boost and SSE)
  • Scottish Power
  • Shell Energy
  • So Energy
  • Utility Warehouse
  • Utilita

They will then conduct a telephone assessment by asking you questions about your home and your heating needs. Then, you can arrange a date for an installer to visit your home to confirm whether it’s suitable for ECO4 and which energy-efficient measures are most suitable.

Before moving on to the rest of the available grants in the UK, it’s important to mention that the key to maximising savings through solar panel funding is choosing the right panels. You don’t want to apply grants to sub-par panels or panels that aren’t the right fit for your home.

What’s notable about ECO4 is that eligibility isn’t just limited to household income or people on benefits, but can expand to accommodate the age and health of residents, number of people in the house, condition of the home, etc.

If you’re unsure whether your home qualifies or what price you’ll get, it’s best to contact multiple installers. While finding good ones can be difficult on your own, our service can easily provide you with prices and all you have to do is fill out a 30-second form.

Maximise savings through grants by comparing up to 4 tailor-made solar systems available near you. Click the button below to get started.

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Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2)

Home Upgrade Grant UK

The second phase of the Home Upgrade Grant is currently underway, providing low-carbon, energy-efficient heating and renewable energy. While the exact measures need to be approved by a local council, they suggest improvements that include installing solar panels.

If you pass the eligibility criteria, the local council will then arrange a home survey to examine how your home could be made more energy efficient.

Benefits of the Home Upgrade Grant

The amount of finance you receive is regionally dependent, so there are no fixed rates. However, it operates in 45 select local authorities, where residents can potentially receive up to £10,000, which makes it a very lucrative grant. The amount of financing is determined by the specific council in your area, so check with them to see what you can receive.

Eligibility

Slated to run till March 2025, the Home Upgrade Grant is for homes that are:

  • Low income (total household annual income of £39,000 or less before housing cost and bills deduction)*
  • Off the gas grid
  • Currently have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G
  • You live in select councils (you can check your region on the official government website here)
  • If the residents are on several different benefits

*Note: if your income exceeds the £39k threshold, you can have an interview with your local authority, and they will decide if you qualify regardless based on other factors.

Solar panel grants in Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

Certain grants are regionally specific, operating outside of England while still being available in other parts of the UK. Let’s briefly cover two of these.

Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan (expired)

Launched in June 2023, the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan offers £6,000 total, with £1,250 as a grant and another optional £4,750 as a loan. As of June 2024, this scheme is no longer providing new referrals for solar panels and solar energy storage systems. If you've applied before this time, your application will still be processed.

Funding for the grant applies to those who meet all of the following criteria:

  • Those living in a home not heated by mains gas (including oil, coal, LPG, or electric heating).
  • Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G - Homes that do not have an EPC rating will also be provided with a free assessment.
  • Meet the low-income threshold (below £36,000) or live in the most economically deprived areas (IMD 1-3).

This grant, when combined with the optional loan, can cover the potential costs of a 3kW system. This would be ideal for a 2-bedroom house or a small 3-bedroom one. It is one of the most lucrative solar panel grants in Scotland.

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

As of February 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) have confirmed that the 4th phase of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) is being launched. The plan aims to cut emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037. The scheme is headed by Salix Finance, with funding geared towards public sector bodies and not domestic solar panel installations.

Both the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and a sister scheme, the Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund, are part of an initiative meant to supply technologies like renewables and solar panels to different forms of institutions, which can be useful for obtaining commercial solar panels.

In the case of the public sector fund, it can supply panels to bodies in England, but also to other areas of reserved public services across the UK. This means that the amount of funding is dependent on local municipalities and may be subject to regional availability. Check with your local authority to confirm whether your area provides this one.

Warm Homes Nest Scheme

The Warm Homes Nest scheme by the Welsh government provides free advice and funding to help improve residential energy efficiency. Homeowners and private renters who are eligible may even qualify for free home upgrades, including solar panel installation. The programme aims to reduce energy costs and improve comfort for households with low energy performance ratings.

You may be eligible for free solar panels if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • You own or privately rent your home
  • Your property has poor energy efficiency and high heating bills
  • You receive a means-tested benefit or have a chronic circulatory, respiratory, or mental health condition

How much do solar panels cost in the UK with a government grant?

Depending on the grant, you can get partially or fully funded solar panels. The ECO4 scheme can potentially get you free solar panels (or allow for partial payment) while other schemes like Home Energy Scotland can offer grants of up to £10,000, which can cover the cost of a 4kW system. The yearly return on investment will be about £400 to £600, making it a worthwhile purchase.

Potential Savings with Smart Export Guarantee
House sizeSolar panel system sizeAverage annual savings with SEG
Small; 1-2 bedrooms3kW£520
Medium; 2-3 bedrooms4kW£735
Medium; 2-3 bedrooms5kW£830
Large; 4-5 bedrooms6kW£1,360

Yes, it’s possible to get a grant that covers the full cost of solar panels, but this depends on your energy needs and home eligibility. For a typical 3-bedroom home in the UK, a 3kW to 4kW solar panel system, costing between £4,500 and £6,000, would usually be sufficient. The break-even point can range from 9 to 12 years, especially if you export excess energy back to the grid. To maximise efficiency, it's important to install your system in the best direction for solar panels and keep them well-maintained for optimal performance over their 25-year lifespan.

Grants are typically means-tested and vary based on your region, income, and benefits eligibility. If you're considering solar energy, GreenMatch can help you receive up to four free, non-binding solar panel quotes in the UK, connecting you with trusted installers to save you hours of time and effort.

All you need to do to get started is click the button below and answer some questions about your heating demands. We’ll take it from there for you.

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