Am I Eligible for Free or Subsidised Solar Panels in the UK?

Financing and InvestmentInstallationPolicies

Find out what support you may qualify for.

Photo credits: iStock.

You may qualify for free or subsidised solar panels in the UK if you are in a means-tested lower-income household in an energy inefficient home (EPC band D-G).

Regardless of income, everyone can access 0% VAT and low-interest loans.

There are three main routes for households when considering government financing options for your energy upgrade options: a VAT relief available to all, subsidy schemes for lower-income households, and an export payment scheme that pays you back over time.

Here's how each route actually works.

Route 1: 0% VAT (available to everyone)

What it covers: From 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027, all residential solar and battery installations in the UK qualify for 0% VAT, down from the previous 5%. On this basis, households can save several hundred pounds off the total cost of a system.
Who it is for: Every UK household that installs solar and battery before the relief ends.
How to apply: There is no income check or eligibility form. The 0% VAT is applied automatically by your installer at the point of sale.

Route 2: Grants and subsidised upgrades (income and property-tested)

Currently, there are two schemes aimed at reducing bills for households that need it most.

ECO4 Scheme

What it covers: Energy-efficiency upgrades, potentially including solar, for eligible homes. The scheme totals £4 billion and runs from 2022-2026.
Who it is for: Means-tested households living in homes with an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of D to G, or E to G for social housing and privately rented accommodation.
How to apply: Check on your EPC rating first. You can find this information on the UK government's EPC register using your postcode.

Warm Homes Plan

What it covers: Full-funded home upgrades including solar panels for eligible low-income households, plus £600 million specifically set aside for solar and battery installations. The scheme totals £15 billion and was launched in January 2026.
Who it is for: Low-income households for the fully-funded route. Low interest loans are available to households regardless of income, meaning that this scheme is still available to those who may not qualify for a full grant.
How to apply: Check on your EPC rating first. You can find this information on the UK government's EPC register using your postcode.

Route 3: The Smart Export Guarantee lets you get paid for the electricity you do not use

What it is: Rather than a grant, these are savings or earnings you can get from exporting surplus electricity back to the grid. The export rate depends on your provider and tariff type (fixed or variable).
How to apply: Your system needs to be MCS-certified in order to claim the guarantee.
Who it is for: Anyone with an MCS-certified system in England, Scotland, or Wales.

MCS certification: a key requirement across the board

To claim ECO4, Warm Homes Plan support, or Smart Export Guarantee payments, your system generally needs to be installed by an MCS-certified installer and be MCS certified on completion. The MCS certification is the UK's official quality mark for small-scale renewable energy.

Before committing to a quote, it's worth confirming with your intended contractor on whether they are MCS-certified, regardless of the scheme you are planning to apply for.

Check your subsidy options in three easy steps

Look up your home's EPC rating to determine ECO4 eligibility.
Check your household income against the current Warm Homes Plan and ECO4 thresholds.
Confirm if the installer you are considering is MCS-certified

Remember: 0% VAT and low-interest financing are still available even if you do not qualify for a grant.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get 100% free solar panels?

This depends. If you are a low-income household in an eligible EPC band under the Warm Homes Plan, you may qualify. Most homeowners will not qualify for a fully-funded system, but nearly everyone benefits from 0% VAT.

Do I need a certain EPC rating to get any support?

Only for ECO4 specifically (bands D-G or E-G for rented/social housing). The Warm Homes Plan route and 0% VAT do not require a particular EPC band at the time of writing.

What if I do not qualify for any grants?

You will still benefit from 0% VAT. Ongoing Smart Export Guarantee payments for exported electricity also enable you to reduce your overall costs.

Does a grant or loan affect how much I save from solar and battery?

No, the financial performance of the system is separate from how you fund the upfront cost. A subsidy or loan affects what you pay for the system, but not what it can earn you over time.

EnergyBrain's free assessment agent, Emily, gives you a personalised estimate of your costs, savings and payback. Enter your postcode to get started.

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