Solar is a smart move for cutting bills and taking control of your energy. And in 2026 there’s real help out there to bring the cost down… if you know where to look.
Here’s the plain-English version of what’s available, who it’s for, and how to check if you qualify.
ECO4
The ECO4 scheme helps lower-income households make their homes more energy efficient, and that can include solar panels. Two things to know:
- Your household income generally needs to be under £31,000 (some councils widen this through “LA Flex” for vulnerable households).
- Solar is usually only funded where the home is heated by electricity or a heat pump… not a standard gas boiler.
ECO4 closes on 31 December 2026. If you think you might qualify, it’s worth acting this year rather than next.
The Warm Homes Local Grant
Part of the government’s wider Warm Homes Plan, this is run through local councils. It can put up to £15,000 towards measures like solar panels, insulation and battery storage for owner-occupiers… and up to £30,000 for private rented homes. Eligibility varies by area, so the council is the place to check.
0% VAT (this one’s for everyone)
Not means-tested, no application needed. Solar panels and battery storage carry 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. It comes straight off the installation price for every household. A simple, guaranteed saving.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Not a grant, but worth knowing. The SEG pays you for surplus energy your panels send back to the grid. It won’t cover the install, but it’s money coming back in month after month, and it improves the long-term payback.
How to check what you can claim
Grants change, eligibility rules differ by council, and the fine print catches people out. The quickest way to know what you actually qualify for is to ask someone who fits these systems every week.
We’ll talk you through the options honestly… including where a grant fits and where it doesn’t. If you’re considering solar panel installation, get in touch and we’ll help you work out the smartest route.
Grant details correct as of July 2026. Scheme availability and eligibility can change… we’ll confirm the current position for your home.