Solar Panel Grants UK 2026: Every Scheme Explained
If you’re a UK homeowner thinking about solar panels in 2026, the good news is that government support has never been more generous. The £15 billion Warm Homes Plan launched in January 2026, energy prices remain high, and solar panel costs have fallen dramatically. For many households, the combination of grants, tax relief and export payments makes solar one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.
This guide covers every scheme available right now — who qualifies, how much you can get, and how to apply.
What Solar Panel Grants Are Available in the UK in 2026?
There is no single “solar grant” that applies to everyone. Instead, there are several overlapping schemes depending on your income, location and circumstances. Here’s a summary:
| Scheme | Who it’s for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Homes Local Grant | Low-income households in England | Up to £15,000 free |
| ECO4 | Benefits recipients, EPC D-G | Free solar as part of whole-house retrofit |
| 0% VAT | All UK homeowners | Saves £1,000–£2,400 on installation |
| Smart Export Guarantee | All solar owners | 4p–15p per kWh exported |
| Home Energy Scotland | Scottish homeowners | Up to £7,500 grant + loan |
| Solar Together | Any homeowner | 20–30% group discount |
The Warm Homes Plan
The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government’s biggest ever home energy programme, backed by £15 billion in funding. Launched in January 2026, it aims to upgrade 5 million homes by 2030.
For solar panels specifically, the plan works through the Warm Homes Local Grant — a scheme delivered by local councils in England. Eligible households can receive up to £15,000 towards energy upgrades including solar panels, battery storage, and insulation.
Who qualifies for the Warm Homes Local Grant?
- You own your home or have your landlord’s permission
- Your household income is below your council’s threshold (typically £31,000–£36,000)
- Your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G
- You live in England in an eligible postcode
One important detail: you cannot request solar panels specifically. A surveyor will assess your home and recommend the most appropriate measures. In many cases insulation will be prioritised first, which actually makes sense — solar saves more money in a well-insulated home.
To apply, contact your local council’s energy efficiency team directly.
ECO4: Still Open Until December 2026
The Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4) has been extended until 31 December 2026. It requires large energy suppliers to fund home energy improvements for low-income and vulnerable households.
Solar panels can be included under ECO4, but only as part of a whole-house retrofit — not as a standalone measure. Your home must be moving towards a heat pump or low-carbon heating system for solar to qualify.
Who qualifies for ECO4?
- You receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Tax Credits)
- Your home has an EPC rating of D or below
- You own your home or have a landlord willing to participate
ECO4 is first-come, first-served and closes on 31 December 2026. If you think you might qualify, don’t wait — apply now through your energy supplier or an ECO4-registered installer.
0% VAT on Solar Panels
This is the one benefit that applies to every UK homeowner regardless of income, and many people miss it.
Since April 2022, all residential solar panel installations in Great Britain are charged at 0% VAT instead of the standard 20%. This isn’t a grant you apply for — your installer applies it automatically.
How much does it save?
On a typical 4kW solar system costing £7,000 before VAT, 0% VAT saves you £1,400 compared to the old rate. On a larger combined solar and battery system costing £13,000, the saving is over £2,000.
The 0% VAT rate runs until 31 March 2027. After that it reverts to 5%. If you’re planning to install solar panels, doing it before April 2027 saves you money.
One thing to watch: make sure your installer’s quote explicitly states 0% VAT. Any installer charging 20% VAT on a residential solar installation is making an error.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee is not a grant but it is ongoing income that every solar household is entitled to — and thousands of homeowners miss it simply by not registering.
Under the SEG, every UK electricity supplier with more than 150,000 customers must offer you a tariff to buy your surplus solar electricity. The best rates in 2026 are paying 12–15p per kWh.
How much can you earn?
A typical 4kW system without battery storage exports around 2,000–2,500 kWh per year. At 15p/kWh that’s £300–£375 per year in SEG income. Over the 25-year lifespan of your panels, that adds up to over £7,500 in export payments.
To access the SEG you need an MCS-certified installer and a smart meter. Your installer will handle the MCS certificate — just make sure you register with an energy supplier for an export tariff after installation.
Home Energy Scotland
Scottish homeowners have access to significantly more generous support than those in England through the Home Energy Scotland (HES) programme.
Grants of up to £7,500 are available for solar panel installations, alongside interest-free loans of up to £17,500. Unlike ECO4, the HES grant is not restricted to low-income households — it is available based on property criteria rather than income alone.
To apply, call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or visit homeenergyscotland.org. The scheme is subject to funding availability so it’s worth contacting them sooner rather than later.
Solar Together: Group Buying Discounts
Solar Together is a group buying scheme run by local councils that allows communities to purchase solar panels at a lower price through collective bargaining. Typical savings are 20–30% below standard market rates.
The scheme works by running a reverse auction — pre-vetted solar installers bid to supply a group of homeowners, driving down costs. You’re under no obligation to proceed after receiving a quote.
Check solartogether.co.uk to see if your local council is running a scheme in your area.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026?
Even without grants, solar panel prices have fallen significantly. Here’s a rough guide to typical installed costs in 2026 after 0% VAT:
| System size | Typical cost | Annual savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | £4,500–£5,500 | £600–£800 | 7–9 years |
| 4kW | £5,500–£7,000 | £800–£1,000 | 7–9 years |
| 5kW | £6,500–£8,500 | £900–£1,200 | 7–9 years |
| 4kW + battery | £9,000–£12,000 | £1,200–£1,600 | 7–10 years |
Savings are based on average UK electricity prices of around 24p/kWh in Q2 2026.
Should You Combine Solar Panels with a Heat Pump?
One of the smartest moves a UK homeowner can make in 2026 is combining solar panels with a heat pump. Here’s why:
Heat pumps run on electricity, which is currently expensive. Solar panels generate free electricity. Put the two together and your heat pump runs largely on electricity you generate yourself, dramatically cutting your heating bills.
With the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant reducing your heat pump cost, and 0% VAT on both solar and heat pump installation, the combined system can pay for itself faster than either technology alone.
How to Get Free Solar Panel Quotes
The quickest way to find out what solar panels would cost for your specific home — and which grants you qualify for — is to get quotes from MCS-certified installers. Most offer free surveys with no obligation.
We recommend comparing at least three quotes. Use the tool below to get matched with vetted local installers:
[GET FREE SOLAR QUOTES → ] (insert GreenMatch affiliate link here once approved)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free solar panels in the UK in 2026? Yes, but only if you qualify for ECO4 or the Warm Homes Local Grant. Free solar is targeted at low-income households with poor EPC ratings. If you don’t qualify, 0% VAT and SEG payments still make solar an excellent investment.
Do solar panels add value to my home? Yes. Studies suggest solar panels add around 4–14% to property values. With buyer demand for energy-efficient homes growing, a solar installation is increasingly seen as a premium feature.
How long do solar panels last? Most modern solar panels come with 25-year performance warranties and can last 30+ years. Inverters typically need replacing after 10–15 years at a cost of around £800–£1,500.
Can renters get solar panel grants? Yes, through ECO4 and the Warm Homes Local Grant — but you need your landlord’s written permission. With new minimum EPC standards requiring rental properties to reach EPC C by 2030, many landlords are now open to solar installations.
What is the best solar panel installer in the UK? We recommend comparing multiple installers rather than going with just one. Look for MCS certification, strong Trustpilot reviews, and a minimum 10-year workmanship warranty. See our full guide to the best solar panel installers in the UK.